Microsoft Word - Final copy of integration essay moreau Mayor 1 15 October 2021 Professor Hnatusko Integration Assignment Pursuit of Happiness I believe that I am searching for genuine happiness. This may sound obvious and applicable to everyone, but I cannot say this has always been true for me. In high school, I found myself having trouble developing healthy and genuine friendships. This feeling of isolation and disarrangement shocked me because I had no problem making friends in grade school. One would think that going to the same school as my cousin would help ease my sad feelings, but it made things worse. My classmates constantly compared us, which ultimately led us to drift apart. During my sophomore year, I gave up on trying to cultivate new friendships. I did not feel like I belonged. In her speech, Brené Brown talked about how those who feel alone also feel that they are unworthy of love (“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown – Moreau FYE Week One). I know this to be true because of my high school experience. Along the way, I did build a few unhealthy relationships, and I am proud to say I have left them. In her article on toxic friendships, Olivia Taylor wrote, “Friendships should make you feel positive and like you’re investing in something long term” (“5 Signs You’re in a Toxic Friendship” by Olivia T. Taylor – Moreau FYE Week Four). The friends I did have did not make me feel positive; in fact, they intensified my feelings of isolation. I eventually made a few friends that I value and talk to today, but I still felt like an outsider in my school community. Because of this, I more intensely focused on my academics. I shielded my pain with academic validation. With every 4.0 semester, I told myself perfect grades were worth not having many friends. Eventually, I put so much Mayor 2 pressure on myself to excel in school that my anxiety intensified dramatically. I prioritized my success so much that I forgot even to consider my happiness. While I realize how toxic this lifestyle was, it did lead me to Notre Dame, so I am somewhat grateful. Today, I prioritize my happiness but still consider my success. I do not put as much pressure on myself to get A’s. I have cultivated healthy friendships, and I am so proud of myself. I believe that I grow by learning from my past. My past is a part of me, but it certainly does not define me. It is important to look back and learn from your mistakes because nothing good comes from them if you do not. Carla Harris reinforced this idea when she said, “Pay attention to things as they happen to you for when life comes to teach you a lesson, you will repeat the class if you don’t pass the test” (“2021 Laetare Medalist Address” by Carla Harris – Moreau FYE Week Five). During my saddening high-school years, my relationship with God withered. I wondered why bad things happened to good people. I wondered why God let my two cousins die when they had so much life to live. As Father Pete McCormick highlighted, I forgot that my and everyone’s journeys were in the hands of God. In his speech, Father Pete McCormick talked about the importance of remaining hopeful in times of despair. I wish I had heard Father Pete’s message during this dark time in my life because I did lose hope (“The Role of Faith in our Story” by Father Pete McCormick, C.S.C – Moreau FYE Week Three). I remember the day when I went to my aunt’s house and asked her how she still had so much faith and hope after losing her only daughter. She explained the concept of free will and said that if there were no evil or sadness in the world, we would have no free will. I will never forget this conversation with my aunt because it helped me rekindle my relationship with God. I am so grateful that I can look back on my past and grow from it because it has helped me become the best version of myself. Mayor 3 I believe that my community should focus more on including everyone. In their article, Keith Payne, Laura Niemi, and John M. Doris all write about the effects of implicit biases. People like to speak as if they are not included in this issue, but the sad reality is that everyone has implicit biases (“How to Think about ‘Implicit Bias’” by Keith Payne, Laura Niemi, John M. Doris, Scientific American – Moreau FYE Week seven). It is essential that Notre Dame students recognize their implicit biases so that they can correct them. At Notre Dame so far, I have joined Best Buddies and Special Olympics. Both of these clubs aim to help kids with special needs. I have always had a passion for helping kids with special needs. Because my cousin Jack has autism, I have seen firsthand how poorly kids with disorders are treated. Before Jack became the global ambassador of Best Buddies, he struggled socially and mentally. People bullied him for being different. Seeing this broke my heart; it is what inspired me to join Best Buddies. At Notre Dame, people’s implicit biases toward kids with special needs show. I often hear kids using the word “retard.” I know most of the kids that say this word do not know how offensive it is, but it highlights this issue of implicit bias. To help prevent these implicit biases from becoming severe issues, I have joined student government. I am a part of the movie committee and am in the process of teaming up with Best Buddies. My goal is to include local kids with special needs in Notre Dame events, such as movie nights. This will help create a more diverse community on campus. I believe I am who I am today because of my family. I did not realize this until writing my “Where I’m From” poem; while writing it, I found myself reflecting on some of my favorite family traditions. When reflecting on my beliefs and values and considering my adam 1 and adam 2 traits (“Should You Live for your Resume or Your Eulogy?” by David Brooks, TED – Moreau FYE Week Two), I see my family within myself. I have always been a very driven Mayor 4 person, one who focuses on success; however, I now know never to prioritize my future over my intrinsic values. This learned lesson is something I am proud of, and it perfectly aligns with Notre Dame’s beliefs. One of Father Moreau’s most famous quotes is as follows: “The mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” I am grateful that I grew up in a house that reinforced Moreau’s belief. I value knowledge because knowledge is power; however, I value my character more. While my parents have shaped me throughout my childhood, Notre Dame shapes me today. What makes Notre Dame different from other top schools is that they intimately care about their students. They want to shape their students into spiritual and loving beings, all while strengthening their minds. I am privileged and grateful to attend such a wonderful university that prepares me for my future.