Don Jayamaha
Class of 2008
- Hometown: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Hall: Carroll
- Major: Finance and Economics
What was your first impression of ND when you arrived on campus?
When I first arrived on campus with my father, I remember feeling quite nervous about not knowing anyone and thinking to myself whether I will fit in. But no sooner than I started walking around campus, I felt ND had an extremely warm and inviting atmosphere. From the helpful people at the International Students office to the cheerful dorm rectors and even the upperclassmen who offered to carry my suitcases for me, I was at once made to feel at home and that I’m amongst friends. With all the thoughts that run through one’s mind from the excitement about college to the fear of the unknown, Notre Dame gave me a first impression that made me immediately feel welcome.
What are your favorite things about student life at ND?
I would have to say that my favorite aspect of student life at ND is that regarding the dorm community. Living at Carroll Hall (which is the smallest dorm on campus), the close-knit community and knowing every single person in my dorm on a personal level have definitely made a lasting impression on me. In addition to this, the very high level of loyalty and school spirit ever-present among ND students is definitely my favorite aspects of student life.
What prompted you to choose your major?
Well, I knew that I would want to choose a business-oriented major, and it was quite clear to me that I was drawn to Finance even as a freshman. Yet it was only during my Sophomore year that I realized how truly flexible the selection of majors was at Notre Dame, and after much discussion with some of my professors, I decided to double major in Finance and in Economics.
Extra-curricular involvement:
Since Freshmen year I’ve been very involved with the SIBC (Student International Business Council) and have gained many real-world business experiences and also had the chance to present to major companies in the corporate world. In addition to this, I now am also involved in the PILLARS alcohol and drug education program and I’m a member of the Toastmasters club on campus. I’m also a member of the Asian American Association of ND and a liturgical commissioner at Carroll Hall.
What do you think makes ND unique from other universities?
The clear distinction between ND and other universities is the Catholic atmosphere that’s present on campus and the fact that each student seems to have a sense of purpose and social responsibility. It’s very hard to be a student at Notre Dame and not feel driven to partake in a social service; this, in my view, is the most important differentiating factor between Notre Dame and other universities.
What are some of the things you enjoy about living in the residence hall?
First and foremost I would have to say that I enjoy the sense of community and camaraderie among everyone in my dorm. I know every single person in my dorm and it’s nice to go about your day-to-day activities around campus and come across someone from your dorm sporting your dorm shirt. Be it going to the dining hall and seeing all the people from Carroll Hall sit and eat together or go for Sunday night Mass at our dorm chapel, the close-knit community that’s built up by the dorm system at ND is definitely what I enjoy most about ND residential life.
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer an incoming ND student?
As an incoming student, my advice to you would be to be open to new experiences and take advantage of everything ND has to offer. It’s only normal to situate yourself with what you are already familiar with or good at, but that’s not what college is about. It’s more about operating beyond your comfort zones and developing new perspectives on life and one’s own self. Notre Dame has so many different opportunities for you to explore, and that’s exactly my advice to you: explore everything ND has to offer…the more you learn about what ND has to offer, the more you’ll learn about your own self.