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 2016 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. 

"This book contains treasures that will help future generations of Notre Dame students."

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

"A Letter to My Freshman Self is a wonderful compilation of advice, vulnerability, and humor. It highlights the unique nature of a Notre Dame experience, and the common values and lessons that stay with those who have experienced it. While it provides sage advice for incoming and current freshmen, the honesty in these letters lets even alumni take note and remember that we too are still learning."

- Alex Coccia ('14), Rhodes Scholar & former Student Body President

"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

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."

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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.