Transcript
Bryan:
What up? What up? I'm Bryan.
Verite:
I'm Verite. Welcome to the first episode, episode of our new podcast called RwaNDa, with capital N-D.
Bryan:
Yeah. So me and Verite decided to make this podcast just as a way to get international students and minorities who are thinking about applying to Notre Dame or some who might currently be here just an opportunity to hear from people with the same background as them. We know, we know that there's online resources that you can read about, but we thought it might be a little bit more comforting being able to hear the direct voices of, you know, people who are like them. And that's why we decided to make this podcast.
Verite:
Um, I first met Bryan, like, it was in the writing class, I think. Uh, when we first met, I don't know how it came to be, but this conversation have start, have started since September, and we are recording it in December. So we already have this conversation and we thought maybe to put it in a podcast format. Mm-hmm.
Bryan:
Yeah. So me and Verite actually, we had met in Writing and Rhetoric class, but I, I didn't really talk to him until actually I had him in my chem lab. And we just decided to go eat dinner one day at North Dining Hall, and ever since then, you know, it is what it is. The past is the past. So nor- uh, Verite, why did you come to Notre Dame?
Verite:
Uh, to be honest, I didn't know Notre Dame before I applied. I was trying to find schools that can grant me scholarships, and Notre Dame was the only school that gave me a good scholarship and then came, came here. Did you know Notre Dame before coming here?
Bryan:
No, I actually didn't either. For me, it was, you know, the exact same situation. I was also looking just for the biggest scholarship. And also on top of that, I was just, honestly, trying to get as far away from home as possible. Not that I hate my family-
Verite:
(laughs)
Bryan:
... or anything, but I just thought it'd be a good way to, you know, start learning how to live on your own and being an adult and whatnot. And yeah, I just, I actually just didn't even know. And I liked the name of the school, so I just applied and, uh, we're here now, so... Uh, Verite, how was it in high school before you came here? What was your high school experience like?
Verite:
Uh, I had so much fun in high school. I went to a really small high school. We're only around 20... 180 students, I guess. I knew everyone at my high school. I mean, like, coming from that high school to this school where there are thousands of students, it's a whole new different experience. Like, in high school, my class, my, my class, we were like 20 students. So it was really a good experience. Like, I had friends. Like, I have really good friends. Coming here to Notre Dame is, uh, was, uh, shocking at first, but it's been great. How was yours?
Bryan:
Yeah. For me, it was, uh, also relatively sma- small high school. It was K through 12, but it was only about a thousand students, so a little less than a hundred students per grade. And yeah, I was there since second grade, actually. So by the time I graduated, I knew everyone there. And coming to Notre Dame, it's a, it's a lot different experience. Uh, for one, there's way more students. I think there's about 10,000 undergrads here, give or take a few thousand. So, you know, th- there's a lot more people that you might not even know their names, and you might have them in class. And on top of that, I think, you know, just being in college, it's a lot more freedom than when you were back home. Like, once you're in college, you're your own adult. You can do whatever you want. You don't have your parents constantly watching over you. But yeah, have you, uh, have you noticed any differences from, you know, just your hometown in general ever since coming here?
Verite:
Uh, yeah. I'm originally from Rwanda, so coming here to America to specifically Notre Dame was a big difference. Like, it's a whole different culture. It's a whole different environment. Uh, back home, I wou- I want, I don't want to say that it was... I was, I wasn't exposed to as many cultures as I f- found here. Like, at Notre Dame, I've met people from all places over the world ca... Like, back home, I knew, like, people whom we grew up together. I di- haven't spoken to people from any other part of the world, so I've had many cultural shocks. Um, specifically, one that, that I had to deal with the most was food.
Bryan:
Mm-hmm.
Verite:
I think food was, was a big challenge in the beginning. Did you have anything that you dealt with?
Bryan:
Uh, I mean in terms of food, definitely. I'm, I'm from Austin, Texas, so, uh, you would think it would be a lot more culturally diverse down there. And honestly, it probably is in, like, the downtown area, but I was really from, like, a small little section in, like, South Austin. And the school I went to was mostly just Mexicans and a few Black people mixed in. So, I mean even for me, it wasn't too culturally diverse. And you know, coming here, it's a lot different experience, especially with, I mean even now, a lot of my friends are from all over the world or just all over the country. But yeah, going back to food, I love Mexican food. It's what I grown up with. It's, you know, what I'm comfortable with. It's, you know, just brings me the most joy. And over here, I'm not gonna lie, you know, the, the food isn't the best, but as long as you get something in your system, it's, uh, y- y, it's something.
