Kevin Kimberly, Co-Salutatorian of the Class of 2007, will periodically update this page throughout his freshman year at the University of Notre Dame. This unique perspective into the common bond between the Institutions will not only prove to be informational, but entertaining as well. Thanks, Kevin, for keeping Holy Cross important in your life and GOOD LUCK in South Bend!
May 3, 2008
I must apologize for not writing sooner. I am sure it has been the same with all of y'all, but things have been extremely hectic and it has been non-stop basically this month. But then again, what would college be without last minute studying and getting papers done (i.e. procrastination)? Anyways, a lot has been up in both worlds, up here and down there from what I can tell. It looks like it has been an exciting time.
First off, let me send my congratulations to the seniors of the Class of 2008. I am sure it is a bittersweet time, but you are done. Your time at Holy Cross has come to a close and hopefully you made everything you could of it. I'm sure each of you left your own mark on Holy Cross; your class will be forever remembered for carrying Holy Cross through its first year on a new campus. To all the underclassmen - your time is coming. Before you know it, you will be in the same position. You have a lot to look forward to for the upcoming years; it is an exciting time in Holy Cross' history and you can make it that much more exciting.
Since I last wrote, Holy Cross was racking in more championships and awards. From wrestling to baseball to track/field - well done on your district championships. I also see the golf team is doing very well, which is awesome. Good luck to the baseball team, keep the run going in the playoffs. And to everyone else, look back on the accomplishments of your team(s) this year and see what hard work does. What you put into it is what you get out of it.
The same goes for every Holy Cross student. Academically, if you put in the work you know you should (and need to), you will get so much more than a grade out of it. It is nice to get the A you work for, but it is more than possible to get the A and gain so much more from a class. Not only will you get a lot out of the class at the time, but it will certainly pay off when it comes to the end.
It has been a crazy end of the semester. Tests, papers, tests, papers, tests, papers... I'm starting to get used to the routine and the workload. It still is overwhelming at times though. Classes are over, as of April 30, and it's nice to have a little time in between finals to relax. Really, though, it's been study-study-study for finals and write-write-write for term papers. I'm pretty sure I just turned in the longest paper I've ever had to write - a 20 page research paper. The topic - Online Dating. Interesting enough? Anyways, it's been crazy but awesome. I'm still staying pretty involved. I've gotten very involved with a few things: Campus Ministry, Choir, College Republicans, Hall Government, Residential Scholars, and Student Senate. It makes the experience of college more engaging and exciting. I encourage it to every graduating senior; just because you are leaving high school does not mean that being involved has to end. There is so much more waiting for you and so many opportunities to grab a hold of.
What's going through the school year without a scare... Yes, I'm talking about Mr. Rodi (aka Gramps). I just want to send out my prayers and thoughts to Mr. Rodi and all of those who need our prayers in times like Ms. Oxmann and the many in the Holy Cross Family who may not be well. Mr. Rodi and Ms. Oxmann - You just can't keep them down; they keep fighting, always giving their best, truly amazing people. It is times like these and certainly people like these who remind us that we need to live each day for what it's worth. No tomorrow, make it today - Carpe Diem, as they say. My prayers and best wishes for recovery go to these two stellar faculty members and all of those who need prayers at this time.
So, the other day, after completing my final paper of the semester, I took a long walk around campus and started thinking about how Holy Cross resembles Notre Dame in many fashions. It sounds logical, right? When I first walked onto Notre Dame's campus in August 2007, I felt like I was at a much bigger Holy Cross; the fact that it still felt like Holy Cross to me in such a bigger environment was really neat. Anyways, I was thinking about how similar the two schools are. Sure, many of the logistics are the same:
Ø Same school colors - Navy Blue and Gold
Ø Both founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross
Ø Both Catholic-based
Ø Both founded in the 1800s
Ø Both offer an education of the mind, heart, body, and soul
Ø Similar rings (I can't tell you how many times people have questioned me on being a Notre Dame senior
already.)
