Integration Two
The Notre Dame Experience: My Thoughts and Feelings
Over my journey so far at Notre Dame, it has become clear to me that adjusting to college is a long, complicated process. When I first arrived, it was a very exciting, yet nerve wracking experience. Many people, including myself, felt obligated to talk to everyone and try to make as many friends as possible. However, this transition into college made many people feel out of place and uneasy. If you didn’t immediately find a group of friends or enjoy the activities, it felt lonely and isolating. Nevertheless, the quote by Emery Bergmann in the article, “Advice from a Formerly Lonely College Student'' describes how many incoming freshmen had these same feelings at first. She reports her thoughts of the first few weeks at college, stating that “I couldn’t seem to enjoy parties, feel comfortable on campus, or just meet people who I wanted to spend more time around. I felt so lost and beyond confused” (“Advice from a Formerly Lonely College Student” by Emery Bergmann - Moreau FYE Week Nine).  It is difficult to accept that my best college friends may take months, if not a few years to find. This entire process is one that will take time to figure out. Emery Bergmann wants us to realize that this is completely normal. Yet, as the days pass and we approach the end of the first semester, I feel more confident and comfortable already. I feel like I better understand the expectations for my classes, am more familiar with the social settings, and have established closer relationships with the people in my hall. All of this took time, but everything has significantly improved since the start of the year. I feel like by the end of it all, I will have some of the greatest memories and experiences of my life.
	Here at Notre Dame, I believe that community is one of the most important parts of the college. One essential aspect of community is the way that we respond to and resolve problems in our society. A difficulty that prevents us from properly addressing problems is groups or parties that separate the people. This is a social crisis where like-minded groups of people refuse to believe that their own group is ever at fault. We blame the other groups for problems and refuse to compromise. It causes much controversy and division. This is one of the central challenges of community and problem-solving that Father Jenkins includes in the "Wesley Theological Seminary 2012 Commencement Address". In the speech it is emphasized that “We cannot pretend to stand outside this. We are woven into it” (“Wesley Theological Seminary 2012 Commencement Address” by Father John Jenkins - Moreau FYE Week Ten). This shows our responsibility to love and help one another, regardless of political ideologies, race, or gender. We are all part of this great community, so it is our job to unite and make Notre Dame the best place it can be. This is particularly relevant with issues such as COVID-19. Rather than be divided by parties or other ideologies, we must come together and do everything we can to make sure we are safely able to learn. This will ensure we receive the best experience possible at Notre Dame.
	Another important concept discussed is the idea of change. How we change to deal with certain issues is a question that we must ask ourselves. A quote in the video “Diversity Matters” by Professor Agustin Fuentes shows that racism and injustices can be changed. He talks about how race is not a reflection of biological groups, but instead is due to social and historical contexts. He claims that “Race and inequality matter, but they are not fixed” (“Diversity Matters” by Professor Agustin Fuentes - Moreau FYE Week Eleven).  It is clear that we can limit the amount of racism in our world. By coming together and challenging societal or historical views, racism can be minimized.  All of this shows that discrimination, racism, along with other problems are able to be fixed and do not have to be permanent. Many ongoing issues can be resolved through an open mind and the want for change. This goes back to the idea of community and how to resolve problems. It takes the whole community to come together and put race, gender, and other barriers aside. If we do this, we can make changes at Notre Dame that improve our campus and the tight connection between students. We have a very diverse student body at our school. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, stories, and experiences. It is important that we are accepting of these differences and can change our attitudes if we are not accustomed to such a diverse community.
	One of the last important concepts introduced is the way towards positive growth and development. The importance of both faith and education is something we must consider when attending a Catholic university like Notre Dame. A quote in the text by Father James B. King describes a belief held by Basil Anthony Moreau. He wrote that “The work of education is essential to the life of the Church and its apostolic mission” (“Hope - Holy Cross and Christian Education” by Father James B. King - Moreau FYE Week Twelve). In the text with Moreau, it is clear that he had strong morals and values. He worked hard toward integrating faith and education. It is evident from this, that he wanted certain principles to be emphasized in life. This plan that Moreau so closely followed led him on the path towards positive growth. In my life, I hope to have these same strong principles. A strong sense of faith, tight community, and hard work ethic are all things that will lead to my development. Additionally, I must follow the principles highlighted at Notre Dame. These include mind, heart, zeal, family, and hope. These strong foundations are something that will allow me to become the best version of myself. Those that establish values and live their life by them, are constantly bettering themselves and working towards positive growth.