Verite:
Um, well, do you have snow back in Austin?
Bryan:
Snow? No, not really. We've had snow probably twice in, like, the past 18 years since I've lived there, but the two times we did have snow, it wasn't good. The whole city, the whole town, the whole state shut down, matter of fact. What about you? You have snow back in Rwanda?
Verite:
No, no. I actually, I actually saw my first snow, like, in real life in October, like, at the end of October here at Notre Dame. Um, back home, the weather is hot over there. It feels like summer every single day, which it was a big shock for me. Like, here, it can be, like, sunny, but you have to still wear coats. Like, it's cold. That was a big dif- a big adjustment for me.
Bryan:
Yeah. I, yeah, I definitely noticed, uh, like, with the weather, even back in Austin, it's, like, pretty sunny every day. Even during the winter, it only drops down to like, about 50. But here, you need, like, a real coat, you know, the... You will actually get frostbite if you don't (laughs) cover up for long enough. So yeah, it's definitely different. But speaking of, like, you know, differences and things like that, what else do you notice? Like, is there... I mean obviously, I'm sure where you're from there's like, you know, a language difference, so...
Verite:
Yeah. English is not my first language, obviously. Um, coming here to Notre Dame, I struggled a lot and I still struggle, but it's getting a lot easier. Because of my accent, like, people are not familiar with, with Rwandan English accent, I would say. Um, speaking to people have gro- grown up in America who are not familiar with my accent was, was a real struggle. But what I'm, um, I'm grateful for, like, people here at Notre Dame are patient. Like, they will, they will be patient to try to understand you and listen to what you're saying without caring much about your accent. Did you notice any different? I mean, you grew up here (laughs), so did you have any difference?
Bryan:
Yeah. I mean honestly, even with me growing in the States, I feel like it is a lot different. Like I said, back home it was mostly, uh, ethnically Mexican people, so a lot of Spanish. And even the people who do speak Spanish here, I have come to realize that Spanish from other South American countries can sometimes have l- little nuances and differences in the way they pronounce words or, you know, the, even the, the actual diction of the words they use to describe certain things. So even now, it is a little different. And yeah, I mean speaking of people being understanding, I think the people here are a lot more friendly just in general, not just with, you know, being patient, but honestly, just, like, small things, like just holding the door open or saying, "Bless you," or whatnot. You know, just things of nature.
And, uh, moving on a bit more, what do you think of the academics here?
Verite:
Um, academics at Notre Dame, I mean, um, it's, uh, it's a new, it's a whole new challenge. Like, it's a big adjustment. Academics, it's a lot of work to do. And if you're not familiar to handle more than one thing at the same time, it will be a really, a real struggle. I've, I, I had to learn to, I had to learn to be patient with myself and try to work harder, I would, I would say. Like, it was, it's not, it's not like high school.
Bryan:
Mm-hmm.
Verite:
It's a, it's a, it's a lot of things to do at the same time. Did you have any hardship with academics?
Bryan:
Yeah, uh, definitely. Uh, for my high school experience, it was not very hard at all. You know, just every day in high school I would just go and, honestly, it was more just chill time, just you know, just a home away from home. And now that I'm here, I feel like I do actually have to study. I do actually have to pay attention in class. You know, sometimes I even have to watch YouTube videos to learn a little bit more 'cause the professor didn't explain it, not to the best of their ability, but just more so that I wasn't able to understand the first time around. So, you know, it's, it's definitely a lot more effort that you gotta put in. And, uh, speaking of academics, what classes are you taking this semester, and how are they going?
Verite:
Um, I'm, I'm, I'm studying computer science in the, in the College of Engineering. So I'm, I'm taking Engineering Design. I'm taking Calculus I. I'm taking, uh, Writing and Rheto- Rhetoric. And I'm taking Moreau First Year Experience, um, and Principles of Microeconomics. Yeah. How about you?
