By John Rooney, Graduate Business Career Services

Many of us at Notre Dame have spent the last few days sharing stories of how Father Theodore Hesburgh touched our lives and made us better people. His impact has been profound on a global scale and on a personal scale to his Notre Dame family. It has been moving to hear the memories my colleagues have shared about how Father Ted has impacted their lives. His wisdom, kindness, vision, and passion for excellence are weaved through the countless stories I have heard over the past few days. It was clear in each of these stories that Father Ted was able to connect with each individual on a personal level and to help him or her in some way.

Here in Graduate Business Career Services, we wanted to share a theme that runs through many of the stories. We hope it will help you as you reflect on Father Hesburgh and in your career development. Father Ted had the unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was equally adept at connecting with the man on the street and with heads of state. Everyone who met him, from freshmen to our most successful alumni, came away feeling that they were important to Father Ted and to Notre Dame. This inspired them to do more for others and themselves. Father Ted’s humility was profound, and his ability to be present in every personal interaction was powerful. I once heard one of Father Ted’s close friends quote him, saying, “I am no better than you and you are no better than me. This is the way the Lord sees it and this is the way you should see it.” Anyone who has been fortunate enough to meet Father Ted knows that this rings true. He believed that everyone was special and had something to offer. This belief allowed Father Ted to demonstrate incredible empathy and understanding of other folks. He combined this understanding with his incredible gifts and found ways to help people on both a local and global level.

You can do this, too. The next time you are connecting with a senior executive or you are in an interview, do not think about how nervous you are or how this person might not see what is truly special in you. Take a deep breath and connect with this person from an equal footing. Try to get to know them and what they are trying to accomplish. Communicate that you understand them and explain how you can help them with your skills and experiences. The next time you are out with a group of friends and you see someone on the fringes, engage them. You know who these students are, but you may not know how much they have to offer. Share with them why you came to Notre Dame and what your career goals are and ask them the same questions. See the expression on their faces change and how their light burns a little brighter. Chances are you, too, will benefit greatly from engaging this person. Father Ted always engaged, and always valued the interaction, teaching us all that we are equal in the eyes of the Lord. Go out and share what is great about you and find out what is great about other people. It is in this way that we can honor Father Hesburgh and his beloved Notre Dame.