This campus, this University, is not reality.

It is a fantastical place where students are all blessed beyond belief. The future is ours to take. The sky is limitless.

I find myself stuggling with how I should give back to the world that has given me so much.

This past weekend, in an attempt to escape from Junior Parent Weekend and cabin fever, my friend and I packed up for a trip to Chicago.

On Saturday night, my parents took us out to a nice dinner on Michigan Avenue, and then we headed to the House of Blues. We didn't think twice to drop $20 dollars apiece for tickets, and once inside proceeded to ring up a drink tab.

By the end of the evening, we had spent well over $200 dollars.

As my friend and I headed back towards our car, we were approached by a homeless African-American man. He was dressed in rags, and told us that if we did not help him buy a train ticket, he would freeze to death during the frigid night.

My initial reaction, unfortunately, was to keep walking. I was tired, and I had spent enough money already on myself.

I began to keep moving, but stopped as he called after me. This may not seem too profound, but I was suddenly struck by a realization.

What if I had been born in the slums of the inner city? What if I had been discriminated against because of my skin color? What if I had not been given the oppourtunities to succeed the way I have?

Why has God blessed me the way He has? Why am I at Notre Dame? Why do I deserve it, and not this poor guy on the street?

It almost doesn't make any sense.

But, nevertheless, there must be some reason that we all have been given such wonderful oppourtinuties.

The golden dome that rises out of the center of campus should not solely be a symbol of academic and athletic excellence. It should be a sign of compassion and of charity. It should represent our Chrisitian obligation to the rest of the world, upon whose backs we have riden this far.

I took Barney with me. I spent four measely dollars on a train ticket for him.

It was such a small act, but I think it meant a lot to him. It felt good.

Students of Notre Dame, I encourage you to realize your blessings, and to give back to those less fortunate.

This weekend, beginning Thursday, a number of our own students will be participating in Bengal Bouts. All proceeds go to the Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh. Its a good and noble cause; its a fun cause. I encourage everyone to go out and cheer on the guys while helping out people less privalaged than ourselves.

Its the least we can do.

I leave you with this simple parting thought:

"To who much is given, much is expected."

• From within this bubble