Grace McKenna
Professor Taylor
Moreau Experience
24 November 2021
“When Life Gives You Lemons Make Some Lemonade:” Responding to Difficult Situations
Change is always difficult.  Most times people choose to stay in comfortable positions so they know they can succeed.  However, in order to fully grow as a person, one needs different situations to push them to be better.  It is in these hard times that what one encounters and how they respond defines who they really are as a person.  During the transition to college, lucky for a freshman like me, I have a huge support system and many before me who bestow advice and put me in situations to succeed.  Yet, I have still been faced with many challenges that have caused me to think about my response and how that has affected not only me but also the people around me.  As people we all make mistakes, have doubts, and question others and our decisions; however, with hope and the knowledge we have from a Notre Dame education I am confident we all can become better students and people. 
As a Gateway student one of the biggest questions I have asked myself all semester is why do others treat us differently or feel the need to express in a subtle, or even at times obvious way, that they are better than us.  I am always proud to say I am a Gateway; however, when many Notre Dame students relate Gateway students to “those who go to Holy Cross,” I feel underappreciated and unwanted.  They treat us differently, just like they treat St. Mary’s girls differently, when they don’t even know us.  People just need a new perspective where “Each story must be heard as the larger story” ("With Voices True Snapshot Summary" by Klau Center Archive on Race - Moreau FYE Week 11).  No one should be judged by where they come from, their values, where they go to school, or anything for that matter.  We all have a different story to tell and should respond by simply listening and understanding.  I know Gateway students who have sacrificed so much and are working even harder than most to live out their dreams, I know Holy Cross students who are as qualified and smart as us all, and St. Mary’s girls who got into Notre Dame but decided to go to SMC because they received a full scholarship.  No one knows everyone's stories and therefore should not jump to conclusions or set comparisons. In reality, we all are different, but on the tri-campus, we are all the same--students looking to reach a new horizon of knowledge in order to excel in the future. 
In addition to the importance of creating a non-judgmental community, many need to understand that though ND is a Catholic and promindominalty white institution, it is extremely important to respect all different views and cultures.  In the 21st Century we are a world divided in many ways--through race, gender, ethnicity, age, etc.  Even at ND people are separated because of multiple issues.  Many use social media as an outlet to express their opinions.  The new app, YikYak, has caused many situations of cyberbullying and spreading hate anonymously. However, the people who are impacted don't care who wrote it, they just want it to stop.  When it comes down to it, no matter what you believe, students should remember “Love is the greatest commandment--and hatred is at the heart of the greatest sins” ("Wesley Theological Seminary 2012 Commencement Address"  by Fr. John Jenkins, C.S.C.- Moreau FYE Week 10).  It is easy to share a hand, spread a smile, and simply respect people the way you want to be treated.  All students are in this together and should lift to motivate and inspire each other instead of tearing them down.
However, it is easy to get caught up in those comparisons and setting high expectations for yourself even during a stressful transition into college. Coming from a small high school, it was easy to excel and be a leader.  I was able to be involved in so many clubs, teams, and sports all while having plenty of time to do well in school and balancing social life.  My expectations for college were the same; however, in reality have proven extremely different.  I found myself having little time, making it difficult to juggle the workload and ROTC, while not doing my best in school itself.  I realized I was, “living my life according to the expectations of others and myself” ("Why Letting Go of Expectations is a Freeing Habit" by Julia Hogan- Moreau FYE Week 9) instead of working to adjust and found myself.  College is different from high school and instead of dwelling on them I need to accept them. And now that I have, I am doing better mentality and academically. 
As a result, it is clear to me that through all the obstacles, I truly do belong at Notre Dame and part of the Gateway community.  At first I was hesitant and had many doubts because compared to everyone else I was definitely the small fish in the big pond; however, through pushing myself and striving to do my best every single day, I know that I can do anything my peers can do.  Though we all have our strengths and weaknesses, I will continue to focus on myself in order to grow.  Just like “Moreua felt called,”(“Hope - Holy Cross and Christian Education by Fr. James B. King, C.S.C.- Moreau FYE Week 12). I too felt the call to attend ND and join ROTC.  I would see signs on the highway that said Gateway or see military officers randomly walking around my town.  At first I thought they were just coincidences, but they became so frequent that I soon realized it was a call.  Now, with a lot of hope and determination, I can confidently say that I made the right decision to follow that call.  There is no other place and people that make me happier. 
In conclusion, it is important to carry the values of respect, equality, and hope I have learned into my college experience.  Without them, I am lost as a person.  Through my foundation, Notre Dame has helped me grow in many ways already, especially when it comes to understanding the importance of diversity, finding one’s purpose, and pushing past expectations of others.  Hope and my faith will continue to guide my future through every situation I am put in.  For the truth is, no matter what I encounter I am so thankful to be here at this magical place.