The American Adventure: Part VII: Exploring the Possibilities

"Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless" - Jamie Paolinetti

It’s 2019 already- how did that happen? Having just completed Fall semester of Sophomore year, I felt it was time for the latest installment of my American Adventure blog. It’s been super hectic these past few months, therefore, apologies for the lack of entries! However, I hope you enjoy this :)

As I reflect upon the past few months, I begin to realize just how much an adult I have truly had to become. No longer am I living in a fantasy world in which everything comforts me. Instead, I am living in a reality which is constantly pushing me to improve as an individual. The mistakes which I make during my time at Notre Dame have already, and will continue to, make me adopt an entirely new perspective on life. The Latin phrase, ‘Carpe Diem,’ translated as ‘seize the day’ is exactly how I plan to live moving forward.

Indeed, the semester has flown by in the blink of an eye. You know when people tell you that school days are the best days of your life? Well, it is safe to say that I could not agree more with that statement. Every day, it always strikes me how lucky I am to be at a place like Notre Dame. As a child from a working-class family, to be given the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible community makes me feel so appreciated. To have people believe in you and support you in your career path is a truly remarkable feeling, which I am fortunate enough to have at ND.

Never have I ever met such an amazing group of people from all across the globe!

For the incoming first-year students, I remembered what it was like being in their very shoes the previous year. An overwhelming sense of uncertainty fills your body as you pull up onto campus for Welcome Weekend, only to be quickly repressed by that incredible feeling of appreciation for the community in which you will find yourself. As Assistant Captain for my dorm, I felt a certain responsibility to continue the tradition of Saint Edward’s Hall. First impressions are of huge significance.

With such an enthusiastic group of fellow Stedsmen, it was clear that as the first car pulled up to the rear of the building, the future of the dorm lay in safe hands. The shock that dawned across the faces of many parents, when they realized that they had complimentary baggage service and free window washes upon arrival, set the tone for the weekend. This shock could only be topped by the astonishment of the first-year students when they learned that they would be rehearsing a dance to perform to their fellow dorms. These ‘serenades’ would provide the perfect opportunity for the first-years to embark from their comfort zones and begin to make some new friends.

Despite their best efforts, I have to admit that their performance could never top my class’ rendition of the 80s classic, “Take on me” by A Ha. To this day, people still remember our dance, and may have even mentioned a certain guy who was front and center who really was going for it- so much so that some remarked that he was “definitely going to drop out after a few weeks.” To their surprise, it never happened. Yet, I have to admit that I will happily pull out the dance routine upon request.

Attending the opening mass with the first-years brought back so many memories for me. Hearing Fr. Pete McCormick’s homily again gave me a chance to center myself and reflect upon my journey to Notre Dame. Telling of his upbringing, Pete remarked that his mother said, “I didn’t raise you so you could live in the basement your whole life.” And then, more than ever, those words resonated with me and struck a cord that would further invigorate my desire to learn more, travel more, and become more.

There's nothing like an ND Welcome!

At the end of the opening ceremony last year, I couldn’t really grasp the concept of the Alma Mater, the Irish Jig or the Fight Song. But fast-forward a year later: Every time I hear the Alma Mater, and the whole community links arms with one another, I get goosebumps. Every time I hear the fight song, a rush of blood spreads throughout my body as my levels of pride in the place skyrocket. Every time I hear the Rakes of Mallow, I transform into a World Champion Irish dancer (well, not quite Michael Flatley level) as my feet move to the beat of the best band in the land.

This year, the added difference was that I saw my favorite people, the Cheer team, become the stars of the show as they hyped up the crowd. I felt an immediate sense of pride as my best friends took to the floor, with one of my biggest role models- LepreJack- controlling the arena with an unparalleled abundance of energy. Who knows, next year I could find myself on that very floor…?

