Moreau Writing Week 14 (Capstone Integration) Nuss 1 Thigpen Moreau FYE 29 April 2022 The Pursuit of a Life Well Lived My mission is to be the change I want to see in the world. I seek to make the most out of every day, achieve my goals, and reach my full potential so that my life is well-lived. I will see every setback as a challenge to be overcome, and an opportunity to learn and grow. I seek to show respect to every person that I meet, and treat others the way I would want to be treated. I also want to be sincere and honest with my friends and family. As a student, I seek to learn and become knowledgeable in a specific area of study. I intend to choose a career path that is suited for my interests and talents, so that I will work effectively and efficiently. I want to use my skills, knowledge, and wisdom to help others and make a positive impact on the world. I intend to adhere to my personal morals and beliefs throughout my life, and to turn to them as a guide during tough situations. I want to be courageous and to stand up for my beliefs, even if it is an uphill battle. I want to be a person that inspires others to make a positive difference in the world. In order for my mission statement to effectively animate my life over the next three years, I must prioritize my morals and ideals and avoid unimportant distractions. “It’s easy to feel as if we’re standing two inches away from a huge canvas that’s noisy and crowded and changing with every microsecond. 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 FYE Week One). By stepping away from technology and social media, I can slow down my life and take the time to do things that are important to me or helpful for others. I found the life of Father Theodore Hesburgh to be very inspirational and a good example of a life well lived. He played a crucial role in many of the historical events of his time, primarily because “he didn’t really belong to any side. He belonged to the side of decency, he belonged to the side of a fundamental belief in the redeemability of mankind.” (Quote from “Hesburgh” by Ted Koppel - Moreau FYE Week Two). Like Fr. Hesburgh, I plan to allow my https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 Nuss 2 morals and my mission statement to guide my actions rather than anger, frustration, or other strong emotions that may skew my judgment. In my mission statement, I noted that I wanted to find a career that suited my interests and talents so that I would be able to effectively help people. This was inspired by the three key questions presented by Fr. Michael Himes that are designed to help people make difficult decisions when it comes to career choices. These questions prompt people to ask themselves what interests them, what they’re good at, and what others need. By focusing on these ideas, I will be able to be more confident in my career path. Additionally, a career journey involves lots of changes over time. “Contentment is an obstacle. Joy always pushes us forward. It’s an impulsion, a pressure to move forward, to do more, to expend oneself more deeply, more richly, to open one's talents even more widely than one had before.” (“Three Key Questions” by Fr. Michael Himes - Moreau FYE Week Three). Therefore, it is important to continue to look for new opportunities throughout my life so that I can find joy and have a life well lived. The idea of continuously developing my skills and knowledge after college through a career journey is also supported by the center for career development here at Notre Dame. “Career development is a process and a journey. If you actively engage in the process, take ownership, and utilize the tools at your disposal you will reap the benefits and establish a satisfying professional life” (“Navigating Your Career Journey” by the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development - Moreau FYE Week Four). By referring to Fr. Himes’s three key questions and my personal mission statement, I will be able to navigate my post-college career journey and achieve a fulfilling professional life. My friends and family are another source that can help me determine which careers will allow me to best utilize my abilities. Since these people are able to observe my interests from an outside perspective, they can provide insight on things that seem to attract my attention and inspire me to work hard. When I spoke with my dad for the Moreau FYE Week Five assignment, he told me that I looked most engaged when I was learning something new or trying new things. When I thought about this, I realized that I enjoyed the process of learning and experiencing new things. These insights will influence my career path, and help me find joy in my professional life. One very important aspect of a life well lived is having a mindset that allows one to appreciate the things they have, and to find fulfillment in the things that they do. “I encourage all of us to just focus what we can do for others or what we can do already instead of what we cannot do and what we do not have yet” (“5 Minutes” by Dr. Jihoon Kim - Moreau FYE Week Six). In the “5 Minutes” video, it is revealed that Dr. Kim was left almost completely paralyzed after a snowboarding accident, yet managed to find peace and fulfillment in his life after a period of hopelessness. This inspired me to take the time to appreciate all the things that I am able to do, and helped me realize that nothing can be taken for granted. In order to live a satisfying life, I must remember to be grateful for the little things that I usually may not pay attention to. Another central part of a well lived life is having meaningful relationships and interactions with others. As said by Pope Francis, “Each and everyone's existence is deeply tied https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41060/files/468294?module_item_id=143819 https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/transform/why-does-god-allow-suffering/?utm_source=moreau&utm_medium=class&utm_campaign=spring_2022 Nuss 3 to that of others: life is not time merely passing by, life is about interactions. (“Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by His Holiness Pope Francis - Moreau FYE Week Seven). In order to have a meaningful life, one must be of service to those who are in need. Each person is able to help make a difference in the world by assisting those who are struggling. Showing tenderness towards others is an important step in improving the state of the world. I plan to uphold this philosophy by volunteering in my community. While helping those in need, it is important to remember that everybody can help each other. “Not only is it important to walk together with somebody, but one must also learn how to be accompanied – to participate in the reciprocity of accompaniment” (“Teaching Accompaniment: A Learning Journey Together ” by Steve Reifenberg). Everybody has their own personal struggles, so it is essential to keep in mind that help can go both ways. One’s life is improved when they form friendships that are mutually beneficial for everyone. I can practice accompaniment in my life by being open to both giving and receiving help. It is important to treat everyone with dignity and respect, and this belief is present in the ideals of Notre Dame. “The University of Notre Dame strives for a spirit of inclusion among the members of this community for distinct reasons articulated in our Christian tradition. We prize the uniqueness of all persons as God’s creatures (“The Spirit of Inclusion at Notre Dame” from du Lac: A Guide to Student Life). I think that this mission statement of inclusion is beneficial to the school as a whole, since it is moral to love your neighbor and to foster a diverse environment. I believe that everyone can help make the world a better place by showing kindness to others. I think that an essential aspect of a life well lived is acquiring wisdom about the world in which we live. However, a modern obstacle to becoming wise is the presence of echo chambers, which are more prevalent than ever before because of social media. Due to the way in which social apps connect like-minded users, people are likely to join bubbles, which are groups of people with similar beliefs and interests. Unfortunately, the ability to completely silence those who do not agree with the belief of a bubble can create echo chambers, which are more dangerous. “Bubbles become echo chambers when groups give up on tolerating diversity of opinion” (“How to Avoid an Echo Chamber” by Dr. Paul Blaschko). Members of echo chambers are unable to hear different views and opinions on a certain topic, which prevents them from truly understanding that topic. I believe I can pursue a life well lived by gaining wisdom, which can be done by avoiding echo chambers online and by learning about a diversity of world views. Finally, I believe that a life well lived is achieved by actively working to make a positive change in the world. This requires bravery, especially if I have to be the first to speak out against something I think is morally wrong. “Each one of us can choose to finally end hate, by ending this separation. We must do something. This is something each one of us can do” (“I am George Floyd. Except, I can breathe. And I can do something.” by Dean G. Marcus Cole). As I mentioned before, every person has the ability to be kind to others and promote unity among humankind. In my mission statement, I stated that I will stand up for what I think is morally right. I want to back up this statement by living my life in a way that makes the world a better place for everyone. https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZbSdVImfn2hZDqMrdL96dZCNOtHuf6C-lg3sH-Rs30/edit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZbSdVImfn2hZDqMrdL96dZCNOtHuf6C-lg3sH-Rs30/edit https://dulac.nd.edu/university-mission-and-vision/spirit-of-inclusion/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaIVxQcqnLs&t=1s 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/