Student Profiles
Brennan Bollman
Biochemistry
Class of 2009
St. Joseph, MI
"Though I’m a first-generation Domer, I was genetically programmed to attend this school. Just kidding. Actually, though I’ve grown up dreaming of Notre Dame, I did visit other great schools, colleges where I’m sure I’d be happy if I made a different choice. But Notre Dame has it all for me: strong academics (including a very attractive science program), phenomenal yet personable professors, engaged classmates, incredible events and opportunities, an overall attitude of compassion and service…and that mysterious 'Notre Dame spirit' you hear about. Trust me, it’s real.
"At the same time, when I choose to attend a mid-sized school instead of a small liberal arts college, I was a bit concerned I wouldn’t get the benefit of a close-knit group of motivated students and mentoring faculty. However, the Honors Program provides advantages far beyond what I could have hoped for at a smaller school. From a social standpoint (most important, of course), I found many of my good friends in the Honors Program; we have diverse experiences but similar ambitions and ideas of fun!
"From an academic perspective, my favorite thing about the Honors Program is the education it provides outside the classroom. I sat in the lounge as a timid freshman and listened to upperclassmen argue philosophical questions with Professor Delaney—simply listening in awe as they bantered way over my head. But at the same time, I was honing my own discussion skills with classmates and professors in my two honors seminars. As I became more confident in the validity of my views, I entered the lounge discussions.
"I learn something every time I sit in one of the lounge's comfy chairs. Most valuable is information about the sweeping programs and opportunities at Notre Dame; I learn a lot about what the University as a whole, and the Honors Program especially, offer through casual conversation. Find me in the Spring of ’09, and ask me if I found enough hours in the day to take advantage of everything!"
