Podcast Summary: College Bound – "Welcome Home: Tips for the ND Class of 2027"

Episode Details:

• Title: Welcome Home: Tips for the ND Class of 2027
• Host: Cece Guarnuccio
• Guest: Ryan Corey, Junior and Intern at Notre Dame
• Release Date: March 16, 2023
• Duration: Approximately 14 minutes

1. Introduction

In this special episode of College Bound, host Cece Guarnuccio welcomes the listeners back with a fresh perspective. Unlike previous episodes featuring Notre Dame alumni, this installment introduces Ryan Corey, a current junior at the University of Notre Dame. Ryan shares his experiences and insights just as regular admissions decisions for the Class of 2027 are released.

Key Points:

• Cece reintroduces herself and sets the stage for the episode’s focus on welcoming new admits.
• Ryan Corey is introduced as a junior majoring in finance with a minor in real estate, originally from Phoenix, Arizona.
• Ryan is actively involved in various campus activities, including serving as Vice President of Dylan Hall, working with Fighting Irish Media, and performing as a Leprechaun mascot.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan Corey [00:56]: “Excited to unpack here. Very, very exciting stuff.”

2. Rapid Fire Round

To energize both Ryan and the listeners, Cece initiates a rapid-fire segment with four quick questions about Ryan’s favorite aspects of Notre Dame.

a. Favorite Notre Dame Tradition

• Ryan: “Snowball fight at midnight after the first major snowfall. That's always been a fun one. Love rubbing up South Quad out there.” [02:40]

b. Favorite Club or Organization

• Ryan: “Fighting Irish Media. We do a lot of really fun stuff. You know, get to work on the broadcast. Right. With ESPN, NBC. Like heck. That is an awesome experience.” [02:54]

c. Favorite On-Campus Restaurant

• Ryan: “Modern Market. Love the pizza from there. Good za.” [03:06]

d. Favorite Dorm Event

• Ryan: “Keenan Review. Absolutely Electric experience. Love that.” [03:22]

3. Insights and Advice for New Admits

Ryan shares valuable tips and personal experiences to help new admits navigate their forthcoming journey at Notre Dame.

a. Lessons Learned at Notre Dame

• Dining Hall Strategy: Ryan discusses his inventive approach to dining hall meals, emphasizing the importance of being bold and creative.

  Ryan [04:01]: “You gotta be bold in the dining hall. You can make some mad creations out there.”

b. Advice to High School Seniors Choosing Colleges

• Personal Fit: Ryan underscores the importance of selecting a school that feels right personally, rather than solely relying on external opinions.

  Ryan [04:55]: “Pick the school that's right for you. ... It really comes down to... you gotta go with your gut and where feels right.”

• Notre Dame’s Strengths: He highlights Notre Dame's comprehensive excellence across academics, athletics, religion, traditions, and community.

c. Tips for Incoming Freshmen

• Dorm Preparation: Practical advice on dorm essentials, such as shower caddies, shower shoes, and box fans to handle communal showers and varying temperatures.

  Ryan [06:29]: “You got to get a box fan. Like, that's very important.”

• Mindset: Encourages maintaining a positive attitude and an open mindset to adapt to college life.

d. Advice to His Freshman Self

• Balancing Academics and Involvement: Ryan stresses the importance of balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities.

  Ryan [08:03]: “You gotta really learn how to balance it all. But I would say one of the biggest things... you gotta get involved, man.”

• Proactive Engagement: Sharing his method of listing and pursuing various clubs and activities helped him stay engaged and find his community.

  Ryan [08:03]: “I made a list of... six different clubs... by the end of my spring semester, varsity involved in every single of those activities.”

4. Why Notre Dame?

Ryan delves into the core reasons that make Notre Dame a special institution for him, blending personal history with the university’s multifaceted strengths.

a. Family Legacy and Personal Connection

• Both of Ryan’s parents attended Notre Dame, and his sister recently graduated, forging a deep familial bond with the university.

b. Comprehensive Excellence: The "Five Prongs"

1. Academics: Top 20 institution offering excellent job opportunities and academic experiences.

2. Faith: As a Roman Catholic, Ryan appreciates the ability to pursue his faith on campus.

3. Traditions: Unique and cherished traditions that foster a strong sense of community.

   Ryan [10:01]: “Things like if you ever see a bike unlocked, you don't steal that bike. You go put the bike in your nearest tree.”

4. Athletics: Strong athletic programs that enhance school spirit and community engagement.

5. Community: The Notre Dame family, where the people on campus enrich the overall experience.

c. Personal Growth and Community Learning

• Ryan emphasizes that Notre Dame is not just about academic learning but also about personal development through interactions and community involvement.

  Ryan [10:01]: “You don't go to Notre Dame to learn something. You go to Notre Dame to be somebody.”

d. Cece’s Perspective: Shared Sentiments

• Cece echoes Ryan’s sentiments, sharing her initial misconceptions about Notre Dame being solely a football school. Her participation in pre-college programs revealed the university’s broader academic and communal strengths.

  Cece [12:19]: “Notre Dame really is a place where they do seek to develop the entire person to really go out there and be a force for good.”

5. Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Ryan offers a heartfelt welcome to the new class and invites them to engage with current students for a deeper understanding of campus life.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan [13:40]: “Seriously consider Notre Dame and... best thing I can say is like, reach out to us students if you guys have any questions... It's home.”
• Cece [14:06]: “Congrats to the class of 2027 and welcome home. Go Irish.”

Conclusion

This episode of College Bound serves as an encouraging and informative guide for the newly admitted Class of 2027. Through Ryan Corey’s personal anecdotes and practical advice, prospective students gain valuable insights into embracing the Notre Dame experience. From navigating dorm life and maximizing involvement to understanding the profound community spirit that defines Notre Dame, the episode underscores why the university is a cherished home for its students.

Listeners are left with a motivating message to engage actively, stay true to themselves, and consider Notre Dame as a place to grow academically, personally, and communally.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.