Mar 4, 2022
Moreau Integration 3
Jocely’s Best Life Lived
	I would first like to thank everyone for being here today in honor of Jocelyn. Most of you may not know me, but I was one of Jocelyn’s dearest friends and I had the privilege to watch her live what I would consider, a life well-lived. 
I remember once, in college, she called me up from her dorm and we had a conversation for one of her classes. (Moreau Week 5) This conversation has stuck with me throughout the years as I have been able to watch Jocelyn grow and do a lot of the things we spoke about. One thing that has stuck with me was when we talked about our passions and what we hoped to do in the future. We were both freshmen in college and had no idea if we were living the path that we were supposed to live. Jocelyn asked me what her passions were and I was able to easily answer, justice. Jocelyn was always an advocate for other people and I always knew that she would dedicate her life to others as she had experienced the hardships of injustice in her own life.
Despite having a general idea of what she hoped to accomplish in her life, I remember how much Jocelyn struggled to find a major that would best correspond with what she wanted to accomplish. “There is no ‘best major’ out there- but there is a ‘best major for you’” (“Navigating Your Career Journey” from the Meruelo Family Center- Moreau FYE Week 4). This was an idea that Jocelyn had to figure out during her time in college. She often worried when she saw her peers already had everything figured out. She constantly expressed uncertainty and fear of getting it wrong. Despite this, I truly saw the passion that Jocelyn displayed for her undergraduate major, Political Science. I could not see a better match made in heaven. Jocelyn enjoyed her Political Science courses as they were geared towards this idea of justice. I think it is also important to note that “Dissatisfaction (restlessness) is not a bad thing… indeed it's the best thing about us. It's what constantly moves us forward, makes us grow, expands our horizons, and deepens our perceptions.” (“Three Key Questions” by Father Michael Himes- Moreau FYE Week 3). Jocelyn constantly pushed herself to find what would make her most happy. It was through this that she was ultimately able to grow into the person she was. 
Jocelyn always knew that she would ultimately love to give back with whatever she managed to accomplish in her life. Her University, which shaped a lot of who she became, had an alumni scholars initiative, “Those chosen represent a truly outstanding group of young Notre Dame graduates who continue to make a difference in their faith, service, learning, and work, serving as inspiring role models to a rising generation of soon to be Notre Dame graduates.” (Domer Dozen by the Young Alumni Recognition Initiative- Moreau FYE Week 2). Jocelyn had always been inspired by her school’s dedication to giving back to communities having been given the ability to do so from her education at Notre Dame. She wanted to be a part of the Notre Dame alumni community that gave back. She truly wanted to be what was coined “A force for good”. And that she was. Jocelyn used the opportunities given to her and accomplished all her dreams and aspirations. She went into Public Service and pushed for legislation that helped build justice in communities of underprivileged people, communities she had grown up in. She gave back to those communities financially and resourcefully as she donated and volunteered in her free time. Jocelyn knew that “People’s paths are riddled with suffering, as everything is centered around money, and things instead of people… tenderness is the path of choice for the strongest, most courageous men and women…” (“Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by His Holiness Pope Francis- Moreau FYE Week 7) People oftentimes abuse the power they have acquired through opportunities and use this power to oppress people as opposed to helping build them up. Jocelyn always used the power she acquired through education with kindness. She knew that she was given these opportunities, not to abuse them, but to use them as a force for good.
Jocelyn did not live an easy life. Her life was constantly met with obstacles she had to learn to overcome. “Suffering is a part of our lives, it is always there.” (“5 Minutes” from Grotto- Moreau FYE Week 6) Her transition into college was specifically difficult. You see, Jocelyn was a huge people person. She loved being surrounded by people she cared about. But she quickly had to learn about the importance of alone time. “All the unhappiness of men, arises from one simple fact: that they cannot sit quietly in their chamber.” (“Why We Need to Slow Down our Lives” by Pico Lyer- Moreau FYE Week 1) It was when Jocelyn learned about the value of being alone that she started to appreciate herself and her worth a lot more. She no longer had to depend on others for happiness, she only had to depend on herself. This was something that she learned to apply in the future. She became a successful and happy person through this practice of reflection and self-meditation.
Jocelyn lived a life well lived because she lived a happy life pursuing her passions and surrounded by people she cared for and loved. Her road was not an easy one, but it was a beautiful one. Through all the hardships, Jocelyn was able to look into the future and the bright side of things. Jocelyn will be remembered by her community for her hard work and dedication. She truly cared about her community and explored this idea of justice and equality throughout her years. Jocelyn left the world a better place through her presence and she will be dearly missed. Her legacy will continue to inspire others around her to pursue a life well-lived.