But there is so much more that connects Notre Dame with Holy Cross besides history and facts. The students, the faculty, the environment, and the campus are all very similar to me, even though Notre Dame accommodates thousands more. Ø The faculty and staff - Both at Notre Dame and Holy Cross, the faculty and staff are some of the most helpful people you will ever meet. Full of professors and teachers that give so much more to the students than an education and their time, each group do a great job at furthering every student that they meet.
Ø The students - As we all know, Holy Cross' student body is a tight knit group full of boys that we all like to call our brothers. To my surprise, the student body is the same here. It is quite common to walk around campus and see many people you know or just met. Even on a big scale, the student bodies are quite similar and always involved.
Ø The campus - If you ask someone in New Orleans what high school has (had) the most beautiful campus, it is highly likely they would say Holy Cross. You couldn't top 4950 Dauphine, and Paris is looking to accomplish that same feel. It's the same with Notre Dame. Like Holy Cross's gazebo, fields, buildings, and special places, Notre Dame has the same with the Dome, Basilica, quads, dorms, buildings, and special places.
Ø The environment - Each environment is so welcoming and incredible. Though it may be a little warmer
in New Orleans, the feel on both campuses is excellent. This is of course attributed to the first three points.
I'm sure there is so much more I'm missing, but it is great to stay on the Holy Cross education turf. 8 years and counting... Everything is already in gear for next year. I guess it's a never ending process. It seems the same for Holy Cross. The campus looks well on its way and it will be interesting to see the progress. I, as you I'm sure, will be so happy when it's done. It should not be long until I return. I am very excited to come back to the Big Easy. It seems like it has been forever since I've been down there. Once again, I hope to see all of you sometime during the summer. I will be back and forth between South Bend and New Orleans since I got a research job at Notre Dame, but I would be happy to catch up with everyone. I hope you have an excellent end to the year and an even better summer. Good luck to everyone and thanks for reading all year long! I appreciate the opportunity to keep you guys posted on my experiences at Notre Dame. GO TIGERS...GO IRISH!
Kevin Kimberly, ‘07
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March 1, 2008
Midterms and midterm papers are finally over and done with, and it is a relief. As I learned in the first semester, though, enjoy midterms because finals are even more ridiculous and tough. Freshman year of college is almost done; it still feels weird saying that. Just the other day I was a senior at good ‘ol Holy Cross reading the announcements to begin my day. Now, I drag myself to class after waking up from a late night. O, the many many joys and stresses of college. Anyways, school is much tougher this semester; many claim it's because there's no football season but who knows. (Speaking of football, I'm very pumped for next season already...) In comparison, I'm taking more writing intensive classes that require much more reading than the first semester; I have an 8:30 a.m. class unlike last semester; I have T.A. (college graduate teaching assistants) grading a lot of my papers and they grade tougher than professors themselves; and I have more credit hours as well. The only bad thing about freshman year (I would assume at any college) is that you have to take those stupid requirement classes to get "a full education." For example, I am taking Genetics, which is probably one of my hardest classes, but it is highly likely that I will ever use this information. The list goes on and on. Next year, when I get more into classes for my majors (Psychology and Political Science double), things will be much more interesting.
It's about that time of the year, one of the best times of year - March Madness. I don't know if you've been keeping up, but the Irish have been doing pretty well this season. Riding on a 36-home game winning streak, the Irish only have a few more games left and one at home. They are 4th in the Big East and were doing fantastic until the last game against Louisville. It will be awesome to see them in the Tournament and hopefully they end the season with three more wins and a decent seed. And besides, who doesn't love to see the Irish do better than LSU?
I almost forgot to mention - I am very excited to see the beginnings of the new school. I'm sure this is a very exciting time and everything looks like it's on a great start. I'm glad to see things are getting underway and I can't wait to see the finished product.
