Capston Integration
Due 4/29/22					
The End of the Beginning 
	Life is defined by journeys. Beginnings and endings, new chapters unfolding with the closing of others, ships sailing to make room for more to come in. It is easy to lose direction in the midst of perpetual change, even when it comes to the most important journey: the journey of life. The Moreau First Year Experience has taught me invaluable lessons, thinking not just about my short time here at Notre Dame but my future beyond the dome. “What is a life well lived?” is a question that has remained in my mind since the very first week of Moreau, and I truly believe that keeping this question close to my heart will be how I achieve what it asks. My mission statement explains exactly how I want to approach life through pursuing true passion, which will be strengthened by the people I surround myself with at Notre Dame. And through these relationships and people that challenge me to be the best version of myself, I will succeed when times get tough and I face failures throughout life. 
	“There are countless measures of success and a life well-lived, but to me, it is best summarized by how people remember you. A life well-lived is one in which you impact countless lives, all in ways for the better. You impact others in ways that no one else can, leaving a mark on the world that burns eternally bright. And you do this by experiencing all that life has to offer, the good equally with the bad. As we discussed in class, wisdom is a product of experience, and this case is no different. We must experience suffering, embrace humanity, and act with courage. It is only through all of these that  we will come out as the powerful force for good that Fr. Sorin wants each and every one of us to be. So yes, we will face highs and lows. We will suffer. We will cry. But with each moment, we will climb the mountain of life and be better for it. My mission statement is to embrace the climb of life, accepting it entirely with the knowledge it will transform us into unforgettable streaks of the earth”. There is no doubt that my mission statement will be remolded, reformed, and refined as my life progresses, but what it currently stands for is the foundation that I will direct my life upon. “Joy, on the other hand, is much deeper and much more central, it comes from within, and it’s a genuine rightness of how one lives one’s life” ("Three Key Questions" adapted from Fr. Michael Himes -Moreau FYE Week Three). I want to be a source of joy to the world, in a way that can be found both in myself and others. Spreading joy is what is at the heart of every mission statement, and I only hope that I am able to proudly express it for the rest of my life.
	Although my time as a first year student at the University of Notre Dame comes to an end, I am confident that the relationships I have built will transform and amplify my mission over the remaining three years. It is crazy to think that mere months ago I was absolutely terrified at the uncertainty that college represented. Was I going to like my roommate? Would I even be able to make new friends? I was even worried at the thought of having to do laundry on my own for the first time! “The only way to know more about yourself is to test the waters - just get out and experience life!” ( "Navigating Your Career Journey” by Meruelo Family Center for Career Development - Moreau FYE Week 4). As expected, all I needed to do was put myself out, and I would be fine. Fast forward to today and I am surrounded by a group of people that I can honestly see being the godparents of my children one day. These are the people that will make me strive to follow my mission, as I owe it to both them and myself to be the best version of myself. “Christians have found their life together enriched by the different qualities of their many members, and they have sought to increase this richness by welcoming others who bring additional gifts, talents and backgrounds to the community” ("Growing up Gay and Catholic” by Jacob Walsh- Moreau FYE Week 10). The truth is that I am made exponentially better by the diversity of people around me and all of the amazing qualities that they add to my life. So although a year has already passed, I am excited to see all of the wonderful ways that I will transform into a better man over the remaining three years with my peers. 
	It would be delusional to say that things will always be going perfect in my life, and it will be hardest to follow my mission and pursuit of joy when I am facing failure and setbacks. It is easy to get down on yourself and feel sorry, but it is so crucial to remain conscious and perceptive to the bigger picture. “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, TED- Moreau FYE Week One). The entire goal of a mission statement is to take in the larger picture, and I hope to always have the clarity to know that through good times and bad. Remaining optimistic is something that I have learned in my time here. Always looking at the negatives is such an easy way to get sucked into unhealthy mindsets that will only lead to further negatives. “Asking why appeared to cause the participants to fixate on their problems and place blame instead of moving forward in a healthy and productive way” (“The Right Way to be Introspective (Yes, There’s a Wrong Way)” by Tasha Eurich- Moreau FY Experience Week Six). No matter the failure or setback, there is always a way back, and it starts with a positive attitude. 
	As my first year at Notre Dame comes to an end, I am extremely grateful for the Moreau First Year Experience and Professor Taylor. I can honestly say that going to class every Tuesday was the highlight of my week and provided me an immense sense of serenity. College is a stressful place, but each class left me feeling calm and confident that everything will be ok and work itself out. Although our classtimes have ended, I will never forget the tremendous impact that Professor Taylor and the rest of my classmates have bestowed upon me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.