Week 8 Integration 3


A Life of Light: A Eulogy for Myself
By: 

“Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
(Do not go gentle into that good night by Dylan Thomas - Poems | poets.org)

The introduction of Dylan Thomas’ poem embodies Claire’s spirit. Claire’s life was not
defined by her accomplishments and failures. No, her life was defined by how she lived her life.
She sought happiness in everything she did. Although her journey towards happiness was
bumpy, she ultimately found her way there. A life well-lived is one where you find happiness in
everything you do. That was Claire’s life.

Claire’s life was not glamorous or impressive per se. But it was a life that would make
Claire proud if she looked back on it. Her life was filled with struggles and successes, but it was
defined by how she approached the challenges and triumphs.

Throughout her early years, Claire struggled to “slow down [her life]” (“Why we need to
slow down our lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week One). She felt as if her entire life had
been defined by one deadline after another and one test after another. Claire approached each
day with a negative mindset––she dreaded waking up and leaving bed every day. However, in
college, she finally realized that she needed to “step farther back and stand still [...] to take in
the larger picture” (“Why we need to slow down our lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week
One). Claire changed her attitude from acting like the victim and asking “why” questions (“The
right way to be introspective“ by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYE Week Six) to asking herself what
she could do to change it. Instead of being passive in her life, Claire took an active role in
changing things that were in her control and letting go of things out of her control. Eventually,
her approach towards life was no longer defined by the essays and test scores she received,
instead it was defined by how she faced obstacles and felt about the things she did.

“Memento mori”, which means "Remember your death"(“Meet the Nun Who Wants You
to Remember You Will Die” by Ruth Graham - Moreau FYE Week Three), was a reminder that
Claire kept with her throughout her entire life. The phrase served as a reminder for her to look at
the bigger picture––to stop obsessing over small things out of her control and recognize the little
time she has on Earth and to make the most of it. As a result, Claire took many risks in her life.
Claire did not stick to one path. She treated “planning [her] career [...] like planning for a trip”
(“Navigating Your Career Journey” by Center for Career Development - Moreau FYE Week
Four). She made sure all the trips she planned were ones she would not regret. And when she
did begin to dislike her career, she did not stick around for financial reasons or for a sense of
security. Instead, she planned for another trip without a moment of hesitation. No single career
or field could keep Claire’s focus. Her interests varied every day and she let them lead onto
different paths. Although she had a variety of jobs, they all had three things in common: 1) they

https://poets.org/poem/do-not-go-gentle-good-night
https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/
https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/
https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/
https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/
https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html
https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/


brought her joy, 2) they allowed her to use her skills, and 3) they allowed her to serve others
("Three Key Questions" by Fr. Michael Himes - Moreau FYE Week Three).

Claire understood that her happiness could not come at the expense of others and that
her life should be “centered around [...] people”,, so she constantly made an effort to “stand [with
others and] include everyone” (“Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by Pope
Francis - Moreau FYE Week Seven). As a result, Claire made an impact on everyone she met.
She formed relationships with everyone she met. Growing up abroad, she learned to be open
and accepting of people from different cultures and all backgrounds. Claire welcomed
unfamiliarity with open arms because she understood how it felt to be alienated and excluded.

In the process of expanding her "jurisdiction" (“Tattoos on the Heart” by Fr. Greg Boyle -
Moreau FYE Week Seven), Claire realized that she could help others and depend on others
simultaneously. In college, she learned to ask for help from others, something she struggled with
while growing up. Through conversations with friends and mentors, Claire discovered that not
only could others help her, but she could also share her experiences. Finding her happiness and
living her life was not a journey Claire had to go through by herself. Claire learned to be faithful
and look to people she trusted for guidance.

Claire is remembered as an extremely independent person with a strong sense of
righteousness and integrity (Conversation with Claire’s Mom by  - Moreau FYE Week
Five). In all the careers and areas of interest she pursued, she made sure that she stayed true
to her beliefs (“Hesburgh” by Jerry Barca and Christine O'Malley - Moreau FYE Week Two).
Throughout her entire life, Claire faced many moments where her beliefs were challenged by
everyone around her. But she was not afraid to speak out against others’ views, even if they
were her friends and people with power (Hesburgh” by Jerry Barca and Christine O'Malley -
Moreau FYE Week Two). However, at the same time, Claire made sure she listened to what
others had to say and kept an open mind. Claires open-mindedness is what made everyone
respect her.

Do not mourn for Claire. She would want you to go out and do something that makes
you happy. She would tell you to take risks for the things you love and face life head-on.
"Memento mori", we will all die, so let us stop wasting time complaining and worrying; instead
we should face the world without doubts and pursue our dreams. I hope we can all be inspired
by Claire’s life and let go of our hesitation and fears.

https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41088/files/471831/download?download_frd=1
https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript
https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41088/files/524008/download?download_frd=1
https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9
https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9