Until next time...
GO TIGERS...GO IRISH!
Kevin Kimberly, ‘07
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February 9, 2008
The second semester is off and running and it certainly feels like it. I am about three weeks into school and already, papers and exams are filling my daily schedule and study times. Fortunately, for me, this semester consists of classes I am more interested in and enjoy more; on the other hand, unfortunately, this semester also consists of loads more work, reading, and writing than last semester. I currently am taking seven classes for a total of sixteen credit hours. My classes include: Finite Mathematics, U.S. History II: 1877-present, Human Genetics/Evolution/Society, Foundations of Theology: Biblical/Historical, Physical Education Requirement Class, Competition Strategies, and my University Seminar. Honestly, the only class I don't enjoy as much as the rest is Human Genetics/Evolution/Society; this could be because of my lack of interest in science or the fact that this is my only huge class. The rest of my classes are pretty small and I enjoy them. My seminar and history classes are the two classes with the most work yet the two classes I like the most. This semester is shaping up to be a tough and fun semester at the same time.
That's enough about school... On a great note, Notre Dame has entered the good semester of its athletic program. The basketball season has been full of success. The games are an absolute blast to attend, especially considering #21 Notre Dame plays in the highly competitive Big East conference and in an arena where they hold a 34 game winning streak. This comes as of today's big win over #16 Marquette. I must say it is nice to see wins occur on campus! The other athletic teams are also doing well and the atmosphere with athletics is really awesome. To top it all of, Notre Dame brought in one of the top recruiting classes in the nation AND Charlie Weis has given up play calling next year; these are some good times.
As usual, I've been staying updated with HC's big news. If I understand correctly, the success has continued in the new district with the addition of two new district titles and more playoff appearances. On that note, I send my congratulations to the Tiger Soccer and Wrestling teams on their titles and remarkable years. Also, as the basketball team continues their season, I wish the team nothing but victory. The successes the athletic teams have gained only prove that what you put into it is what you get out of it, not to mention that it is surely known that "...what though the odds be great or small, Old Notre Dame Holy Cross will win over all." (okay, well both)
That's about all from me right now. If nothing has changed, I would assume there was a week break for Mardi Gras. This is the first time since 1994 when I entered school that I haven't had this week off; I won't forget to mention that I also had two exams and a paper due on the day of Mardi Gras. I have now become the typical Northerner in saying that it is not fair that Louisiana gets days off for Mardi Gras. Regardless, we still celebrated. I threw a Mardi Gras party that weekend, complete with king cake and beads sent from home and jambalaya I made along with all of the other random things that make up Mardi Gras. Regardless, I'm sure it was a good time in the Big Easy.
I hope the semester is going well. I think about Holy Cross a lot. If you ever have a spare moment, I'd appreciate hearing from you. My e-mail is kkimberl@nd.edu, in case the previous entries aren't still posted.
GO TIGERS...GO IRISH!
Kevin Kimberly, ‘07
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January 19, 2008
First off, Happy 2008! Hopefully all of you had an excellent holiday season and have a great year ahead.
I thought I would update before the semester really got into gear. Along with flight delays, airline staff stupidity, and more delays, I arrived in South Bend Monday night at 11:45 p.m. Classes greeted me at 9:30 a.m. the next morning on Tuesday. I guess I could say good thing this was the first day of classes; otherwise, there might have been a legitimate reason to not attend. Anyways, everything has started up again and it's good to be back in the Bend.
On another note, it was awesome to come back to New Orleans for the break. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had a good time coming back to campus to spend time with everyone and see the campus. Everything seems like it is going great around there. The building site looks great, especially since the last time I saw it was when 3/4 of the church was still in a big pile. Not to mention, the weather was excellent most of the time especially compared to the current details in South Bend (15 degrees, 10 m.p.h. winds).
It's definitely great to be back, but I still miss everyone. Holy Cross is always in my thoughts and prayers. I wish everyone a great semester and 2008.