The experiences I have had with the cheer squad, both as Leprechaun and cheerleading, have been phenomenal. Walking out of the iconic Notre Dame tunnel before the season opener against Michigan, I soon realized why people say we have the best position on campus. While most people take out their phone to video every single second, I prefer to soak the atmosphere up and be present in that moment. As 80,000 watch on attentively in the crowd, as well as the millions watching on national television, the experience is indescribable. Every pass, every rushing yard, every touchdown. The stadium erupts with a deafening noise, so much so, that during the Stanford game, one of our supporters had to put on noise reducing headphones otherwise she would not have made it through the second half.

It's safe to say that a lot of push-ups were done during our uNDeafeated regular season! Credit: Fighting Irish Media

We really are the luckiest people. Before games, we usually find ourselves beside some of the most famous NFL players or other celebrities. Not to mention that meeting Sheamus, one of the most beloved WWE wrestlers from Ireland, made me feel right at home. It was safe to say that he was pretty shocked when he heard that Notre Dame actually had an Irish-born Leprechaun. To say that you’re on TV is something that many kids dream of. For me, it has become a reality and one which I have embraced fully. With the season opener providing the setting for ESPN’s College Gameday, it made me realize that these TV superstars are simply normal people doing incredible things; every game, we would find ourselves talking to the presenters of NBC’s live game coverage.

The Irish took over College Gameday and led us to a huge 24-17 opening-day win against the Michigan Wolverines!

One of my highlights is undoubtedly the women’s basketball game against UConn Huskies. At the time, it was #1 v #2, with the Fighting Irish defeating the Huskies in the Final Four in April last year with a buzzer beater from Arike Ogunbowale. Unfortunately, the result didn’t favor us in this meeting. However, walking to a blacked-out arena with 9,000 fans waving green glow sticks in the air was pretty surreal. As “Here Come the Irish” echoed out in Purcell Pavilion, followed by the iconic Shipping Up to Boston, it felt like a dream. Shaking hands with the Huskies’ coach, Gino Auriemma, meant that I would receive some raised eyebrows. Maybe I gave them some Irish luck which led to their victory. Despite this, the atmosphere was electric. And to then find yourself on ESPN was incredibly hard to come to terms with- I now was truly in the spotlight. How did a wee kid from Derry, Northern Ireland, end up on one of the biggest platforms in the world? I’m still trying to figure it out.

You could say that green is my favorite color.... Credit: Fighting Irish Media

That’s not to mention the volleyball games nor the soccer games. Each home volleyball game, I would find myself jumping around like crazy while the hype video played over the jumbotron, before going to fist-pump Mike (the coach), as we developed a profound mutual respect for each other’s roles. While others would wish for a quick 3-set win, I just wanted a win, no matter how long it would take. I have been very fortunate to become really good friends with many of the team, and always love seeing them doing what they are so passionate about. I even convinced my roommates to attend the games, which then led them to becoming ‘superfans,’ sitting front row every game. Despite their attempts to persuade me to hand them the free hot dogs, the small kids would always win out as their smiles were much cuter than theirs- sorry boys, the truth hurts!

Switching to soccer, I knew all the rules from the outset (unlike volleyball which I learned as I went). I knew how much the crowd could really impact a team’s performance therefore I always tried to make it as noisy as possible, knowing when to call the right chant. Soccer is only starting to really take off in the US, therefore I was not expecting an ultras section to form by the end of the season like that of Borussia Dortmund or Galatasaray. However, I wanted our players to feel the support of the crowd, no matter the weather. Overtime victories and cruel losses dominated the season for both men and women with the men’s team securing a 12-11 victory on penalties against Michigan in the last 32, followed by an OT win against UVA with just one second left on the clock. At the end of games, I would be drained physically, and much too often, emotionally. Yet, receiving much gratitude from parents and players alike made it all worth it.

So it turns out that the suit can get pretty hot in the summer...