Bryan:
Yeah. I mean, I honestly, I think I'm pretty much taking the same classes as you minus the economics, and I have chemistry instead. But yeah, I think I'm also, by the way, in the school of engineering for computer science, and it's okay. I, I'm thinking about actually switching to the College of Arts and Letters. I just think the engineering requirements aren't for me and, you know, it's just not something I enjoy as much. So yeah, hopefully I can actually switch to Arts and Letters for computer science. But, uh, yeah. How is, how are the actual grades looking, you know, all As or?
Verite:
Uh, honestly, um, it's, um, they are not the best. At least, they will allow me to keep going. Next semester will be (laughs) better. I think for this semester, I had to adapt to a lot of things and my grades fell off (laughs). Yeah.
Bryan:
Mm-hmm.
Verite:
But next semester will be a good one.
Bryan:
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Like, when I got here, I, I always heard people say like, "You know, focus up your first semester 'cause that's always the hardest." And like, obviously, I said, "Yeah, like, I know." But you, you don't really understand, like, up until you get here and you actually have to start juggling, like, all your classes and, you know, decide, like, what you find most important. And obviously, like, if you plan well from the beginning, then you'll be okay. Like, you'll, you'll have a good schedule of how you wanna do things and you know, just how to juggle everything, like I said. But you know, it can get hard if, especially if you're, like, a first-gen student and you don't have, you know, like, your parents or anyone in your immediate family who went to college and they, they can give you, like, firsthand experience or, like, firsthand advice, so to say, of how to deal with certain situations when you feel overwhelmed or whatnot.
And also, I think it can be a balancing act between like, you know, other things you wanna do on campus or just what you enjoy in your leisure time. Like, for me personally, I'm in the Ping-Pong Club, but even now, I feel like I don't have time to go, time to go to practice per se, just, just 'cause of the amount of studying and homework I'm always doing. But what about you?
Verite:
Um, yeah. I, I will say it's the same thing. Um, I wanted to play soccer, but when I went to the pitch and saw how people are playing and came back, I felt exhausted. Like, I couldn't do my homeworks and, and get things done. Um, some people do it. I don't know how they do it, but I wanted to take some time before, like, to take some time to learn how to manage my time. If you're kind of a person who is, like, who is able to do so many things from the beginning, sure, do it, but you can't really get prepared for college until you, you are in college. Like, it's a lot to learn in a short amount of time, and it's a whole new experience.
Bryan:
Yeah. What about, uh, your finals? How many finals you have coming up?
Verite:
I have three.
Bryan:
Mm-hmm. You think you're ready for them?
Verite:
No.
Bryan:
No (laughs).
Verite:
Not yet.
Bryan:
Not yet?
Verite:
Yeah.
Bryan:
Have you started studying?
Verite:
Yeah. I'm, I'm trying to study, but, um, I also have other projects that I need to get done before finals. So it's still, it's still a challenge for me.
Bryan:
Yeah, I know what you mean. And like, especially for me, I only have two finals actually, but I still feel like, uh, finals do take... I wouldn't say, you know, they're the whole, like, majority of your grade, but they are, like, a decent amount. So you should obviously still try to pass or get as high a grade as possible just so you don't tank your entire grade. And you know, speaking of classes, uh, did you get all, were you able to get all your classes for next semester?
Verite:
Ah, yeah. I wanted to get v- I got most of my classes excluding one. Like, I wanted to get a philosophy class, like, a university requirement philosophy class that also satisfy university seminar.
Bryan:
Mm-hmm.
Verite:
And although I had another morning, seven, 7:10, like, 7:00 AM, um-
Bryan:
Signup time?
Verite:
Yeah.
Bryan:
Yeah.
Verite:
I couldn't get that class. It was already full.
Bryan:
Oh, really?
Verite:
Yeah. How 'bout you?
