Moreau Integration 1 Evolving Questions and Answers Leaving my hometown, I arrived at Notre Dame with very few expectations. I hoped to discover more about myself; however, I never honestly thought I would learn so much in such a brief period. Only eight weeks into my college experiences, I found some answers and had plenty of new experiences, including Irish football games. Nevertheless, several of the big questions I have only just begun to explore and seek out answers. While I have discovered some answers, I have equally come across more questions, and several of my answers have changed. My college experience, I believe, will allow for my questions and answers to evolve, which I can only look forward to my discoveries. When I initially applied to Notre Dame, I applied as an economics major. I believed that after college, I would attend either business or law school, but the longer I have been in college, the more I question whether I want to spend the rest of my life in either of those careers. Now I believe that I am searching for a career that I enjoy, but more than that, I am searching for my life-long friends. The day before classes started, I watched a video called "The Power of Vulnerability." While it was just an assignment, I understood the vitality of vulnerability in creating relationships, especially in new places. Brown stated, "as a result of authenticity, they were willing to let go of who they thought they should be in order to be who they were, which you have to absolutely do that for connection." which explains the importance of vulnerability to establish relationships ("The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown - Moreau FYE Week One). The more I experienced college, the more I discovered this truth: relationships forged on one's authenticity last a lifetime. https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23747/modules/items/104190 This experience subsequently led to another belief because I discovered I grew through these experiences in which I utilized vulnerability. Moreover, my growth only happened as a result of exploring outside of my comfort zone. David Brooks describes the importance of combating one's weaknesses when stating, "You go into yourself, you find the sin which you've committed over and again through your life, your signature sin out of which the others emerge, and you fight that sin and you wrestle with that sin, and out of that wrestling, that suffering, then a depth of character is constructed" ("Should you live for your résumé ... or your eulogy?" by David Brooks - Moreau FYE Week Two). In general, people find attempting to combat one's weakness uncomfortable. However, by turning these weaknesses into strengths, one genuinely grows. I have learned that when I feel unsure about whether I want to explore beyond my comfortable boundaries, I should because it causes growth. One of the ways I explored beyond my comfort zone is in my quest for truth. I believe that I pursue truth by never just accepting something but asking questions. While I understand the importance of blind faith, I constantly encounter questions with answers that only lead to more questions. Even though this is a never-ending journey, it provides me with the opportunity to explore my faith and beliefs. Each person's faith journey differs, which is why exploring a variety of stories about people's faith journey is more helpful than relying on one person's journey to discover your's ("Student Reflections on Faith" by Campus Ministry - Moreau FYE Week Three). One of the ways I commonly seek answers to my questions is through prayer and reflection. No one on earth has all the answers, and I definitely do not, which is why I turn to the only being who does. Fr. Sorin describes his experience when he turned to God when he could not produce an answer. He said, "Tell me, Father, could Priests of Our Lady of the Holy Cross and Brothers of St. Joseph refuse such an offer? However, I did not wish to precipitate matters. I https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23747/modules/items/104201 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YVemqUBaAs5DNBPYm806TyQZr3F0xElP/view?usp=sharing took time to pray and reflect" ("Letter to Father General Moreau" by Fr. Sorin - Moreau FYE Week Five). By turning to God for wisdom and answers, one can obtain some form of a solution. It might not directly answer a question, but it provides some direction in one’s search for answers. One of the ways I find direction in my search, in addition to prayer and reflection, is consulting my peers. Especially at Notre Dame, everyone has a unique background with diverse perspectives. By listening to these perspectives, I can look for commonalities or even attempt to understand other beliefs. I believe that my community includes a variety of views, of which all should be heard. These varying perspectives come from each person’s influences ("Where I'm From" by George Ella Lyon - Moreau FYE Week Six). Brooks discusses the importance of various perspectives when he says, "Finally, these are shared stories; this shared knowledge should help us discover a shared destiny and our shared affection for one another" ("How to Destroy Truth" by David Brooks - Moreau FYE Week Seven). By each person sharing their stories, we as a community gain more knowledge and insight. I have encountered incredible people here, and their perspectives have opened my eyes to many different beliefs, which I find interesting. One of the most important things human beings should do is listen to each other and our stories. Especially on college campuses, each student should stand up and defend other students. I believe that I am responsible for my actions and responses. Specifically, in situations that look suspicious, I know that if I should respond a certain way, I must respond. The Notre Dame Student-Athlete video states, "Approach the situation" ("It's On Us ND - The Three D's of Being an Active Bystander" - Moreau FYE Week Four). One of the best ways to protect fellow students is by actually approaching situations. By entering into situations, we can do more than if we https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o56woQDq3QrRkziT8eYrvYly5CQaP2Vb/view https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23747/modules/items/104258 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23747/modules/items/104258 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23747/modules/items/104265 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23747/modules/items/104265 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qk5iI7HctYydSB3xYZs5hNClJ-uo5Hq4/view https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qk5iI7HctYydSB3xYZs5hNClJ-uo5Hq4/view merely act as if we did not witness anything. I constantly keep this in mind; however, so far I have been fortunate enough never to have to involve myself in any bad situation. While I have learned a lot about my personal beliefs from my time here, I still have years left of lessons to absorb and experiences to discover. Nevertheless, the Moreau class has provided me with much good advice on adjusting to life here at Notre Dame, and I look forward to what materials will be covered throughout the rest of the course.