I remember it like it was yesterday when my Notre Dame tour guide touted that the university values collaboration over competition. This was very reassuring for a student who cherishes community building and knew the amount of work that was needed to get into a prestigious school like Notre Dame. I was, however, skeptical. At the same time, I was also very curious about where and how I could grow in my faith.

My freshman year taught me many things that would actually challenge that tour guide. From adjusting to the academics to discovering and even questioning my Catholic identity, I came to love the reality of companionship, accompaniment, and solidarity that is not simply collaboration but rather a way that helps each person grow.

Today’s reading speaks of the obstacles that may be faced with the people you meet. Jesus explains to address it with “you and him alone,” and then involve other people and the church if necessary. In conflicts with others and when addressing difficult questions, I have learned the importance of building bridges and walking side-by-side with others, especially when there seems to be no resolution. Even in those difficult moments, I can find Jesus in the midst of them.

One night, I had a conversation with a friend where we discussed a hard topic: suffering. To this day, I don’t think we solved the problem, but that wasn’t the point because it was about what followed after. We continued to have deep conversations and walked with each other through those obstacles. That’s what makes Notre Dame special. One could tout that there is lots of collaboration, but it truly is found in the friends you make who not only journey with you but share even the most challenging times with you.