The minutes tick by yet I am still stuck in time. Golden brick, lit candles at the Grotto, quiet evenings by the lake, the blue painted walls of the Basilica and 25 passionate voices coming together to echo through my mind. I’ve been mentally stuck in this place ever since I physically left, and my heart yearns for just a taste of it for a little while longer.

The University of Notre Dame gave me a home away from home this summer. For some reason, they picked me along with 88 other beautiful souls from nearly a thousand applicants to live on their campus and join the Notre Dame family for 10 days. For 10 days, I gained knowledge about not only arts, culture and social change but also about myself.

Maybe it was just the thrill of being somewhere where no one knew who I was. No one knew anything about my life, or my culture or my story. And the same went for me with everyone else there. It was eye-opening to listen to and learn about about the lives, dreams and inspirations of 88 other people. We all were quite similar, being soon-to-be high school seniors, but we were all strikingly different in beautiful ways that will never leave me.

I was able to meet and learn from authors, playwrights, painters and theologians. I was able to visit the lake and the beach with friends and a homeless shelter to volunteer after classes. I was able to watch a play in Chicago with its original cast. I was able to sing in the choir for Mass. I was able to spend five engaging hours in art museum with other people who cared about art just as much as I did. And most importantly, I was able to experience the best few days of my life.

Day after day, we were introduced to fascinating topics of discussion, new vibrant experiences and amazing people that impacted us. The people I found there, it felt like I was meant to meet them someday. They all played a vital role in shaping my way of thought. Here, I found a dome full of individuals who I felt like I could trust with my life. I didn't need to change anything about myself to fit in and be welcomed. All I needed was an open heart, a golden dome and a handful of open-minded, intricate souls who will stay with me forever.

Love thee, Notre Dame. I'll miss you always.