GO TIGERS...GO IRISH!
Kevin Kimberly, ‘07
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December 8, 2007
I thought my senior year of high school flew by, and I find myself at a time where I am almost done my first semester of college. A little while ago, that is something I surely thought I wouldn't be saying for a long time. But it's here and you can definitely tell. There is no time for Facebook, no time to relax and chill, weekends are cut short, and the work never seems to end. You take one step forward and two steps backward. Welcome to college, I guess...
My last two days of classes are Monday and Tuesday and then Finals start on Thursday and go through the following Wednesday. It's a weird exam schedule; I feel like I'm back taking the ACT by having two finals on a Saturday. So, as of now, I have only eleven days left and I'm sure they will seem like forever. Midterms were a killer and now I'm facing finals.
Since I last updated, it has been snowing non-stop. That's what I get for going to college surrounded by lakes. I think it's awesome but the temperature that comes with it is not so much. It's so fun to play in and is pretty much the main reason for taking more study breaks than we should. It's a little hard to walk in, especially in flip-flops. I heard it's pretty warm back home (not fair), though the snow makes everything look that much more awesome. I haven't seen much grass the past month either since it's always covered with snow. It's all pretty neat.
I hope everything is going well for everyone during the holiday season. Have an excellent break, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. I hope to see a bunch of you when I come in for break.
GO TIGERS...GO IRISH!
Kevin Kimberly, ‘07
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November 24, 2007
Just wanted to send a quick update along... I know I just wrote last week, but it was a snowy Thanksgiving! I never thought in a million years that I'd be living through a snowy Christmas, much less a snowy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Here's to the end of the semester! GO TIGERS...GO IRISH!
Kevin Kimberly, ‘07
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November 17, 2007
It's the month of November and that can only mean one thing, well two: Thanksgiving and colder weather. The former has yet to arrive while the latter has been prevalent the past two weeks and isn't looking to become extinct. The average the past two weeks has been below 50 degrees and the average in the next two weeks is supposed to be in the low 30s including snow on and around Thanksgiving Day. I think I've learned the difference between sleet, frozen rain, "fake snow" and snow; all of them have supposedly fallen from the sky besides snow so we shall see around Thanksgiving. And the newest update on lowest temperature now stands at 31 degrees.
Besides that, things are looking up right now: a nice break is approaching, beginning on Wednesday after classes -- only a few more weeks ‘til I home with December 19 being the last day of finals -- Thanksgiving -- and I guess I'll admit I'm semi-excited for the snow. In between that, finals will occur and that's never a good thing but it is the sign on the end of the beginning; I honestly can't believe that I'm almost done my first semester of college.
I finally got around to taking pictures of the campus during Fall Break. I'll pass them along and for those with a Facebook (I'm assuming students only...), they are all posted on there. Campus is absolutely beautiful. If you ever have the chance to come up, do not pass it up. You won't regret it -- football game or not. This also reminds me -- if any seniors are looking to come up here to visit or apply to ND, get in touch with me. I'd be happy to help.
Can we say a home win?!?! Well, Notre Dame can now. The time finally came for the Irish and yes, it was against Duke but nonetheless, it was a win! Because of the season's unfortunate status, I am a little happy for the season to end since that means no more embarrassment; at the same time, the season was a blast. We still have one more game left at Stanford and with a win, we would close the season 3-9; I'm sure that guarantees us some bowl (something like Notre Dame Offense vs. Notre Dame Defense). I'm sure good ‘ol Charlie will figure something out. Really, though, all I want him to figure out is how to reverse that record next year; that is what I'm expecting. On other sport notes, basketball season has started and Notre Dame looks pretty solid; the basketball games are also fun but it's hard to beat a Holy Cross Student Section game.
