Belma Torres
Class of 2009
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Hometown: Cypress, California
Hall: Lyons
Major(s): Arts and Letters Pre-Professional and Psychology
What was your first impression of ND when you arrived on campus?
At first, as I walked to and from classes, I kept seeing people that would recognize each other along the way, and it made me think that this school, despite it's size, is really like a community. Somehow you will always have somebody to say "hi" to when you walk around campus.
What are your favorite things about student life at ND?
The most amazing thing about Notre Dame is that it is by far the highest concentration of "nice/good people" that I've ever seen. It's such a comfort that it allows you to just calm down and really feel at home after a short time. Also, despite it's not-so-fun location, just staying on campus can prove to be a lot of fun, the University does a great job of setting up activities and events every weekend.
What prompted you to choose ALPP and Psychology as your majors?
I've always wanted to go into medicine, but have found that my interests also branch out into the mind. Thanks to ALPP, I'm able to make progress in both without hurting my chances at medical school.
Extra-curricular involvement:
I am involved in ISI (Iron Sharpens Iron), Inter-hall football, and Chapel choir.
What do you think makes ND unique from other universities?
It offers the opportunity to further yourself intellectually, spiritually, and socially. There is something for everybody on this beautiful campus, and if you aren't really interested in a certain aspect, you can always just exclude it from your daily life. Also, becuase our campus is so closed off from city life, it makes the community of Notre Dame all the closer.
What are some of the things you enjoy about living in the residence hall?
There is always activity and you can always have somebody to talk to if you feel like just chatting. Also, it's a chance at living on your own without actually having to be separated from everybody and be independent financially.
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer an incoming ND student?
Don't worry, you made the right decision. Everything takes time to get used to but this campus will soon feel just as comfortable as home to you. Come prepared to make life-long friends and to work hard, but not just one or the other because it's both of them together that makes this school so amazing.
Additional comments:
I've never been so happy with a decision in my life, there are some obvious setbacks, but living here for four years is going to be a part of my life that I will never want to forget.