Joanna Nguyen-Tran
Moreau 
Professor Reaume
24 November 2021

My First Semester at Notre Dame: A Learning Experience


	Reflecting back on this semester, I realized that I learned more about myself than I ever thought I would. Some of the questions I’ve asked myself this semester were, “What truly matters to me? How will I somehow make a difference and fix the injustices that I witness around me? How do I achieve that sense of belonging in a new environment?” Since I was at such a prestigious institution, I felt so pressured to excel in everything in order to fit in. However, the more I tried, things never truly went the way I wanted them to, which caused me to feel strong feelings of imposter syndrome. It was possibly caused by these high expectations I had for myself that caused me to feel as though “I wasn’t good enough. (Why Letting Go of Expectations is a Freeing Habit" by Julia Hoggan- Moreau FYE Week 9). The more I failed, the more I questioned whether or not I really belonged here or whether it was a mistake. (Moreau FYE Reflection Commentary Week 9). After beating myself up for such a long time, and going through such a hopeless time in my life, I came to terms that grades aren’t as important as I thought they were. In high school, all I wanted to do was excel in everything I did, and I became disappointed that I wasn’t performing to the same standard as before. However, what’s truly important is that I learn and develop my character because that is what the college experience is all about. 
	Even though I’ve experienced many failures throughout this semester, I realized that I had to experience that in order to become a better version of myself. I can’t always dwell on the fact that I didn’t do well on this quiz or exam, but I can learn from that negative experience and change the way I approach the situation. Like in the kintsugi video, broken pieces of pottery were put together with gold. As a result, something more beautiful was produced than the original. ("Women Find Healing Through Kintsugi Workshop" by Grotto- Moreau FYE Week 10). In a similar way, I realized that we are all somehow broken. In my Moreau class, while listening to other people’s stories, it gave me a sense of relief that I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Whether it was our past experiences or our mindset on life, we all know that sometimes life isn’t fair and that nothing could ever be “perfect.” As a result, we may turn to means of hatred to satisfy the brokenness and feel more complete. However, I believe that we all have a responsibility to approach every situation from a love perspective. In a world that is mostly full of hate, it’s important to not fall victim to our emotions alone. Father Jenkins said, “Love is the greatest commandment — and hatred is at the heart of the greatest sins. Hatred is the great destroyer — the great divider.” ("Wesley Theological Seminary 2012 Commencement Address" by Father Jenkins- Moreau FYE Week 10). Personally, when I’m having a bad day, I tend to have feelings of hatred towards myself because I thought I didn’t do enough. However, I know that I shouldn’t hate myself or anyone else because I deserve to feel loved especially in times of distress. Realizing that truth is the first step to piecing together our brokenness. 
	Even though Notre Dame is a great institution with many resources, there are still some flawed areas that I noticed the longer I stayed here. As an Asian at this institution, I do believe that this institution is making an effort to accommodate the different needs of the student body. However, when it comes to matters such as cultural food or publicization of other minority groups, Notre Dame needs to consider that the idea of diversity should definitely become more normalized especially at such a predominately white institution. In Diversity Matters, Professor Augustin Fuentes stated, “Race and inequality matter but they are not fixed.” (Diversity Matters by Professor Augustin Fuentes- Moreau FYE Reflection Week 11. Not only can this be applied to Notre Dame, but also in the society we live in where inequality has become prevalent. On that note, respect is the first step to becoming more of a cohesive community. Sometimes, it’s also good to know that having that sense of community doesn’t always mean being close to one another, but it just means respecting each other’s identities and backgrounds. It’s important to note that community should be viewed as a gift because it’s not something that’s always attainable. (“Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community" by Parker J. Palmer- Moreau FYE Reflection Week 11). I certainly agree with this because I’ve felt that I was a part of something bigger than myself by being here. Whether it is within my dorm community or even just in my weekly Moreau class, I can tell that everyone cares for each other’s well-being. 
	During welcome weekend, when Father Jenkins gave the student body a speech about the main principles of Notre Dame, I never realized how important it would become in my time here. Moreau overcame many challenges in order to found the congregation of Holy Cross. Coming here and leaving the familiarity of home, I realized that I didn’t have a sense of home. Personally, I think that’s why I relate to the principles of zeal and family the most. Zeal allows us to overcome fear and sacrifice our preferences for the needs of our brothers and sisters when mere human logic fails and we find ourselves compelled to follow the truer impulses of our hearts.” (“Hope - Holy Cross and Christian Education by Fr. James B. King- Moreau FYE Week 12). I think that I need to apply zeal more often because I sometimes get too caught up in my work and I forget about what’s important which is forming those lifetime connections that help with strengthening the bonds of a family. In other words, logic and intelligence can only take you so far in life. You also need to follow your instincts and what you feel is right in the situation. (Moreau Reflection Commentary Week 12). 
	The semester that I spent at Notre Dame has been a valuable experience because I learned more about myself and about others. I learned that being at Notre Dame came with many responsibilities but also a better sense of character and community. Reflecting back, I am grateful for the gift of Notre Dame because I realized that I am part of a community that will “be a force of good in the world.”