Speaking of football and Holy Cross, can we say impressive? I am so excited for how well the team is doing. Congratulations to all of the Tigers, especially the seniors. Keep it up in the playoffs... Also, major congrats to the Tiger Cross Country and Swimming teams on district titles and awesome state finishes. That is not an easy task but I'm sure it was well-deserved. You all represent Holy Cross very well.
Glad to hear Family Day, Open House, and everything else that's been going on went well. It's always good to hear Holy Cross news and if you have any, send it along (kkimberl@nd.edu). Have a great end of the semester! I'll be seeing most of you by the time you know it.
God bless and I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving!
GO TIGERS...GO IRISH!
Kevin Kimberly, ‘07
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October 20, 2007
Well, it's been a while since I've written and that can only mean one of two things: (1) too much studying for midterms or (2) too much partying to avoid studying for midterms. Maybe a little bit of both... This is my off week or Fall Break, as they call it, and it feels so nice to finally relax and breathe. Midterms were last week and talk about an eye-opener. These five simple, 60 minute tests were probably some of the hardest examinations I have ever taken. They probably match up to Mr. Heller's Calculus tests and Coach Charb's many Civics tests. Taking those tests brought back memories of me having to complain about taking a so called tough test in high school; I'd die to take those tests again. On top of that, I've never studied so much in my life. Staying up ‘til 4 in the morning studying all last week is catching up with me, which is why this break is so fitting.
We finally won a game! Not a home game, but it was a game! And we are now entering the easier part of our schedule. I must say, though, that the games are a blast (win or loss). They are so much fun and are really enjoyable, minus the losing part. I predict we will not lose this weekend, due in part that we don't have a game, but it's nice to know we won't be ridiculed by Mark May on ESPN all Saturday. After this break week, we play Navy, Air Force, and Duke at home. To end the season, we play Stanford in California. I know I'll get criticized to the max for this, and I've already heard so much bashing and trash talk about Notre Dame that it doesn't bother me anymore, but I just wanted to remind everyone that LSU lost a game, well really three games but those stars seem to line up for them! Haha...
It's starting to get cold here... Today is the coldest day since I've been here, hitting 43 degrees. People have said the weather has really been holding out from being cold. I'm still in shorts though. It's still going to have to take a lot to get me to wear pants normally. The cold here is different too, and it doesn't seem as bad to me. Maybe I'm speaking too soon, like before it hits below 0 with precipitation (i.e. snow)... We shall see.
I still keep updated with HC news... Kudos to the football team, what a stellar season so far. Awesome job to the Robotics team on winning yet again. Good luck to the basketball team as they start their season and the band as they go to festival. Also to anyone else I missed, good luck/congratulations/all of the above. Hope Family Day and Open House are the most successful ever. Wish I could be there!
GO TIGERS...GO IRISH!
Kevin Kimberly, ‘07
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September 15, 2007
One thing before I update: Besides the mention at this time, I will not be bringing up in any way, shape, or form about the Notre Dame Football team until either (A) we actually win a game or (B) we actually score an offensive touchdown, in which our offensive line actually plays the game of football. On that note, I have been keeping up with the happenings at Holy Cross. Kudos go out to the cross country, swimming, and football teams all on great starts to the season. Keep up the great work; make Holy Cross proud. That also goes out to anyone or any other group out there that I missed...
Anyway, it's only Day 23 on campus and it feels like I've been away for five times that. Everything is finally beginning to really set in and everything is starting to become more familiar. Our room is finally settled, nice and cozy with our furniture, more so our futon, which is an enemy in the morning when I need to wake up for class. Speaking of class, talk about kicking into gear. College classes are a huge step up from high school classes, understandably, but for the most part, I am enjoying them. This semester is full of quite a few interesting classes. I have First-Year Composition, which basically means paper after paper; I miss having to do monthly papers for Mr. Greco, those papers I used to complain about having no time to do (joking, of course). I also have Beginning Logic, which is different but fun. I am taking Common Human Diseases, which is not one of my favorites with the different types of pictures and slides we have to examine; and for all those seniors that think doing outlines in good ‘ol (and I mean old) Coach Charb's class doesn't help, then take a class where that's all you do -- it's help and is helping me. Among those, I am also taking Physical Education because it is a requirement; it is different though because we pick activities we want to do each semester. This semester I am actually doing sports officiating this semester along with ballroom dancing and tennis so it is pretty neat in that aspect. I also have Introduction to Philosophy, which has got to be the most confusing class I have ever encountered. And finally, for my favorite class, Introductory Psychology is really fun; it helps that psychology is my major. What's most different, though, is the schedule not running on a 8-3 (well, 8:00-2:20) time frame.
