When Ashley Estelle ’26 arrived at Notre Dame from Birmingham, Alabama, she knew she was excited to begin her college experience—but she wasn't quite sure yet what her path would be. Now a junior, Estelle is pursuing a major in history with minors in Africana studies and poverty studies, building a life at Notre Dame that reflects her passion for learning, service, and community.

Estelle found her academic direction during a transformative early study abroad experience in London. Originally undecided, she realized her love for history while taking classes overseas.

“When I thought about what classes I enjoyed most, it was always world history,” she says. “Studying abroad really helped me stick with it—I took a lot of history classes there and thoroughly enjoyed them.”

One of the best parts of studying abroad for Estelle was learning about the history around her, and then visiting the actual historical sites, like the Tower of London.

Living in Notre Dame’s residence halls in London, Estelle immersed herself not just in academics but also in the local community. She volunteered with the Order of Malta, serving meals at a church and connecting with Londoners beyond the Notre Dame community.

“It helped me experience the real London,” she says. “It was nice just walking around and talking to different people.”

Estelle’s experience abroad also deepened her interest in Africana studies, leading her to add a second minor. One standout course, Abolition, blended her love of discussion and history, and even introduced her to the world of rare books and special collections—a field that has since shaped her career goals.

“After visiting special collections [at Hesburgh Library] for that class, I just kept going back,” says Estelle. “Now I work there, and I’m interested in museum studies and archival work.”

Outside the classroom, Estelle has found belonging through both service and music. She is a Balfour-Hesburgh Scholar, participating in that program’s opportunities, which guides “high-achieving students from low-income environments, under-resourced high schools, and first-generation college backgrounds toward academic success and personal growth.”

Estelle serves as Balfour-Hesburgh’s service commissioner, connecting her academic focus with hands-on opportunities like organizing events with a local bilingual childcare center.

Estelle is also president of the Voices of Faith Gospel Choir, a group that feels like home for a number of reasons. Estelle says she has always been a “music person,” having played the saxophone as part of her school band and orchestra. She had never been in a choir before joining Voices of Faith and takes joy in each practice and performance.

She also appreciates the friendships she has made, especially the space to connect with other African American students and, being from the South, to be part of a community that celebrates music that originated there.

“Voices of Faith reminds me of home—it’s a community,” says Estelle. “When I find spaces where I can fully connect with my experience, it makes being here so much better.”

Now preparing for a senior thesis focused on Black educators in Jim Crow-era Alabama, Estelle is also drawing on her family's deep roots in Birmingham, a place where her grandparents, parents, and extended family share a close-knit history.

“Seeing the growth in myself from when I first got here makes me so happy,” she reflects. “I’m finding my place, not just academically, but in life.”

Looking ahead, Estelle is excited to continue exploring museum and archival work, connecting the past to the present for new generations.

“No matter what, you’ll get something out of your experience at Notre Dame,” she says. “It’s not just about the good or bad moments. It’s about finding who you are.”

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