Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame is special for numerous reasons. I could spend hours telling you about how beautiful the campus is, how this school transformed me into the woman I was meant to be in less than four years, and how welcoming the sense of community you’ll find between Belles on and off campus is. But, I think one of my favorite Saint Mary’s traditions is the famous class ring.

It’s beautiful and timeless. Belles who graduated 30 years ago still don the same ring I do. Or did…

Unfortunately, my beautiful ring was sized slightly too big, so I just sent it off to be resized. My right hand is about to be noticeably lighter for the next month, and I’m really sad about it.

“It’s just a ring,” some may say. Those people don’t understand how special this ring truly is.

Becoming a junior at Saint Mary’s is such an exciting time, not only because you’re finally an upperclassman, but because you’re eligible to order your class ring. I remember running to the Student Center to try on rings the first time Balfour was on campus last year. It was finally happening! Years of admiring other girls’ rings were about to be over because I was finally able to have my own.

My class ring was my Christmas present last year, and I literally cried when I opened it and put it on my finger. I knew I was getting it, but there was still something so special about finally having my own because this ring is more than a ring.

It’s representative of our school. The top displays the Saint Mary’s College seal: the French cross and two fleur de lis to represent the French origins of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, and two anchors crisscrossing to form the Greek letter Chi, representing Christ. The ring also says “Spes Unica” standing for “our only hope.”

Additionally, it unites all ages of Belles all over the world. The ring design itself has remained the same for many years and it is very recognizable and admirable. The best feeling in the world is recognizing a SMC ring out in the real world and gushing over how great Saint Mary’s is.

You can take the Belle away from Le Mans, but you can’t take Le Mans away from the Belle.

My ring lets others know where I belong, and it reminds me of what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown as a person. It’s a beautiful symbol that I know I’ll wear for the rest of my life. Hopefully the next month goes by quickly, because I’m already anxiously awaiting the return of arguably my most prized possession.