Of all of the things I struggled to part with when I first left for college my freshman year, one of the most difficult goodbyes was with my dog. A feisty yellow Labrador with an enormous amount of energy and an even bigger heart, Libby has been a part of my life for 11 years and has never failed to make me laugh on even the worst of days. As I packed up my belongings and prepared to begin my first year of college, I could hardly bear to look at the sad expression on her face. As my fellow dog lovers know, leaving your pet behind can be heart-wrenching. However, over the course of the time leading up to my departure for college, Libby instilled in me some meaningful life lessons that I have carried with me throughout my time at Notre Dame.
Libby Lesson #1: Approach each day with a sense of optimism and enthusiasm.
Libby begins each day full of boundless excitement. Although it can certainly be difficult to maintain this degree of enthusiasm while rolling out of my loft after a long night of exhausting homework, I make an effort to start my mornings with a positive outlook (and a strong cup of coffee) regardless of the length of my to-do list. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of class work and other activities in college, and an optimistic attitude can make a big difference in the overall outcome of your day.
Libby Lesson #2: Treat everyone with kindness and love people wholeheartedly.
One of the many qualities to love about dogs is their natural tendency to approach all people with friendliness and an open mind. Striving to maintain this welcoming mindset and to give everyone an equal chance is an essential component of fostering a positive learning environment, as well as to establishing a strong sense of community.
Libby Lesson #3:Â Nothing beats an afternoon on the couch.
Libby enjoys spending all of her afternoons on the couch, but for college students, this lifestyle is a bit unrealistic. However, a lazy day spent lounging on the couch (or futon) can be one of the best ways to recover from a hectic and stressful week. After countless late nights of studying tirelessly for exams, you’ve certainly earned a night of relaxation and a season of your favorite show on Netflix. So sit back, relax, and channel your inner couch dog.
Libby Lesson #4:Â Family is everything.
Although she approaches any human interaction with overwhelming excitement and a wagging tail, Libby reserves a certain type of enthusiastic greeting for only her family. There is nothing quite like coming home from school for a break and being bombarded by an eighty-pound yellow Labrador the moment I walk through the door. Since leaving home, my definition of family has expanded to include many more wonderful people whom I’ve met along the way. I value the importance of maintaining close relationships with family and friends regardless of the distance between us, whether this means catching up on the phone with a friend from high school or joining in family tailgates on football Saturdays.
Libby Lesson #5:Â Always speak your mind.
Libby has a way of letting you know exactly what she wants whenever she wants it, whether she is seeking a stroll around the block or an afternoon snack. Although Notre Dame students typically spend time discussing more sophisticated topics, the principle remains the same: it is important to share your thoughts and feelings on an issue and to always speak up for yourself, whether you are in the classroom, at a club meeting, or working through a conflict with a roommate. Putting yourself out there and taking risks is an important part of the college experience, and you should never devalue your personal voice or be afraid to share what you believe in.
“Be the person your dog thinks you are.” – J.W. Stephens
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Images: 1 and 2 provided by author