Even though I was not on the field, every single touch of the ball made me relive the glory days as I envisioned myself playing. I couldn’t help myself but to shout as if I was playing defense once more. When I tell people at home of my transition from youth international soccer to cheerleading, they are immediately taken aback. However, playing co-rec with my friends and seeing our teams succeed has made fall in love with the sport all over. It is crazy to think that players that I played against just a few years ago have already made appearances in the Premier League and other top European leagues. But I wouldn’t change a single thing.

I would have to say that besides the experiences which have arisen with the position of Leprechaun, the people I have met have really shaped my story. I always highlight two particular instances when speaking to people. The first encounter was with a family from Albuquerque, NM. Having just finished giving a campus tour, and returning to the Main Building, I began speaking to a family who had traveled to campus for the Michigan game that weekend. Despite both parents not having gone to ND, they decided to adopt ND as their favored team. Every year, for the past 9 years, they would see at least one football game. However, this year was different: It was the first game that their then 11-month-old son would experience, as well as his grandmother.

Upon discovering that they were speaking to one of the Leprechauns, they decided to accompany me to a soccer game and volleyball game that I would do that weekend. They immersed themselves in all things ND and made memories to last a lifetime. Since that weekend, I have stayed in constant contact with them, and FaceTime them every few weeks! To my complete astonishment, the now 15-month-old has begun to learn the jig, putting himself in the running for a potential future leprechaun.

This is the reason I love doing what I do!

The second incident refers to a pretty quiet Saturday. After having just fulfilled Leprechaun duties at one of the volleyball games, I was walking back to my dorm with friends who were visiting from Derry. Fortunately, knowing one of the Ushers, I was able to get them onto the football field for some quick photos. While they were striking all the usual poses, I was called over by a newly-wedded couple who wanted the Notre Dame Leprechaun to be included in their photo album. Not one to miss a photo-op, I obliged and made their day. Not that I will ever see these photos again, but it had such significance to the couple.

Being in the position that I am, media attention has increased significantly. In the space of a few days in November, I was interviewed at one of the Advisory Council Dinners (an event before every home football game, which many of the benefactors are invited to) as well as being interviewed by Raycom Media for a series of documentaries run by ESPN on College traditions. It still baffles me how life has gone from 0-100 in the space of a few months. And if these past few months are anything to go by, things are only going to get much busier. Although, I wouldn’t have it any other way at all. The announcement of the 2020 Navy v ND game in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin has provided me with extra incentive to keep my position for the rest of my time at Notre Dame.

At this point, you’re probably questioning whether I actually do any studying at all because all I have talked about is Leprechaun and Cheer. In actual fact, without these, I highly doubt that I would be as focused as I am. The time management which my schedule now requires, means that every second that I have available to study, I take it. I have always felt that it was necessary for me to work as hard as I possibly can because there are genuinely academically smarter people than I. This does not cause envy or anger, but rather more motivation to strive for the best that I can possibly achieve.

This semester, I completed my Intermediate Spanish and Second Theology requirements, as well fulfilling my American Politics and International Relations electives, and beginning my journey into the realm of Peace Studies. Usually when I tell people that I’m studying Political Science and Peace Studies, there is a lot of explanation involved about exactly where I’m going to end up. Well, my plan at this current moment is to use sport as a way of helping communities to grow and become more inclusive and helping them to move away from whichever conflict has plagued their society throughout history.

Peace Studies has always caused confusion, with the usual statement of “What is the point of doing that? We’re never going to achieve peace.” From a realist perspective, I understand their issue. However, as someone who believes that we all have a duty to make this world a better place than when we came into, I contend wholeheartedly that even if you change one life, you’ve made a profound impact. By understanding the context in which people find themselves, and their upbringings, tolerance can be generated and respect for other cultures can emerge. To remove the common stereotypes which are associated with various cultures is something I am hoping to achieve.

