In her mind, Sarah had it all worked out. She would attend Notre Dame, major in education, and become a high school guidance counselor. “I was one of those students who said that I wasn’t going to switch majors, no way…”

But before her first year at Notre Dame came to an end, Sarah learned something very important: college life is best experienced with an open mind.

As a freshman, Sarah was challenged in the way she viewed herself and her goals in life. She even began to consider changing her major and entering the Intelligence Analysis and Research Program (IARP). “Notre Dame has a reputation for having a great education program. But IARP is an up and coming program. It is very challenging and a step above what other students might do. I think it would surprise a lot of people that at such a small college there are so many choices.”

Sarah received support from faculty advisors as well as her basketball coach who has mentored her while she has been at Notre Dame while she weighed her decision. But even within the supportive environment, Sarah was treated as an adult and was not pressured to make her choice. “More than once I was told that I needed to make the decision that was best for my life.”

In the end, Sarah realized that her heart was still in education and in the field of counseling. But now, she understands more than ever why it is right for her.

“As I went through this, I found out more about myself; my likes and dislikes, who I am and where I want to be later in life. IARP wasn’t best for me, but at least I had the freedom to find that out. This is college. It’s a time to take some risks. If you don’t do it now, when are you going to do it?”