Week 14- Capstone Integration Three Week 14 Capstone Integration Three Moreau FYE I have always considered myself an advocate for what I believed in. More specifically, I considered myself an advocate for women’s rights. Being a woman, I had my own experiences with gender inequality and clear displays of disrespect. They began small, teachers asking for “strong boys” to help lift chairs, and then they grew into cat calls, dismals, and never ending microaggressions. I saw myself as someone who advocated against such treatment as a feminist–but up until now this has only applied to injustices that happen to me or people I know. Me and my friends and family are not the only women being subjective to unacceptable treatment, and that is why I am making it my mission to become a feminist advocate for all women. I may have had my personal experiences with being a woman, but there are plenty who are struggling in silence much more than me. They deserve to be heard and I am going to be one of the people that will make sure they are heard and given justice. Notre Dame says it best when in its mission statement it states, “Notre Dame also has a responsibility to advance knowledge in a search for truth through original inquiry and publication.” ( University of Notre Dame Mission Statement- Moreau FYE Week Thirteen) by I have an opportunity to enact real change as I become an adult , and Notre Dame has opened doors for such growth through clubs and consistent guest lecturers that will provide insight and knowledge that I will then share with the world. Feminism may be an uphill battle but I will be someone on the front lines so that women can one feel equal, safe, and strong. I must always keep in mind that “it’s not a one-step process” so I must resist being discouraged and continue moving forward, no matter how long my mission takes. “Navigating Your Career Journey by Meruelo Family Center for Career Development- Moreau FYE Week Four) That does not mean I won’t be faced with hardship. In fact, a big part of my mission statement stems from the experiences I have both been through and heard about. However, I turn to Dean G. Marcus Cole’s words as he stated, “While my education and position do not grant me immunity from racial violence, they do place me in a position to do something about it.” (“Dean G. Marcus Cole: 'I am George Floyd. Except, I can breathe. And I can do something.' | News | The Law School | University of Notre Dame” by Dean G. Marcus Cole- Moreau FYE Week Twelve). I have so many opportunities and networks given to me as a Notre Dame student, and my mission is to use them to advocate for women and get involved in the feminist movement. Being a student also means that I have much to learn. While I consider myself well-versed in feminism and the fight for women’s equality, there are many others who have been fighting much longer than I have. They have seen and done things that I have yet to, and their wisdom can only help me prosper. After all, “it is impossible to have a complete and honest human story, if one doesn’t speak of human failings as well as human successes.” "Hesburgh" produced by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley-Moreau FYE Week Two). I cannot expect to succeed without having a good amount of trial and error, for that is life. mailto:dsikora@nd.edu http://nd.edu/about/mission http://nd.edu/about/mission https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ https://law.nd.edu/news-events/news/dean-g-marcus-cole-i-am-george-floyd-except-i-can-breathe-and-i-can-do-something/ https://law.nd.edu/news-events/news/dean-g-marcus-cole-i-am-george-floyd-except-i-can-breathe-and-i-can-do-something/ https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 Moving on, one of the most important things about my mission is to be one with the people. Feminism is about all of the emopowered women’s voices to be heard and respected, not just one. It is important for me to always work for and with all the people, for “We need to ask ourselves whether our picture of our opponent is accurate and well-thought out or whether we might be trapped in the feedback loops characteristic of echo chambers.” (“Big Questions 2, Part 4: How to Avoid an Echo Chamber” by Dr, Paul Blaschko- Moreau Week Eleven). I can only truly succeed at my mission with constant inclusivity and the ability to listen to all that come my way. If there should come a time where I find myself not remaining open to the influences of those around me, I turn to Professor Steve Reifenberg as he reflects on his trip to South America. I was particularly struck when he said, “For all my mistakes, something worked well in our time together, and a little like the character in Moliere who discovered to his astonishment that he had been speaking prose all his life, I’ve realized that we have been on a journey accompanying one another for a long time.” (Teaching Accompaniment- A Learning Journey Together, Steve Reifenberg, January 25, 2021.docx by Steve Reifenburg- Moreau FYE Week Nine). The idea that we have all been journeying together for much longer than we know is crucial for my mission to advocate for women. We as women have been going through a shared inequality, so I will strive to treat everyone I meet as a companion and fellow journey member. As I consider the idea of shared experiences and ideals, I turn to Dr. D’Angelo as she stated, “This distinction — between individual prejudice and a system of unequal institutionalized racial power — is fundamental. One cannot understand how racism functions in the U.S. today if one ignores group power relations.” (“Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism - Robin DiAngelo” by Dr. Robin D’Angelo- Moreau FYE Week Ten) Although she was referring to another global issue, I think maintaining my theme of “open mindedness” can apply to numerous aspects of my mission to advocate for women. I must consider the dynamics of the multitude of groups, be it for or against my mission, and be able to shift perspectives to understand all sides of the issue. I think a big part of my mission relies on the big picture. Feminism is a movement much bigger than this campus–it’s international. Therefore, “it’s only by stepping farther back and standing still that we can begin to see what that canvas (which is our life) really means, and to take in the larger picture.” (“Why we need to slow down our lives |” by Pico Iyer- Moreau Week One) I must always look towards the bigger movement, and allow it to guide me as I take strides towards my mission. With so much to keep in mind, it may seem difficult to have so much to consider, while also remaining on a steady path towards my mission. That being said, as I work towards my mission, I must always take note of my sense of self. Tasha Eurich’s words come to mind as she states, “If we’re not self-aware, it’s almost impossible to master the skills that make us stronger team players, superior leaders and better relationship builders, either at work or in the rest of our lives.” (The right way to be introspective (yes, there's a wrong way) | by Tasha Eurich-Moreau Week Six). If I hope to always check in with myself to be able to be strong for others. Of course, that could quickly become a burden. That’s why I hope to recognize this mission as a part of my purpose. When I feel as though I am getting lost in all that is going on around me, I like to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaIVxQcqnLs&t=1s&ab_channel=ThinkND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaIVxQcqnLs&t=1s&ab_channel=ThinkND https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZbSdVImfn2hZDqMrdL96dZCNOtHuf6C-lg3sH-Rs30/edit?usp=sharing https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZbSdVImfn2hZDqMrdL96dZCNOtHuf6C-lg3sH-Rs30/edit?usp=sharing https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdVnfLDrJUJhd-4UtYb_kfRpcFgOoOeY7O1WT8_d3iw/edit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdVnfLDrJUJhd-4UtYb_kfRpcFgOoOeY7O1WT8_d3iw/edit https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/ remember that “Through the darkness of today's conflicts, each and every one of us can become a bright candle, a reminder that light will overcome darkness, and never the other way around.” (His Holiness Pope Francis: Why the only future worth building includes everyone | TED Talk by His Holiness Pope Francis- Moreau FYE Week Seven). My friend Kacper once told me that I was able to help him through an uncomfortable social situation by simply showing him I was there for him, making him feel as though he can be more confident and branch out. I think back to moments such as those if I ever feel as though I am not doing enough because you never know how far something small can go for someone. All in all, while my mission is to advocate for women and equality, I hope to be able to inspire others in the process, and help them find their own mission. I would like to show the other people around me that “no one but you can say this is my joy. You must discover this for yourself!”("Three Key Questions" adapted from Fr. Michael Himes- Moreau FYE Week Three). I found my joy with this mission, and I will do everything in my power to pursue it. https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40288/files/471202/download?download_frd=1