Conal Fagan
What is your favorite campus tradition?
This is a hard one but I would say either the Drummer's Circle (in front of the Dome) at midnight before home football games or the sway of the ND community during the Alma Mater.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
I have two favorite spots on campus. The first is the Grotto at night, where the brightness of the candles pierce through the darkness and the silence is so peaceful. Secondly, being on the football field leaves me with goosebumps every single time.
What is your best Notre Dame memory?
My favorite memory has to be the ND v Michigan game in September 2018, which was the first game I cheered on the field. The atmosphere was absolutely electric, and the place was literally bouncing.
What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal?
I'm a big fan of the grilled cheese and tomato soup in North Dining Hall (NDH is objectively better)
What is your favorite thing about dorm life?
Although my dorm may not have air conditioning, that doesn't stop us from having an amazing time. One of my favorite traditions of St. Edward's Hall is 'floating' when all the guys run through the reflection pool (in the most ridiculous outfits) prior to home football games. Added to that, having our formal on a yacht in Chicago is pretty cool I suppose.
What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I am heavily involved at Notre Dame in various ways, most notably as one of the Leprechauns, and as a cheerleader. Besides this, I also am a Tour Guide because I love showing people around my home! I have also represented ND at Model UN, as well as partaking in Celebration Choir, German Club, and Human Rights ND.
What made you choose Notre Dame?
One of the biggest deciding factors for me was the people. It may be cliche but it is so true. I couldn't get over how welcoming people were when I first stepped foot on the campus. The tradition at ND is like no other, and in the words of Lou Holtz, "For those who know Notre Dame, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't, no explanation will suffice."
What is your favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame?
I love the fact that no matter what country you are from, everyone is part of the family. The cultural differences which I had allowed me to educate others about my upbringing, while it also allowed me to step out of my protective bubble and really embrace everything this campus has to offer.
How did you adjust to life on campus?
Adjusting to life on campus was made super easy by the fact that I located all the other Irish students on my first day of International Orientation. The International Student Affairs Office also really helped with the transition as they were super helpful with any queries which I had. The best way to adjust is to dive head in!
How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND?
Since it is the home of the Fighting Irish, it really isn't hard to find something Irish-related. Whether that is attending Irish dance performances, or contributing to Irish lectures run by the Keough-Naughton Irish Institute, I am definitely able to celebrate my heritage. We're currently in the process of establishing a Gaelic Football (Traditional Irish Sport) Club, so there's plenty to keep us occupied.
What advice do you have for international students?
Don't worry about fitting in at ND because I know for certain that you will very quickly embrace the Notre Dame family, and flourish at one of the top global institutions. Notre Dame will provide you with so many incredible opportunities, and I can guarantee that you will not regret your decision to join us!