Professor Pruitt
Moreau Integration 3
2 March 2022
 - Living Life for Others
	 was born on April 17th, 2003 to her parents Leslie and Harry Kemp. She was the oldest of her four siblings, and was a true role model for those around her. She was someone who had a passion for what she did as well as embraced all that life gave to her. She did not shy back from a challenge and was willing to help anyone in any way that she could. The tragedy of her death allows us to recognize how grateful we all are to have had the chance to know her. She was a blessing in each and every one of our lives, and she taught us how to live truly joy-filled lives.
One thing that mattered to Elizabeth most in life were the people that she cared for. Her family and friends were those who were always there for her, and in the same way, she did all she could to be there for them. It was clear that her relationships with others were something that brought her the most joy in life. In a TED Talk about relationships and inclusiveness by Pope Francis, he uses the quote, “Life flows through our relations with others” (“Why the Only Future Worth Building Includes Everyone” by Pope Francis - Moreau FYE Week 7). This quote rang true in Elizabeth’s life. Her relationships were a necessity in her life and she made a constant effort to ensure they remained in her life. Whether it be a visit, a phone call, or a quick text before an important event, Elizabeth always had the people she loved on her mind. She also cared heavily for their opinion and looked to them for ways she could improve herself. Her mom, Leslie, recalls a time in college when she called and asked her some questions for an assignment, one being “What is something that is difficult to say but important for me to hear?” (“Week Five Discernment Conversation Activity” - Moreau FYS Week 5) Leslie remembers Elizabeth taking what she said to heart about taking time to slow down and to truly be proud of her accomplishments. Elizabeth loved having these types of conversations, and well as hearing what her friends and family desired their lives to look like.
Elizabeth was hard-working, and made a consistent effort to reach the goals she set for herself. Whether it be school in her early days, work, or her personal life, Elizabeth knew what she wanted to achieve and who she wanted to become. Not only was she successful in her career, but she worked to live a good life and become the best version of herself. Throughout her time at Notre Dame, Elizabeth had the opportunity to learn about one of their most influential presidents, Fr. Theodore Hesburgh. He was hardworking and determined and took advantage of the opportunities he was given, once saying, “I had my shot, I did what I had to do” (“Hesburgh” by Jerry Barca - Moreau FYS Week 2). He had remarkable opportunities, and used each and every one of them to make a positive difference in the world. In the same way. Elizabeth saw the opportunities to grow and took advantage of them every chance she got. She knew that “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 4) These opportunities presented themselves to her in her schooling, career, and thorough one of her favorite activities - traveling. Influenced heavily by her parents' love of travel, Elizabeth took every chance she could to explore the world, her favorite places having visited being Israel and England. She also took opportunities she had to serve others through tutoring or working at homeless shelters. Elizabeth recognized that the opportunities she was given were not ones that everyone had, and kept a mindset of gratitude throughout her life.
When faced with conflict, Elizabeth did not back down. When she was younger, she struggled with blaming herself for issues that she had. However, a mentality she learned to adopt was when faced with difficulty asking herself “what” she was feeling rather than “why” she was feeling that way. (“The Right Way to Be Introspective” by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYS Week 6) Through doing this, she was able to figure out ways to overcome the challenges as well as maintain her self-confidence. In the midst of struggles, Elizabeth was able to remain at peace with herself and her abilities while working through problems.
Despite the business of her life, Elizabeth made a consistent effort to slow down and take time for herself. She believed that, “The point of sitting still is that it helps you see through the very idea of pushing forward; indeed, it strips you of yourself, as of a coat of armor, by leading you into a place where you’re defined by something larger” (“Why We Need to Slow Down Our Lives” by Pico Iyler - Moreau FYE Week 1). She recognized that when she took that time for herself she was able to put what she was going through in perspective and work through what was going on whether it be good or bad. This then allowed her to continue to grow in virtue and work toward living her good life. In addition to this, she used her free time to do little things for others, like pick them up a coffee before work or deliver baked goods.
Looking back on the life of Elizabeth, it is clear what mattered to her most in life: her family and friends, and finding any way she could to help others. While we mourn this loss, it is essential that we continue to celebrate and remember her legacy and live in the joy that she surrounded herself with. As Fr. Michael Himes once said, “Joy always pushes us forward. It’s an impulsion, a pressure to move forward, to do more, to extend oneself more deeply, more richly, to open one's talents even more widely than one had before” (“Three Key Questions” by Fr. Michael Himes -  Moreau FYE Week 3). Elizabeth would want us to remember this quote and as we go from here and push ourselves to become the best version of ourselves. Let us remember to remain in the joy that we felt in her presence and the joy she lived her life with.