Whitney Young
Class of 2009
- Hometown: Richmond, England (currently); Houston, Texas (originally)
- Hall: Pasquerilla West
- Major: Political Science and Peace Studies with a minor in Latin American Studies
What was your first impression of ND when you arrived on campus?
I was in absolute awe of the beautiful campus. The silly signs hailing the superiority of each dorm as we drove onto campus during Frosho were glimpses into the inspiration that comes from dorm pride. I was blown away by the friendliness. It also wasn't so bad to have a bunch of Siegfried boys waiting outside the dorm to help the girls unload their luggage.
What are your favorite things about student life at ND?
The Center for Social Concerns. It is so unique to our university. It opens up opportunities for local and international service. It also provides a medium for social awareness and open dialogue.
What prompted you to choose Political Science and Peace Studies as dual majors?
The Kroc Institute for Peace Studies is acclaimed throughout the world. The program has a glittering reputation with some of the best professors in the field. The staff was very friendly and open. We also have one of the most well-known Latin American Studies departments in the country.
Extra-curricular involvement:
I sing in the Folk Choir and am a WVFI DJ (the local college radio station). I am involved in a number of Center for Social Concerns activities and clubs. I am also a bouncer and a DJ at Legends Night Club on campus.
What do you think makes ND unique from other universities?
Aside from the Center for Social Concerns, Notre Dame distinguishes itself socially. The number of students that live on campus creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Its dorm rilvary--through interhall sports and events--is one-of-a-kind. It surpasses the spirit of Greek life at any other university. The abundance of diverse activities offered by the University each weekend will leave no one bored; students never REALLY have to leave campus. All of these reasons and more help foster the feeling of a "Notre Dame Family" that has been praised by students for years.
What are some of the things you enjoy about living in the residence hall?
Your residence hall is your support group. It offers everything from your best friends to your study buddies. When you arrive freshman year, you realize that the girls in your section will be some of your best friends for the next four years. However, what many people don't realize is the lifelong bonds formed through dorm life. In Folk Choir, we sing at many weddings. It amazes me how much of a bride or groom's wedding party is made up of the people they met in their section during their freshman year.
Dorm life also gives students a sense of pride. The activities offered are countless. The fun never stops. Inter-dorm competitions add so much flavor the the university. The rivalries also add a special dynamic to our pep rallies and football games.