Final Moreau Professor Kelly FYS Moreau April 29, 2022 Legacy Lifestyle The main goal I have for my life is to leave such a legacy that I will continue to live when I pass away. “Everyone dies, their bodies rot, and every face becomes a skull”(Three Key Questions, Fr. Michael Himes-Moreau Week 3). Being successful for me means changing the world for the better. I am a Christian, and I believe there is a God and Heaven to go to after I die. I want to serve God and do what I think is my purpose on earth. I want to help others in ways like donating to charities, talking to the youth, training athletes, and creating programs that will continue to do so. Speaking to the youth and training athletes will be my way of growing wisdom and passing down knowledge. I feel it is my responsibility to teach the generation after me how to have a positive impact on the world. I must lead by example by being courageous, kind, and having a solid character. When I say courageous, I am illustrating somebody always doing the right thing no matter if people are on your side or against you. Knowing that whatever the outcome may be, God will bless you if you do the right thing, and you won’t have to suffer. I came to the University of Notre dame to grow wisdom. The people I have already met at Notre Dame have made me a better person. In the video “How to Avoid an Echo Chamber”( Paul Blaschko- Moreau Week Eleven), it states, “By surrounding ourselves with people who agree with us, we’re possibly losing the sense of how someone may respectfully disagree with us.” I’ve always been taught to surround myself with people smarter than me, stronger than me, and more skilled than me. Being around these types of people will ultimately push me to my https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40291/modules/items/147382 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40291/modules/items/147382 maximum potential. But first, you have to know yourself. “your values, interests, personality, and skills (VIPS) - before you can make effective career choices.”(Navigating Your Career Journey”(Meruelo Family Center for Career Development-Moreau Week four). If you don’t want to lose sight of your journey or purpose, you must know what you want for yourself and the people you want to be around. These types of relationships will go a long way. Meeting new people isn’t for everyone. Still, I have learned how to embrace humanity. In Notre Dame’s “A Guide to Student’s Life”(Moreau Week Ten), it states, “We welcome all people, regardless of color, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social or economic class, and nationality, for example, precisely because of Christ’s calling to treat others as we desire to be treated.” Knowing this entering a new school was comforting. Not all schools have the same atmosphere and culture Notre Dame has. It makes this school unique, and I have no doubt in my mind that the kids graduating from here will impact the world for the better. To begin my college journey, something I have always been able to use as an advantage that I plan to continue is my ability to relax during any situation. Keeping a calm mind will allow you to make the right decisions and enjoy life a little more. An article I read states, “it’s been found by scientists that meditation can lower blood pressure, help boost our immune system, and even change the architecture of our brains.”(Why we need to slow down our lives by Pico Lyer, TED- Moreau FYE Week One). Many people don’t understand this, and it makes their life so much harder. When you have a few hours of free time, use it to meditate or stay still. Keeping my mind at ease is what I use to connect to God and think about life in its entirety. When you feel like the world is falling apart, remember to trust in God. This idea is demonstrated in the article Why the only future worth building includes everyone (by Pope Francis- Moreau Week 7). It states, “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.” If you have faith in God, the dark times will never overcome you. In week twelve, I read an article that quotes, “God so loved the world that He sent his only Son that we might 1have life and have it abundantly(Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross).” I understood this quote as there is nothing we should be afraid to do in this world because of our faith in God. With God’s presence, you will never feel alone. “Compassion is not only to suffer for the other, but it is also to be in sympathy with another.”(A Learning Journey Together” By Steve Reifenberg -Moreau Week Nine). When I have to walk across campus during the snow days at Notre Dame or go through a challenging workout, I will be able to remain strong because I know God won’t fail me. I understand there will be many obstacles throughout these next few years, but I know what it takes to overcome them. I never blame myself during hard times because I know everything happens for a reason. With this mindset, I don’t spend time asking why. An article I read states, “your brain may misdirect you to the first available explanation” (The Right Way to be Introspective (Yes, There’s a Wrong Way), by Tasha Eurich- Monreau Week Six). Instead, I ask, “How will I get past this tough time? It’s a far more productive question to ask yourself. Reflecting on my journey so far, I am proud of where I am and how I got here, but I am eager to continue improving. I’ve kept my morals in line with my passions and have been able to help people around me. My biggest goal is to provide generational wealth for the young kids of my community. Although I am very blessed, I want to be the tool for kids that I didn’t have growing up. I want to erase all bad habits like procrastination and laziness because those are my https://holycrosscongregation.org/holy-cross-resources/constitutions/2-mission/ most significant weaknesses. Having intrinsic motivation all the time is one of the most valuable things you can have. I will continue to build my legacy so that when I leave this world.