Moreno 

Father Kevin
Moreau 
October 15, 2021
Comparison in a World of One 
I believe that I grow by experiencing the hardships of life in a way to learn from them rather than to let them bring me down. Having to leave a family that I have been close to all my life was something that I found harder than imagined. But this only taught me that it was my time to grow up and that it is better to learn it now at a place that’ll help to guide me in the right direction. Being from Mexico and living in Boston my entire life also created a sense of belonging to two places at the same time yet never being 100% from either place. It is easy for people to assume and to judge things about yourself because they do not know you at all- they do not know the other part of your life that they are so unfamiliar with. This brings me to how Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie herself tells the difficulty of having a single story that is not told the way it is supposed to be. She emphasizes that “the consequence of the single story is this: it robs people of dignity . . . it emphasizes how we are different rather than how we are similar” (“The danger of a single story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Moreau FYE Week Seven). This along with  the article of “How to Think about ‘Implicit Bias’”, showed me that I also have these stereotypes engraved in me and it is because of the stories that keep being passed on from generations to generations, sometimes reinforcing a story that is not the real one. We start to associate things with these stories and stereotypes and it is hard for people to even realize the truth at one point. The real way to pursue the truth is by, when telling stories of others, tell a definitive story- one that shows the truth.
Moreover, I believe that I forge lifelong friendships and relationships by seeking people who seek the best for me. I became extremely lucky to find girls in McGlinn Hall who I believe will be by my side for the rest of my life. We have shared more moments than with anybody in high school and they make me feel loved for who I am. Carla Harris’ speech encaptures the importance of having people that will reflect your own character by your side. “It is what you do for others that counts” (“Notre Dame Commencement 2021” by Carla Harris - Moreau FYE Week Five). I learned that sometimes, you have to sacrifice your time, which is something that is so valuable here as a student, to help a friend in need. For that reason, I feel comfortable with those around me, and accepted by them. At Notre Dame, I have seen everyone trying to help each other succeed rather than compete. I truly believe that it is not a place where anyone can not fit in. By having others on your side, anyone can truly become the person they want to be. The only way to actually succeed is by cultivating our characters alongside others in order to flourish. 
I believe that I am searching for what makes me feel particular in a community where everyone is the best. Having come from a small high school and graduated as the valedictorian, I always felt like excelling in academics was something unique to myself. Coming to a university where everyone is of the same academic level, creates only more comparison rather than unison in my eyes. This can parallel what Dr. Brown mentions how the distinction of how our own sense of worthiness has the ability to direct our entire path: “There was only one variable that separated the people who had a strong sense of love and belonging, and really struggle for it: That was the people who have a strong sense of love and belonging, believe that they are worthy of love and belonging” (“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brene Brown - Moreau Week 1). I learned that I need to believe within myself that I am worthy of my place at this university, no matter how much better I think the rest of the students are. Struggling in academics this first half of the semester has revealed my lack of patience with myself when it comes to grades that don’t meet my expectations. But it is by admitting that I need help and then asking for it, that I will be able to overcome the struggle itself.
Conclusively, I believe that I pursue truth in finding what truly matters in this lifetime—and that is not success in the materialistic world. As Brooks states in his comparison of Adam I and Adam II as human nature: “Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in an immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith.” (“David Brooks: Should you live for your résumé ... or your eulogy?” by David Brooks - Moreau Week Two). It is more important to focus on the internal goals and hopes and build upon these before focusing on the successes in society. Relating to Father Pete McCormick’s analogy with the knots because every knot is so different from one another and it isn’t until you have that one, that you will be able to actually gain something from the experience (“The Role of Faith in Our Story” by Father Pete McCormick - Moreau Week 3). We don’t need to live up to whatever our thoughts about being good Christians and Catholics are. As long as we put love, faith, and hope first, our lighting will be proper for us to see God before all else. Our faith builds our framework and guides us through life as best as possible. While academics seem to play the most prominent role here at Notre Dame, finding will in God’s grace is the foundation for everything that we do. I found it really important to set a time for each day as a way to listen to what He wants me to do rather than focusing so much on myself. In keeping God first, we will be directed to what we truly are meant to do.





















Works Cited

“The Danger of a Single Story | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.” YouTube, youtu.be/D9Ihs241zeg. 
“David Brooks: Should You Live for Your Résumé ... or Your Eulogy?” YouTube, youtu.be/MlLWTeApqIM. 
“Notre Dame Commencement 2021: Laetare Medalist Address.” YouTube, youtu.be/UjSwjn-SyB4. 
“The Power of Vulnerability.” YouTube, The power of vulnerability | Brené Brown | TEDxHouston. 
“The Role of Faith in Our Story.” YouTube, youtu.be/lcZMeqWWOI