I saw this first hand while standing in line for pre-clearance in Dublin before jumping on my plane to return to the United States. A man of Middle-Eastern origin, who was wearing traditional clothing of his own culture, received an endless number of faces glaring at him in shock and fear as they assumed him to be a terrorist. Overhearing the comments of fellow travelers made me angry to think how this man was being treated. Can you imagine if you were in a foreign country, and everybody treated you in such a derogatory way? While doing his daily prayer, the condescending comments of many passers-by highlighted how far our society still has to come to consider itself truly peaceful. Therefore, that is why it is a common duty of all to break down such barriers and overcome this disrespect.

Picking up Peace Studies has allowed me to collaborate with some of the most inspirational young people who are going to do incredible things in the world. Whether in the legal profession, the medical field, or even in the classroom, it is evident that there are many people willing to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Being taught by Professor George Lopez, who can only be considered as a legend within the Peace Studies community, was an absolute honor. To have a mentor who has worked in the United Nations and have significant input in peace deals around the world, particularly in Columbia, is once-in-a-lifetime stuff.

To be surrounded by people with similar drive and ambition is life-changing. Not only do they inspire you to reach your full potential, they also are there for you in the rough times. As you can see, there have been so many high points, but low points permeated constantly throughout the semester. Whether it be homesickness, poor results, or even just personal issues, life is not always what it seems. Trust has always been a huge sticking point for me, and to find people that I have been able to confide in has been much needed at several points throughout the semester.

A conscious effort on my own behalf to solidify friendships has allowed me to strike up conversations with some of the most interesting and intellectual people the world has ever seen. Of course, my roommates are always there for me. Living in a Quad this year presents different challenges to life in a Double like last year. Despite their best efforts, their Irish accents still need a fair bit of work. But I’m confident they’ll be perfect by the end of Senior Year.

One of the goals which I set for myself during my time at Notre Dame is that I would make it to every single dorm mass by the end of my four years. Therefore, I, along with Josh (Roommate from last year, and this year) have decided to start a ‘Church Crawl’ in which we go to a different dorm every week- but always our own dorm for the first Sunday of the month. With about 10 of 30 done so far, we still have a fair bit to go!

It is safe to say that Winter Break was much needed. Being able to put my feet up and have nothing to worry about for a month was incredible. Seeing all my old neighbors as well as friends and teachers always makes me grateful of where I came from. Despite less than ideal circumstances growing up with my father’s illness, going back home made me realize just how far I have come in such a short space of time. Returning home, I was greeted with the amazing news that I will be joined next year at ND by two students who are currently studying at my high school. This pathway to study in the US, and experience a completely different culture, is becoming increasingly popular, and I’m so glad that younger students are taking up the opportunity.

One of the most anticipated parts of Winter Break featured the Notre Dame football team in their bid to make it to the National Championship. The only thing that stood in their way was the small matter of Clemson, which proved to be a step too far on this occasion. But we’ll be back!! Gathering in Dublin with my fellow ND Irish community, despite being a couple of thousand miles away from the game in Dallas, we made a concerted effort to cheer on the boys. And that’s the thing, that wherever you go in the world, ND will forever be in your heart. Not to mention my road-trip around the West of Ireland which reminded me of just how beautiful the Emerald Isle really is.

The natural beauty of Ireland always provides some incredible photo ops! Credit: Conal Fagan

As I transition into Spring Semester, and basketball season gets into full swing, I am excited about all the challenges and opportunities which lay ahead. No experience do I see as good or bad, but rather opportunities to learn and grow into the person who I am destined to be. Just like last summer when I spent 8 weeks in Cape Town, South Africa, I will have the opportunity this summer to gain experience and insight into how sport is changing lives around the world. I’ll keep you updated with this as the semester progresses, but at the current moment, I may be in the East Asia/Oceania region.

I’m so glad that you are continuing to follow me on this amazing journey of life (even if this feels like more of a thesis with its length)!! Plenty more adventures to come!!

Until next time… Conal x