In my last blog, I reflected on my time as a Cabin Leader at Launch, and how my experience there allowed me to reflect on engaging with LSN on a deeper level. Since then, I’ve attended Collegiate Chapter events, an LSN Field Trip, and as of last month, a Dine IN at Fiddler’s Hearth in South Bend.
Happening around six times a year at different locations throughout the state, Dine INs aim to connect Scholars through a complimentary meal and conversation. From Crown Point to Muncie and Terre Haute, the regional locations allow both current and alumni Scholars to connect without traveling far from home.
Another interesting facet of these dinners is they are often co-hosted by a Collegiate or Alumni Scholar. For the South Bend Dine IN, the co-hosts were Bailey Chavis and Serena Miller, two Notre Dame Scholars who attended Launch and are on their chapter’s leadership team. 
As a South Bend native and Collegiate Scholar attending Notre Dame, I was excited to hear that a Dine IN was coming to South Bend. I had heard a lot about the restaurant, Fiddler’s Hearth, but had not yet had the opportunity to dine there.
When I arrived at the restaurant, I was joined by a mix of Scholars attending Notre Dame and alumni who live throughout Michiana. As someone who values connection, I deeply appreciated being able to discuss our paths to college and how the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship played a substantial role for each of us. I also appreciated hearing about life postgrad from the alumni, including how they remain engaged with their community.
Emily Morales, LSN Collegiate Relations and Events Associate, welcomed us to the Dine IN by sharing the network’s event and program offerings. Even though I was familiar with much of the information she presented, I found it useful to hear a reminder of all the opportunities available to me through LSN.
Soon our food was delivered to our table and the conversations resumed. One of my favorite moments was hearing about each Scholar’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program selection process. The selection process has changed over the years and each community foundation has unique requirements. For some of us, this meant a timed essay to complete, for others it involved interviews with wide ranging questions. The topic of interviews is what really enthralled me as I got to learn about all the interesting questions that can get asked by the interview committee, such as,” What are 10 different ways you would use a rubber band?”
Another facet of the event that I enjoyed was getting to connect with the six Notre Dame LSN underclassmen that were in attendance. Hearing these Scholars talk about their college experience one semester in made me reflect. It provided the opportunity to slow down and think about all that I have experienced since I was in their shoes. While I am only two years older, I have gotten to experience a lot, from personal and professional development to studying abroad. Three years of college allows you to learn so much about yourself, and I am excited to see what these next few years bring for those I was in attendance with.
What I especially appreciated about the Dine IN is that it is the perfect event for Scholars who are both heavily engaged with LSN or those who have never attended an LSN event before. It is a causal event that provides either a nice introduction to LSN, or allows one another way to increase their engagement.
If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone considering attending a Dine IN, it would be, do it! You never know; it may just provide the opportunity you need to help further your engagement with both LSN and your community.
