A Letter to My Freshman Self: Domers Reflect on Their Undergraduate Experiences is an anthology of personal letters from the University of Notre Dame's alumni ranging from graduating classes of 1957 to current students addressed to their freshman selves. Speaking from diverse perspectives, the authors pass on their unique stories, compelling journeys, and powerful reflections to help freshman make the most out of their college experience. All proceeds support a scholarship for incoming freshmen at Notre Dame. 

"During your time at Notre Dame, ask big questions—whether or not they are on your class syllabi. Yes, you are busy, but you are unlikely to have the time and environment ever again in your life to grapple with questions about God, what makes a good life, and what your particular calling is. The answers you find to these questions—or your refusal to engage them—will shape the rest of your life."

--Rev. Father John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President, University of Notre Dame

"People will think you are not Brown enough but also not White enough. Regardless, you will find a group of people who love you because of your identities, not in spite of them. They will help you embrace who you are and stand by you as you learn more about your history through Latino studies. Better yet, in the time you spend in McKenna, you will finally find professors who look like you and reflect a different experience."

--Ashleigh Renteria, Notre Dame Class of 2011

Our Team

The production of the book was made possible by a team of dedicated and passionate Notre Dame students and recent alumni. Read about them below and feel free to get in touch!

Haley Kempf, Director

Haley will begin her Junior year getting lost in the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, Denmark, and consuming exorbitant amounts of Danish cheese.

Haley joined this project last year as the new Director. This interdisciplinary project caught her attention because it provided the opportunity for reflection during her time in college, as well as, the chance to learn about the legacy of fellow Domers. At Notre Dame, she is passionate about her Neuroscience and Poverty Studies courses, and she enjoys her involvement in the Nordic Cross Country Ski team, Regenerative Medicine lab, and Compassionate Care in Medicine Club. She is also a proud member of Pasquerilla West Hall where she serves as Food and Service Commissioner. 

elizabeth boyle, director of editorial board

Elizabeth is a member of Notre Dame 's Class of 2020 and is double majoring in Political Science and Peace Studies with a minor in International Development Studies. She is from Manhasset, New York and on campus is the Director of Gender Relations in Student Government, serves as the Co-President of the Model UN Club, the founder of StaND 4 IX and is a member of the Folk Choir.  Outside of school she works for the national political advocacy organization, Know Your IX and has interned for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and USAID.  She is passionate about pursuing a career in diplomacy, law, or civil rights.

Matthew Bulgarelli

Matthew is a Finance major at the University of Notre Dame.  He is the oldest of three sons and was raised in Wauconda, Illinois.  After graduation, Matthew aspires to go into high finance in Chicago.  On campus, he is involved in many professional, service, and academic groups.  He is honored to have the opportunity to give back to the University through this publication. 

The story behind the book from Lily Kang (ND '16):

"Freshman year, in many ways, sets the tone for the rest of our undergraduate careers. As a graduating senior this past spring, I was looking for an opportunity to share the lessons that I had learned from the bittersweet journey of college. I knew some freshmen, especially those who were just as motivated yet lost as I was, would find my words relatable, comforting, and helpful. From my own experience, I found the style of writing letters to my younger self both an effective way to reflect and a sensitive approach to share my honest advice with others. The book's goal is to share journeys and wisdom of a diverse group of Domers and pass along their deeply personal and authentic reflections to the current students. In its essence, the book is an anthology of Domer's personal stories that help freshmen make the most of their four years and feel more connected to Our Lady's University through the wisdom of their predecessors. The book was published in June 2016 and has become part of the team's ongoing collaboration with the First Year of Studies. Furthermore, we will start running a regularly updated blog featuring new letters to both keep freshmen students engaged in their personal growth and share Domers' stories with an extended audience."

Click here to read full interview

Our Office

Corby Publishing

18025 Bariger Place
South Bend, IN, 46637
United States

Contact Us

Please contact us if you are interested in:

• Learning more about the book
• Sharing your feedback
• Getting involved with the book's ongoing endeavor to enhance the college freshman year experience
• Getting a similar project off the ground at your institution
• Featuring us on your media
• Asking any other general question

We look forward to hearing from you and will get back to you within two business days. 

You are also welcome to email Haley Kempf, the book's current Project Director,  at hkempf1@nd.edu.