One of forty students worldwide accepted into the Global Issues Seminar this summer, senior Jack McGinn enjoyed an all-expenses-paid trip to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. Because of Jack’s high test scores, he was encouraged to apply to the week-long seminar where he took classes in topics including climate change and global warming, terrorism, financial ethics, biology, and Catholic thought.

Along with taking his classes, McGinn also experienced recreational and leisure life on campus including outdoor sports, watching movies at the campus theater, and busing to a Chicago White Sox game. “What I liked about the experience the most was getting the taste of college. I liked being on campus, being around Notre Dame people, and enjoying all that they had to offer,” said McGinn.

While on Notre Dame’s campus, McGinn enjoyed becoming familiar with the university and feeling like a part of the Notre Dame family. McGinn said they were able to eat in the student dining halls, participate in a mass held at the Notre Dame Basilica, enjoy walking to the grotto, and have a prayer service each night with the thirty-nine other students there with him.

The Global Issues Seminar consisted of daily lectures led by Dr. Scott Appleby, Dr. Patric Mason, and other university professors. He said that he felt he was surrounded by so many knowledgeable people that he felt lucky to be in their presence. “It was a unique experience to be able to work with them,” said McGinn.

The presence of faith on campus was apparent. “It was clear that faith was a part of the students’ daily life. I really got the sense of community and the fact that everyone there wanted to be there,” said McGinn.