T.M. Kayode

Sometime this week, I took my parents on a little tour of the University of Notre Dame, introducing them to some of my bosses and exploring a few of the sights on campus. It was a cold day—very cold, but they seemed to enjoy the experience nonetheless.

Our first stop was the Hesburgh Library, one of the most iconic buildings on campus. Standing 14 stories tall, it houses over 3.5 million volumes and is best known for its enormous mural, The Word of Life, which overlooks the football stadium. This mural is fondly referred to as “Touchdown Jesus” due to its resemblance to a referee signaling a touchdown.

Inside, we made our way to the theology section—because, well, theology is a big deal in my household. Both my parents are ministers, and naturally, we were drawn to the rows upon rows of theological texts lining the shelves. My dad is currently studying the blessings pronounced on Noah, so we spent some time picking out a book that could aid his research.

Next, we stopped by LaFortune Student Center to take care of some banking. It wasn’t the most thrilling part of the trip, but it was practical!

Then, we made our way to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart—arguably one of the most stunning places on campus. The basilica is a 19th-century Gothic-style church with breathtaking stained glass windows, intricate murals, and one of the tallest bell towers in Indiana. My mom had actually seen it on the news back in Nigeria, so she was excited to visit in person. Fun fact: this was also my first time inside, so we got to experience its beauty together.

Looking ahead, we’re hoping to do some “fun” things around town—maybe bowling, visiting art museums, or exploring some historical homes. But with the unpredictable Midwest winter, we’ll have to see how the weather holds up.

For now, we’re soaking in the freezing temperatures, snow-covered walkways, and the undeniable charm of Notre Dame in the winter. ❄️

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