Friday Face: Cynthia Weber

Today I'd like you to meet Cynthia Weber, the vice-president of Notre Dame's student body. As the daughter and little sister of Notre Dame alumni, Cynthia has long known and loved Notre Dame. Cynthia is known around campus for her quick smile and willingness to listen, elegant fashion sense, and the fact that she is always wearing lipstick- she's a true Southern lady! I don't know Cynthia all that well myself but I have heard stories of her professionalism and dedication to serving the Notre Dame students. Her administration with president Grant Schmidt has already accomplished a lot. For example, there is now a Transpo bus that will run through local neighborhoods on weekend nights to give Notre Dame students a safe ride home. How awesome is that? Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you one of the loveliest girls on campus.

Full name: Cynthia Marie Weber

Major: Political Science and Theology

Dorm: Pasquerilla West Hall

Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama (but my family recently moved to Hendersonville, TN)

Job description: Loving Notre Dame- working for the student body in my capacity as Student Body Vice-President, speaking an annoying amount in my classes, enjoying the company of my classmates, and trying to be holy!

Why did you pick Notre Dame?

I picked Notre Dame because I felt at home here, properly challenged and held to a high standard, but positive that my education and livelihood are in good hands. My dad went here and my older brother just graduated, so more than anything, I've always desired the company of so many smart, motivated, and just plain good people. There is a spirit of good-natured fun on campus, an appreciation for natural beauty and the presence of Christ in the sacraments that are so frequently preformed on campus. In short, I'm in heaven!

What is your dream for your life after college?

My dream for my life after college is to somehow be able to expland on my academic interests, but use them in a leadership capacity. So basically, I have no idea, but I have high hopes!

What is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus is a bench right next to Old College (to the right if you're facing the lakes). It has a perfect view of the lakes that inspired Father Sorin to build this place, and I have had some fond memories sitting there in the summer watching the fireflies blaze languidly around me. I have so many favorite places, but this is the one that sticks out in my mind.

What is something you struggle with?

Something I struggle with is the inevitable sense of loss when I have to prioritize one thing over another. The opportunities at Notre Dame really are endless; I feel like I'm in a "choose your own adventure" book. It is sometimes difficult to make the right decision knowing that I'm giving something up. I also struggle with keeping a consistant work ethic. It's not that I'm lazy; I'm just a dreamer!

Who is your hero?

I have many heros, and they all play such an important role in my life. They're like people in my head who love me who are cheering me on, challenging me to be a better person! Right now, I think my biggest hero is my running mate, the student body president, Grant Schmidt. Every day I acquire more admiration for his work ethic, his prayerfulness, his patience, and his ability to extend himself endlessly for the people around him. I have learned an enormous amount about leadership and friendship from him, and I'm so lucky to have him as a confidant and role model in my life.

What makes you laugh?

A million things make me laugh, although it depends on the day. Many times, I make myself laugh. Having made hundreds upon hundreds of mistakes in my life, I am now no longer surprised when I slip up (just amused). Kids always make me laugh too.

What do you think is the world's biggest problem?

The world's biggest problem today, from my perspective as an American, is our inability to see the sacredness in material reality. We are so prosperous, our thoughts are so complex and articulated, but we lack the childlike ability to see beauty, mystery, and wonder in the world around us. This is at the root of all the mistreatment of the human person which takes the form of genocide, abortion, and war.

Favorite and least favorite thing about being a Notre Dame student?

My favorite thing about being a Notre Dame student is the people, through which we can see the presence of good things. My least favorite thing is that in the presence of so many gifts, we forget we have so many gifts!

One word that describes me: passionate