Ellis_Integration Three Moreau First Year Experience To the Young Person Waiting to Bloom Little Me, Greetings from the future! It’s your 20-year-old self. There’s so much I want to share with you and so much advice I want to give. Your life will take a lot of unexpected turns and it won’t always be easy, but it will be brilliant. I wish I could say that I had some great formula for you to use to achieve a life well-lived. I don’t have all the answers, but I do have some advice based on my experience so far. So, here’s some advice on how to lead a life well-lived from your older, “wiser” self: ● Take time to rest. Since we’re musicians, I’ll share a quote that I think gets this point across nicely: “The need for an empty space, a pause, is something we have all felt in our bones; it’s the rest in a piece of music that gives it resonance and shape” (“Why we need to slow down our lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week One). We’re singing Debussy’s “Beau Soir” in Chorale right now. It’s a gorgeous piece about taking the time to appreciate life because nothing lasts forever. The song is filled with these beautiful phrases followed by lulls in the piano. Life follows that ebb and flow. There are plenty of exciting moments in life, but take time to appreciate the quieter moments too. ● You’re human. It’s okay to make mistakes. I already know this point will give you grief because I know that we’re perfectionists. Since I know you’re very focused on getting into Notre Dame at the moment, I’ll share a quote from Father Hesburgh. Father Hesburgh said that “it’s impossible to have a complete and honest human story if one doesn’t speak of human failings as well as human successes” (Hesburgh by Father Theodore Hesburgh - Moreau FYE Week Two). I’ll let you in on a secret: you get into Notre Dame. You achieve your dream. You’re going to make mistakes (and fail a couple math quizzes), but that’s okay! You still succeed because you are passionate and hardworking. Remember that you’re human. Be kind to yourself. If it makes you feel better, I’m still working on this one quite a bit. One thing I try to remind myself is that every mistake I make is just a setback, not a failure. (Although, unfortunately, you will still fail some exams in the future.) Remember, mistakes are natural and we are still capable of great things. ● Pursue your curiosities. I think this piece of advice will excite you because we’re naturally very curious people. Think of it this way, “the only time your vocation is settled is when you are settled (six feet under that is!). Look for the ways joy leads you forward. Look at the ways joy leads you on to other questions” (“Three Key Questions” by Father Michael Himes - Moreau FYE Week Three). This quote is perhaps a bit morbid, but it’s true. There’s no better time to ask questions and pursue your passions than the present. Lean into your curiosity! https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40306/files/475736?module_item_id=149263 Currently, I’m able to be curious about all sorts of things at Notre Dame. I get to study Biology, which I’ve always loved; but I also get to explore subjects I’ve never heard of before like Peace Studies. I think it’s safe to say that curiosity remains an important part of our well-lived life. ● Try new experiences! This point may scare you a little bit because I know we’re very cautious. There are benefits to being careful, but there are also benefits to diving into the deep end. To continue the pool metaphor, “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 Four). You have to commit to the cannonball before you explore the water, so just go for it. I’ve been learning a lot about new experiences here at Notre Dame. It can be scary, but also super exciting. You’ll see real snowfall for the first time. You’ll take the train and visit a big city. You’ll even take a whole course devoted to exploring life and its meaning. You’ll meet a lot of cool people in that class too! Introduce yourself to new people! I’m still trying to work up the courage to do this more, but it’s been great when I have. As it turns out, life can be a lot of fun when you jump into the deep end of the pool! ● Cherish your loved ones. I know family is a tricky subject for us. First, I promise you that it gets better. Second, try to be grateful for the loved ones you have in your life. I know we aren’t people who take things for granted, but we got really lucky to have so many loved ones. You have so many people who love you. Let them love you, and love them in return. At some point, you’ll have a specific conversation with Mom that really puts the value of loved ones in perspective for you ( Discernment Conversation Activity with Mom - Moreau FYE Week Five). I don’t want to spoil it for you because it was a very special moment, but that conversation will help you realize how important it is to be loved and supported. That love and support is what makes life worth living. Cherish it and share it with others. ● Lean into the difficult moments. You’re going to face some major challenges in your future. Even as I write this letter, I am struggling with health issues. It’s not fun or easy, but you’ll learn a lot about yourself when you struggle. Pay attention to what those challenges teach you. We watched an interview with Dr. Jihoon Kim recently. After dealing with health issues, Dr. Kim stated that “once I began focusing on what I can do already, it also changed my disadvantage as well” (“5 Minutes” by Aria Swarr - Moreau FYE Week 6). The health issues you’ll face are no fun, but you grow a lot from them. A well-lived life is not necessarily defined by always being happy. Every moment is a learning opportunity. Try to view your struggles as opportunities to grow. https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yZ7hqvx-u4EuW2nlK-fRbWFiurQm1mZv_KpoeeiN4So/edit https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/transform/why-does-god-allow-suffering/?utm_source=moreau&utm_medium=class&utm_campaign=spring_2022 ● Choose compassion. This piece of advice may be the hardest one I’ve given yet. You know better than anyone else that the world can be a cruel place. Despite that cruelty, choose compassion. Choose to be vulnerable and pick kindness. Pope Francis explains that “Tenderness is the path of choice for the strongest, most courageous men and women. Tenderness is not weakness; it is fortitude. It is the path of solidarity, the path of humility” (“Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by His Holiness Pope Francis - Moreau FYE Week Seven). Choose to be vulnerable and let compassion guide you. Some of your most cherished moments will come from acts of solidarity through vulnerability. I promise that it’s worth it. Be tender. I know that I’ve just shared a lot of advice with you, but I hope that you take the time to read through it and take it to heart. Trust the process; and, most importantly, trust yourself. Yours, https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript