For Lizbeth Cordova Lopez, a junior from Sylmar, CA, Notre Dame is the perfect place to grow spiritually, academically, and personally. Majoring in psychology, with minors in education, schooling, and society and poverty studies, Cordova Lopez sought a university that aligned with her values and aspirations.

"One of the reasons why I chose Notre Dame was because I wanted to stay closely connected with my faith. I am Catholic and my grandma, ever since I was little, would take me to church. So, discovering what it meant to be a true Catholic and how to stay close to my faith is something that I wanted to continue practicing into college," says Cordova Lopez.

As the eldest of four and a first-generation college student, Cordova Lopez aimed to set an example for her siblings. "I wanted to show my siblings that it's possible to go anywhere you want," she says.

Financial aid played a significant role in her decision. With her mother being a single parent, Cordova Lopez was mindful of the financial commitment. The financial aid she received helped her make the decision. "I was honestly really surprised and didn't believe it. I had to have a conversation with a couple of people here because I was like, 'Is that true?' I didn't really understand what this meant for me," she says.

Notre Dame's commitment to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need reassured both Cordova Lopez and her mother. "My mom was apprehensive," Cordova Lopez explains. "She was like, 'I'm not sure how this is going to work out.' But Notre Dame was really able to [reassure] her and that helped me in accepting this decision."

Decision made, Cordova Lopez has embraced many opportunities as a Notre Dame student.

An AnBryce Scholar, she has become part of a supportive community and a transformative college experience.

A standout moment was her internship in Norway, funded by a grant from the Nanovic Institute for European Studies.

"Through Nanovic, I've been able to go to Norway," says Cordova Lopez. "That was one of my highlights—[it] is amazing that Notre Dame could help me realize that dream."

Cordova Lopez's journey exemplifies how Notre Dame's financial aid and university resources empower students to achieve their goals, build their futures, and become a force for good in the world.

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