Who Will I Be?
	It is an interesting experience to come back to a predominately traditional college after being out of school for seven years. It is most interesting because I have already begun seeing changes in myself when I thought I had a good idea of who I am. However, in my self-reflection, I have not noticed changes in my root beliefs. That is not to say there will never be changes in those because I have noticed them change over the last few years. I think the idea of “root” is too steadfast and unchanging. Our minds and goals change throughout our life, regardless of the stage we are in. Below are some root beliefs that have brought me where I am today.
1) I believe that I grow by facing the challenges that scare me the most.
2) I believe that without a community I would not be where I am today.
3) I believe that learning to accept yourself is needed for inner peace.
As someone who has struggled with anxiety that left me in an unhealthy mental state, I know that acceptance of yourself is crucial to having inner peace. Now, when I say inner peace, I don’t mean happiness, a person can be at peace without being happy. However, I do believe that if you have that inner peace then it is much easier to be happy with what life has to offer. I think Dr. Brown’s discussion of vulnerability being the cornerstone for happiness and joy sums up this idea perfectly. Throughout dealing with my sickness in mental health, I found that I was the loneliest and most unhappy when I isolated myself from others. At the time I told myself it was a defense mechanism to protect myself, but it was really a way to hide that I didn’t know who I was. 
Continuing with the idea of self-acceptance, David Brooks’ discussion on the differences between Adam one and two is relevant to the discussion. Brooks’ statement that Adam 2 is built on fighting his weaknesses to be successful rather than finding success in the world is the better Adam to strive for. Initially, I agreed that building a foundation as a person is best to do first, and then begin working on worldly success. However, I think my perception of the discussion has changed through attending these Moreau classes. Father Kevin’s way of perceiving weaknesses as only “strengths that need work” resonated with me. I think it hurts our ability to accept ourselves if we see everything we do as weaknesses. I say this with hesitance because there are attributes that every person needs to work on, but I think looking at these “weaknesses” differently promotes self-acceptance. 
I have learned the hard way that community is such an important aspect of life. Due to my background, I had the tendency to isolate myself from others. I had close friends, but they were few and far between. To this day, it still takes me longer to form relationships then the average person, but it is one of those lesser strengths I am working on. I have found that I am happiest and most in tune with life when I have a strong sense of belonging from the people I am surrounded by. Professor Fagerberg’s line that “to love is to will the good of another” was a lesson that I learned the most in my time in the Navy. There were plenty of people I did not get along with, but we were still a family because we could love each other enough to support one another.
With this sense of community fueling an individual’s success, it also incorporates the need to lookout for each other. Although the video may have been cheesy, Notre Dame’s discussion on bystander intervention is important to maintain a supportive community. I think learning these lessons now ensures people learn what that sense of togetherness really means. There have been plenty occurrences in my life that could have gone worse if it had not been for my friends protecting me. 
My community of friends and family has supported me tremendously, but they have also challenged me. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s advice on avoiding a “single-story” is accomplished through an open-mind and a community that is willing to challenge you as an individual. Even in my short time here, I have found a group of people that are willing to challenge me, and I love it. I have learned so much academically and about life because they are willing to teach me. Allowing this sense of growth also works towards eradicating that single story mind set.
Fear is the number one reason individuals don’t do things that could help them grow. It seems that everyone is afraid of failing, so instead of trying they just sit back and let opportunities go. I have been subjected to this fear, there have been plenty of moments in my life that I chose to hide rather than face that fear. I think it is safe to say that a lot of students that attend Notre Dame have a fear of failing, of not being “good enough”. However, the nice thing about being older is that I have learned from my past mistakes. I have learned that without that bravery in facing the fear, I do not grow as a person. Being accepted to Notre Dame was exciting, but I was terrified. I had moments of doubt over the summer about whether I should attend, whether I was good enough. Since I am older, I am a few steps behind academically. Yet, I knew that I could not let this opportunity go, especially after waiting six long years to finally work toward my dreams. I knew from past experiences that I needed to do this. As Carla Harris states, “Fear has no place in your success equation,” this was another quote that resonated with me. One that truly reminded me why I am doing what I am doing.