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Katie O’Brien: Study Abroad Celebrity

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Notre Dame chapter.

Thi campus cutie hopped acorss the pond to experience the life and culture of London!

Name: Katie O’Brien

Year: Junior (Class of 2015)

Hometown: Munster, IN

Dorm: Welsh Fam

Major: SCPP & English

Abroad program: Fall 2013 London Undergraduate Program

NDH/SDH: SDH, always & forever.

Campus activities:  Compassionate Care in Medicine (CCIM), College Mentors, Women’s Lit Choir, Welsh Fam Hall Council

If you could go back to freshman year and tell yourself one thing you know now, what would it be? 

If I could go back and tell my freshman self one thing, I would say don’t be afraid to get involved early. Those first few months are overwhelming, but I was so focused on become academically acclimated that I hesitated to commit to any long-term clubs or activities. As a sophomore, it was more difficult to start from scratch when others my age had been involved for a year. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there or commit!

What is your best ND memory so far?  Oh, wow. There are so many. My favorite memory is probably when my two best friends and I found out we were each accepted into our top-choice study abroad programs. There were a lot of tears and jumping around involved, and then we went to a dance under the Dome. The perfect evening!

What is the most played song on your iPod right now? I consulted my iTunes for this one, and officially, my most played song is “The Secret Life of Daydreams” by Jean-Yves Thibaudet.  It’s from the movie Pride & Prejudice and is my go-to study song. But more recently, it’s The Love Club by Lorde. I’m obsessed.

What is a little known fact about you? I’ve drunk out of the Stanley Cup.  Twice.

Who is your celebrity crush? Kit Harington (from game of Thrones). 

What three words would you use to describe yourself? Sarcastic. Curious. Quick.

What’s your favorite movie quote? “Whenever the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” – The Sound of Music

What is the #1 item on your ND bucket list? Running into famous alumni on campus- ideally, Brady Quinn or Condoleezza Rice.

How have you changed since you’ve been abroad? I think I have become more aware of how other people live.  Obviously adjusting to a new country is huge culture shock, but also learning to live with other people in a new environment.  This experience has allowed me to learn a lot about myself, and others, even just three weeks in. 

What is your favorite part about studying abroad so far? My favorite part has definitely been the vast amount of things available to do at any given moment.  The opportunity for adventure here is endless, and I’m just soaking it all in.

Tips for those considering study abroad?

One tip: DO IT. Don’t worry about missing out on campus or leaving friends behind. You’ll make new adventures and meet new people. It’s an once-in-a-lifetime experience. You won’t regret it.

Thanks, Katie! HCNDxo

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Sara Spitt

Notre Dame

Meet HCND's current Campus Coordinator and Editor-in-Chief! Originally from outside of Chicago, Sara is a Senior Peace Studies, Theology, and Italian major at Notre Dame (yes, that is three majors; no, she doesn't have any free time). When she isn't painting her nails, Sara enjoys cooking vegetarian friendly dishes, taking pictures for The Dome yearbook, and reading for fun. Sara began writing for Her Campus Notre Dame in May of 2013 and quickly fell in love with the site and it's staff! After writing for the inagural editorial staff (shout-out to AnnaLee, Katie, and Lex!) for a semester, Sara decided to branch out and become an editor. She particularly enjoys doing interviews and sharing travel expereinces, as well as connecting with the HCND reader network through thought-provoking social commentaries. If you like what you read from her on a weekly basis, this self-proclaimed "Queen of Social Media" has several accounts for you to follow - twitter, instagram (@saraspit22), tumblr, and a blog! 
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AnnaLee Rice

Notre Dame

AnnaLee Rice is a senior at the University of Notre Dame with a double major in Economics and Political Science and a minor in PPE. In addition to being the HCND Campus Correspondent, she is editor-in-chief of the undergraduate philosophy research journal, a research assistant for the Varieties of Democracy project, and a campus tour guide.  She believes in democracy and Essie nailpolish but distrusts pumpkin spice lattes because they are gross.