This weekend, Notre Dame faces the Boise State Broncos for the first time in history. There’s something special about those “firsts.” They aren’t just another Saturday on the schedule — they’re opportunities to write brand-new chapters in the story of Notre Dame football.
For Boise State, it’s a chance to measure themselves against one of the most recognizable programs in the country. For Notre Dame, it’s not only a historic matchup but also a “Green Out,” where the stadium transforms into a sea of emerald — a living, breathing show of pride and tradition that unites the Notre Dame family across generations.
Since there’s no past game to “throw back” to this week, I decided to turn to a different kind of throwback. Not an old box score, but something far more personal: a letter from my dad.
A Different Kind of Throwback
When I was a freshman at Notre Dame, my dad wrote to me almost every week. Each letter was carefully dated, numbered, and filled with his trademark engineer’s precision and encouragement. They are among my most treasured possessions today. Every so often, I pull one out to reread, and he’s right there, guiding me through those early days of college.
This week, I opened a letter dated October 4, 1989 — exactly 36 years to the day of this Saturday’s game. In it, he reassured me after I had earned a “C” on my first calculus exam. For many freshmen, that could have felt like a failure. But my dad reframed it for me.
A Father’s Voice
Here’s what he wrote:
“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 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!!
A few study tips from the ‘Olney’ tapes:
- Lift up your feet and let the blood flow to your head.
- Begin some deep, slow, rhythmic breathing.
- Eat something sweet (but don’t overdo this one!).
Determine when you study best. Some of us are early birds, others are night owls, and most people fall somewhere in between. Of the three, the early riser usually has fewer problems. They should do their studying early in the day, if possible, when they are at their peak — and ignore the night people who tease them about going to bed so early.
According to the tapes, active review is much more efficient than passive review. In active review, you go through the materials, ask potential exam questions, and then practice writing down the answers, just the way they would appear on a test.
Make use of study groups, tutors, instructors, tapes, condensed books, and other summaries. Study in bright light — it will reduce the depression that sometimes comes with preparing for a test. Depression makes you want to sleep instead of study. When you feel this coming on, get up and walk around a little. Revive the fatigued brain cells. I used to find this very effective.
When I was young, like you, I was a night owl. But as I got older, I found myself evolving into a morning person. At work I am most productive and creative in the morning, so I try to do tasks that require creativity then, and save the crunch-and-grind routine things for the afternoon.
Concentration is critical to study periods, so the fewer background noises — including most music — the better. By wearing a pleasant perfume or cologne when studying or taking a test, you might improve your chance of getting a better grade (or at the very least, attract some new boyfriends).
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.
To summarize:
- Find out when you study best.
- Surround yourself with the right study environment.
- Get into a positive frame of mind.”
Lessons That Last
Some of his tips were practical (study in bright light, take breaks, find your best time of day). Some were quirky (wear perfume when studying, eat a little sugar before a test). And some were timeless: “A smile can work wonders on your learning attitude.”
Reading those words today, I realize they weren’t just about passing Calculus. They were about life. About finding your rhythm, surrounding yourself with the right environment, staying positive, and keeping perspective when things feel hard.
These lessons show up everywhere — in work, in volunteer organizations, in family life, and yes, even in sports.
Notre Dame and the Spirit of Resilience
That’s the heartbeat of Notre Dame football. Every week, opponents come ready to prove themselves against the Irish. Every week, Notre Dame has to dig deep, lean on preparation, discipline, resilience, and belief.
It’s the same mindset my dad encouraged in me as a freshman: do the work, trust your preparation, keep perspective, and smile — even when things get tough.
The Power of Firsts
So this Saturday, as the Irish take the field in a first-ever matchup against Boise State, I’ll be carrying my dad’s words with me. They remind me that every “first” — whether it’s a calculus exam, a new opponent, or a new chapter in life — is a chance to grow stronger.
Here’s to my dad’s wisdom, to the lessons that outlast the moment, and to the Fighting Irish. ☘️
Cheers & GO IRISH!
