Notre Dame's new academic year kicked off with a Welcome Back Mass led by University President Fr. Robert Dowd, emphasizing growth beyond comfort zones and unity within the community. Meanwhile, Notre Dame's Catholic School in Cresco welcomed new teachers, each sharing their backgrounds and excitement for the upcoming school year. The Notre Dame women’s soccer team is notable for its historically large freshman class, which has made a significant impact by contributing to the team's early success this season. As the season begins, the Irish are currently 2-1-0, showcasing the talents of the freshmen, particularly forward Izzy Engle. Additionally, Hope College is starting its 163rd year with an incoming class of about 800 freshmen, as the school president addressed common concerns like imposter syndrome during the Opening Convocation. The educational community across these institutions reflects a commitment to growth, unity, and embracing new challenges.