This weekend, Notre Dame faces the Boise State Broncos for the first time in history. There’s a special weight to those “firsts” — because they aren’t just another Saturday on the schedule, they’re a chance
to write a new chapter in the story of Notre Dame football. For Boise State, it’s an opportunity to measure themselves against a program recognized around the world. For Notre Dame, it’s not only a first-ever matchup, but also a “Green Out” — a day when fans fill the stands in a sea of emerald, a living reminder of the pride and tradition that unites us all.
Since there’s no past matchup to look back on, I went searching for a different kind of throwback. Not to an old game, but to something more personal — a letter from my dad.
When I was a freshman at Notre Dame, my dad wrote to me almost every week. Each note was carefully dated, numbered, and full of his characteristic engineer’s attention to detail. They are among my most treasured possessions today. Whenever I open one, I can feel the love and encouragement that carried me through some of the toughest moments of college life.
This week, I pulled out the letter he wrote on October 4, 1989 — exactly 36 years before this Saturday’s game. In it, he reassured me after I had earned a “C” on my first calculus exam. He reminded me that it wasn’t a sign of failure, but proof that I belonged:
“I was really happy to hear you got a ‘C’ on your first Calculus test. That means you are in the middle of the pack, which is a good place to be for a difficult course. It also means you can do engineering math at the college level, and probably just as important, it means you can do it at the Notre Dame level. You should be very encouraged by this. Keep up the good work!!”
His letter went on to share study tips from what he called the “Olney” tapes. Some were practical — study in bright light, find your best time of day, take breaks to revive your mind. Some were quirky — wear a pleasant perfume when studying (at the very least, you may attract some new boyfriends), eat a little something sweet before a test. And some were timeless:
“Lastly, a smile can work wonders on your learning attitude. Try smiling in the mirror each morning. It’s difficult to be depressed when you are smiling.”
What strikes me now is how universal his words are. Yes, they were meant to guide me through exams and essays, but they apply just as much to life — to work, to family, to volunteer organizations, and yes, even to sports.
That’s the heartbeat of Notre Dame football. Every week, opponents want nothing more than to prove themselves against the Irish. And every week, Notre Dame leans not just on talent, but on preparation, discipline, resilience, and belief.
This Saturday, as the Irish take the field in a brand-new matchup, I’ll be thinking of my dad’s words. To stay positive. To put in the work. To smile, even in the face of challenge. Because whether it’s calculus, career, or college football, those lessons carry you farther than you realize.
Here’s to the power of firsts. Here’s to the Fighting Irish. ☘️
Cheers & GO IRISH!
