I am a Saint Mary's Belle, and I, too, get tired of titling Saint Mary's College as the "school across the street from the University of Notre Dame", but, we Smicks have to admit we love that very same fact as well.

Many of us came to South Bend for the family tradition. Either our mother, grandmother, aunt or sister was a Belle or our dad, uncle, grandfather or brother attended Notre Dame. Some of us came for what the school had to offer. Others, like myself, happened upon it randomly and fell in love. We can't deny that the two are connected, but we also can't deny that they are separate institutions.

One of the greatest benefits we have, being Saint Mary's students, is our connection to the Notre Dame sports. Football season is a big deal in South Bend. We love our Fighting Irish even though the games cause intense anxiety, and we question if we have a defense. Being able to hold student season tickets as Saint Mary's students is awesome — we get to enjoy the game next to our fellow Belles or a Notre Dame student. Sports equate us.

Don't get me wrong. I love my fellow Belles, but sometimes being around girls 24/7 is a bit overwhelming. Having Notre Dame across the street and a male population is a necessary change of scenery. It's a breath of fresh air. Having guy friends across the street is another added benefit of being connected with Notre Dame.

There are a lot of great things that being connected to Notre Dame can offer from clubs, sports, friends and other social endeavors. It is frustrating sometimes to feel as though Saint Mary's is in the shadow of Notre Dame, but when you look closely, both institutions have a lot to offer one another. Go Irish and go Belles!