As usual, always thinking of Holy Cross, but then again it would be kind of hard not to when (Congregation of) Holy Cross is plastered all up here. Being here has really allowed me to explore the Holy Cross Congregation and all of the different aspects of it, not to mention the many similarities between Holy Cross in New Orleans and Notre Dame in South Bend. Maybe I'll update a little about it next time. Now, it's off to do two papers and study for three tests -- all for this week; that's one sure difference from high school to college. Professors love to stick everything in the same week. Hope the school year is going great and continues that way... I promise, maybe after this crazy week of papers and tests, to send along pictures.
GO TIGERS...GO IRISH!
Kevin Kimberly, ‘07
--------------------------------------------------------- September 1, 2007
One week down, many more to go...
Hello to everyone in New Orleans and to the Holy Cross Family. It's been about a week and a few days and things are finally settling in. I arrived in South Bend, Indiana last Friday (August 24) very late thanks to Delta's "great" flight arrangements, more so screw-up's. It's been fun, overwhelming, and crazy all at the same time. Frosh-O, the code word for Freshman Orientation, was quite an experience. Frosh-O, like many things at Holy Cross as well, was based on so much tradition. This orientation took place Friday through Monday and was not just about policies, academics, and discipline. Each dorm, mine being O'Neill Hall, did their own embarrassing yet hilarious things. From serenading the girl's dorms to singing David Hasselhoff to the school, the first week was quite amusing yet really fun. My roommate, Kurt, is from Chicago and you can easily tell with his accent. He says southerners are worse in the accent area but you haven't heard his yet. Anyways, we are getting settled in our dorm room, which is much bigger than I ever would've thought. To make it a little clearer, we are able to fit a fridge, sink, futon, two beds, two desks, and another chair. It is fairly big for a college room and I'm making it home away from both homes in New Orleans - my house and Holy Cross. The campus is absolutely beautiful; it is basically Holy Cross at Dauphine (pre-Katrina, of course) times ten. The weather is also excellent right now. It isn't too hot nor too cold (yet!) and in case you were wondering, I am still wearing shorts! I'm sure that will change soon, but until then, I'll enjoy it. I haven't had much time to take pictures, but eventually, I'll send y'all some pictures.
Classes are quite different but unlike what I thought. When you think of a college class, you think of 100+ students sitting in a class being lectured at. Of my six classes, only one is like that. The other five have less than thirty students and feels close just like a Holy Cross class. Finally, I know if I ignore this topic, I'll get yelled at, so let me address the Notre Dame football game. Regardless of the outcome, although it was disappointing, the game was exciting and a great experience. Did the Irish play up to standards? I'd say that's an obvious answer. Let it be said, as you all should know, "what though the odds be great or small, Old Notre Dame will win over all." Sounds familiar? It will be a tough season, but I hope that all the games will not be similar to this past one. Let me also send my congrats to the football team on their first win over Slidell and all of the fall athletic teams on their success.
Graduating from Holy Cross made me miss high school, something you don't hear much these days; being away from Holy Cross makes me miss being a Tiger that much more. Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers; good luck to everyone and here's to a great year for the Tigers and the Irish in everything they do. GO TIGERS...GO IRISH! Kevin Kimberly, ‘07 | |
