Tae Kang
Class of 2008
- Hometown: San Gabriel, California
- Hall: Keenan
- Major: Theology
What was your first impression of ND when you arrived on campus?
College application time was a very stressful and nerve-wracking time for me. After continuously getting deferred or rejected, I felt all my hard work was going to amount to nothing. Then I got the letter from Notre Dame and was never more ecstatic. It was the one school I got into. When first visiting the campus, I truly felt blessed and amazed. All the stress and misery was gone. The serenity and mystique of the University could easily be felt everywhere. It was the most beautiful campus and there couldn’t have been a better place for me.
What are your favorite things about student life at ND?
I love how we have extremely well-rounded people to experience various events with. One minute we can be cheering the latest touchdown and the next we can be praying at the Grotto. When we should be getting sleep, we could be talking about philosophy and current events and then talk about who we want to take to the dance. ND. It is such a unique opportunity to work with the different sports teams, and it has been a once in a lifetime experience.
What prompted you to choose Theology as a major?
I said, “If I get into Notre Dame, I will study Theology.” And here I am.
Extra-curricular involvement:
I serve on the Sophomore Class Council Spiritual Committee where we plan Class Masses, prayers, and other spiritual events. Going along those same lines, I serve as the Keenan Hall Spiritual Commissioner. This year, I am on the Keenan Revue Staff as the Program Designer.
What do you think makes ND unique from other universities?
As Father Jenkins stated in his inaugural address, “The struggle to be a great Catholic university in a world that has become both increasingly secular and more radically religious has placed Notre Dame in a unique position at the heart of the most complex issues facing our society. We have not just an opportunity, but a duty to think and speak and act in ways that will guide, inspire, and heal not just for the followers of the Catholic faith, but for all our neighbors in the nation and the world.” Not many schools have this type of mission. Not many schools have Golden Domes, Basilicas, Grottos, legendary football programs.
What are some of the things you enjoy about living in the residence hall?
I love how every day is a "Seinfeld" episode-- hanging out with the same guys and laughing at the same great jokes.
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer an incoming ND student?
You are going to meet your best friends here undoubtedly. You are going to have every opportunity to grow, think, serve, and most importantly have fun. There is so much to do here and never enough time.
Additional comments:
I cannot fully express how truly great this school is. If you want to grow into a full person, then there is no other place but here. The experiences you will have at Notre Dame cannot be achieved elsewhere with the same quality of people; the same quality of enthusiasm in a variety of fields cannot be had anywhere else. I’m glad that this was the one school that I got into because this is the one school that is perfect for me. Everyday I look up at the Golden Dome and say, “God, I am so lucky to be here.”