While Father Sam Peters, rector of Sorin Hall claimed that he could "make Jesus" and a Singaporean retreat leader searched for fellow nationals, close to two dozen Notre Dame freshman took part in the 44th freshman retreat of the year. The retreat organized by Campus Ministry took place at the Sacred Heart Parish center across the lake from Notre Dame this past weekend. The retreat was headed by Holy Cross priests Father Sam and Father Kevin with help from student co-coordinator Kristina Deham.

The retreat involved games, small group discussions and activities meant to lead students into realizing the value and changes we meet as we adapt to life at Notre Dame. The small group discussions were headed by 20 student leaders. The retreat was like Frosh-O all over again except this time, people said more than just "Hi what's your name? Where are you from? And what's your major?" And the reply was much different from "Katie, outside of Chicago and business."

The discussions were initiated by four leaders or sometimes individual speeches talking about their experience with one aspect of Notre Dame life. The topics changed from relationships, God in everyday life, coming to Notre Dame and roommates. Through the discussion we realized how similar the problems each of us faced were. Saying goodbye to our parents, going back home and then missing Notre Dame.

The retreat meant a diversion from the monotonous dorm life and conversations that revolved around basically the same things. The retreat helped one in reflecting on how life at Notre Dame had improved his or her own life and had given us an opportunities to worship God, be successful and help others. The students prayed for each other and through that learnt to be selfless in understanding the troubles of another.

The retreat was the best way to unwind and be fully prepared for finals. Many of us there made friends that we understood better in one day than we understood our roommate of three months. Most of all the retreat allowed students to appreciate all that Notre Dame offers and thus to get involved with charity and religious activities. The retreat might have lasted a day but felt like a month. With only three more retreats coming up, the freshmen of Notre Dame have little time left to find out how to "make Jesus."

• Sharing freshman experiences