Bryan:
Yeah. For me, I have, I had an even worse signup time. I, uh, I had built my schedule a few days before, like, what I had in mind, but I didn't really think to build a s- backup plan for some reason. And yeah, m- keep in mind, the, the first signup times were around, like, 6:00 AM, and my signup time wasn't til 8:10. So by the time I had to sign up, nothing was available, and I had to just kinda scramble to, uh, you know, just get whatever classes I could. And even now, I actually just finished finalizing my schedule probably a couple days ago, so you know, I managed in the end. But still, it's not fun when you have something in mind and you can't even get all the classes you want just 'cause, you know, unfortunate signup times. But, uh, yeah.
Verite:
Uh, Bryan, do you have any favorite activity you like to do?
Bryan:
Favorite activity? Um, honestly, eat at the dining hall. I think it's a, uh, the food isn't... Eh, the food's okay, but I think it's just, honestly, just like, nice to be able to relax after a long day of work or, you know, even in the morning. I'm not the type of person to eat breakfast, but when I do have exams or whatnot, I think it's nice to go before or after the exams and just get some, some food in me even if it's just a bowl of cereal or something. Also, it's nice that they have an ice cream machine. I love ice, eating ice cream back home, and they also have sprinkles, so I love sprinkles. What about you? What's your favorite thing to do?
Verite:
Um, I like to, to go and walk around the campus. Notre Dame campus, I have to say, it's among the most beautiful campus I know, like, I've ever been to. Um, I like to walk around the campus when time allows and also my schedule allows. I like to walk over, uh, St. Joseph Park, St. Joseph Lake. It's a, a small lake, but it's a, it has a great view. And it's a, it's kinda, like, relaxing.
Bryan:
Mm-hmm.
Verite:
Yeah, it's relaxing after, uh, after some time doing work, I get to, to relax and think about life and, uh, and future.
Bryan:
I actually haven't even been walking around campus too much. Is that what you would recommend, walking around St. Joseph Lake?
Verite:
Yeah.
Bryan:
'Cause even, like, when it's cold, you still go walking?
Verite:
No.
Bryan:
No (laughs). You-
Verite:
It's too cold there.
Bryan:
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Verite:
Yeah.
Bryan:
Also, I actually like visiting the basilica and, like, just seeing all the pretty decorations and whatnot or, like, even sometimes the grotto. I think it's, you know, even if you're not religious, it's just cool to see, you know, how beautifully designed it is and whatnot. But I actually haven't been as of recently just 'cause I've been too busy. Also, like I said, I'm, I'm in ping-pong, so that's also, like, you know, a fun activity to pass time.
Verite:
Um, how did you find the, how did you find Notre Dame in terms of religion? Like, did you find it while coming, it's a Catholic school, but-
Bryan:
Yeah. I, um, honestly, I think, well, yeah, just like, within the name and j- just the statements you read online about the school, you can tell. They say they're very religious. And at times, you know, there's a lot of institutions that might say they're religious, but I think here, they actually, it's like a big part, especially you know, considering that all of the dorms have, like, you know, fathers inside of them and priests and whatnot. So, uh, but I don't think they, you know, force it upon you per se. I think it's actually just like, if you wanna be a part of it or even if you're not religious and you just want someone to talk to, like, they're always there. And I think they do a good job of imp- implementing it, and I'm, I never feel, like, pressure to do any of the activities. What about you?
Verite:
Yeah. I think they, although it's a Catholic school, it also allows other people to... Like, they give peop- other people to enjoy what, like, to practice whatever faith they, they have.
Bryan:
Mm-hmm.
Verite:
Like, they don't force you. Even if you don't believe in God, like, you will find people here at Notre Dame. Like, no one forces you to, to do what you don't want to do. Like, although we have ch- ch- chapels in every, in every hall, like, you get to, you get to do whatever you want. Uh-
Bryan:
Yeah. I know what you mean, but I think that would be it for today's episode. So as we're wrapping up, I just wanted to thank everyone who took the time to listen to our first episode. And you know, once again, we made this just to shine light on just aspects of the school and maybe just college life in general for, you know, certain international students or minorities who might not have immediate family who went to college and can exactly provide that type of advice, I should say. And, uh, yeah, I just, uh, wanna thank you again to everyone. Thank you especially to our professor, Professor Julie, for giving us a opportunity to make this podcast. It's been really fun. And so until the next episode, I'm Bryan.
Verite:
I'm Verite. This has been RwaNDa. Go Irish.
Bryan:
Go Irish.
