Karyme Grosso ’23 is a senior design major with a minor in studio art. Originally from Mission, Texas, Grosso is a first-generation college student whose older brother also attended Notre Dame. She learned about the University through that connection and was impressed with the breadth of academics available as well as Notre Dame’s Catholic character.
“Once I did hear about [Notre Dame] and I learned more about the Catholic values and the different things that I could study here, I definitely think that it was the right fit for me,” says Grosso.
As a first-generation student, she faced some challenges during the application process. It was her job to communicate different requirements to her Spanish-speaking parents, explaining the process to them as she went through it.
Once here, Grosso discovered the many resources available to first-generation students on campus. She says some of the most beneficial have been the most personal to her, like the clubs and organizations for Latino students.
“For me, the resources that I have found the most helpful on campus have been a lot of the clubs and the communities that surround the Latino students. There’s a variety of ways that you can get involved,” she says.
Grosso is currently a member of Ballet Folklórico Azul Y Oro, a group that celebrates and performs traditional Latin American folk dance. She is also part of the Latino student ministry on campus and has served as a minister at the Latino First-Year Retreat. Both have been great opportunities to build community.
Grosso is also a resident advisor (RA) in her residence hall, Breen-Phillips Hall, where she acts as a resource for a section of residents.
Grosso has always known that she wanted to study something related to art in college and she found her academic home in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Notre Dame. Not having had opportunities to build an art portfolio before coming to Notre Dame, she appreciates that she was able to choose an art-related major without one.
Since becoming a design major and studio art minor, Grosso has had opportunities to explore all of the topics that interest her, from painting to package design.
“The skill and confidence that comes from my work and classes has provided me with a wide range of opportunities to further grow academically and personally,” says Grosso. “As I create art and share it with those around me, I am provided with a great support system that provides both feedback and connections with people who may be in the hunt for creative services that I can offer.”
After graduation this coming May, Grosso hopes to join a creative agency and conduct branding design for an array of clientele.
Check out the video above to learn more about Grosso's Notre Dame experience.
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