capstone integration She’s a Work in Progress How do I pursue a life well lived? As my response, for the time being, I have discerned it to be my mission statement, “To fully become who I am meant to be - for myself and for others” (“qqc 13” by Anjeleigh Dela Cruz - Moreau FYE Week Thirteen). My statement consists of many things and responsibilities that I will hold myself accountable for during the rest of my time here at Notre Dame and for my entire life. However, I believe in answering this question honestly; one must reflect on their past and look towards their future. Pico Iyer said, “To me, 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 Iyer - Moreau FYE Week One). When we allow ourselves to sit still, our mind quiets so that we can hear what our heart desires. Through sitting still, I discerned my mission statement, and through sitting still again, may I fully understand the implications of my mission statement - a total breakdown. Three of the promises included in my mission statement are as written: To be persistent in my goals, refusal to give in to failure or lose sight of my goals when life becomes difficult; to take hold of the future, accomplish what my past self dreamed for me, resolve the regrets of my future self, and gain control of my present self; and to not let my worries control me, if I cannot get over my fear, I will just do it scared. All have one theme in common. Do not give up despite what I have/will face; life goes on. Fr. Hesburgh once said, “I’m thinking about eternity. I’m looking forward to the next stage of my life” (“Hesburgh” by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley - Moreau FYE Week Two). Although Fr. Hesburgh is thinking about Heaven, this also applies to me when I may face entering a new stage of my life - such as starting college. No matter how uncertain the future seems, I must face it confidently and embrace it. I had no idea https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1FomRdfhV4CUideGN7FFGJax6k-kyV4AszNlZHSBXazo/edit 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 what to expect during my first year of college, but I made it through - despite any obstacles or challenges. We must not spend so much time worrying about trivial things because looking at the big picture - it does not matter. Just as Sister Alethia said, “Remembering death keeps us awake, focused, and ready for whatever might happen — both the excruciatingly difficult and the breathtakingly beautiful.” (“Meet the nun who wants you to remember that you will die” by Ruth Graham - Moreau FYE Week Three). Looking back at what I believed to be the worst moments of my life in the past year, they seem lighter now. I lost sight of the big picture, thinking that my temporary pain would last forever. However, there is only one forever - death. It is when we realize that are we able to pursue a life well-lived, or as I put it, “To be happy” (“qqc 5” by Anjeleigh Dela Cruz - Moreau FYE Week Five). Two more promises I am held accountable to: To be in constant pursuit of knowledge, accept that I am constantly in a process of learning and to seek experiences and individuals that I can gain wisdom from; and to believe that no single moment defines me, my failures are not defeat, but a chance to start again with experience. During my time here at Notre Dame, I have realized that “Every experience shapes you in some way, whether you realize it at the time or not!” (“Navigating Your Career Journey” by Meruelo Family Center For Career Development - Moreau FYE Week Four). I am not the same person who stepped foot on campus for the first time in August. I am a product of the unique experiences and individuals I have encountered during my time here. In this short time, I believe I have experienced more growth and change here than in my entire life. I can only hope to imagine how my life will shape me in the next three years and onward. Five other promises I have built my mission statement upon: To be the person that someone needs, a comforting presence in times of grief and depression, a friend in times of https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SJQ-A7ztMY2yCA9IP5JX1A6N35q2ziNMmAsc19L0TJM/edit https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ loneliness, and a companion to share times of joy with; to spread hope and joy, to be an advocate for self-love and acceptance and emphasize that it does get better; to be a light to others, a lifeline cast when others are struggling to stay afloat; to make others feel loved, a basic human need; and to make others feel known, that there is someone out there who cares for them. These promises are built upon how I may be able to serve and help others. To pursue a life well-lived, Dr. Kim suggests to us, “Just focus on what we can do for others or what we can do already instead of what we cannot do and what we do not have yet.” (“5 Minutes” by Aria Swarr - Moreau FYE Week Six). The most selfish thing we can do for ourselves is to help others. I find that I often feel better when I do something in the interest of others compared to doing it for myself. I believe that one gains a genuine appreciation for serving others when one understands how it feels to be neglected - just as Pope Francis quotes Mother Teresa, “One cannot love, unless it is at their own expense.” (“Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by His Holiness Pope Francis - Moreau FYE Week Seven). Over the past few months at college, I struggled as I came to understand what a lack of love feels like. However, I came to realize that “at one moment, she decided it was worth living. And by anything, if not everything, would she live a life well-lived.” (“integration three” by Anjeleigh Dela Cruz - Moreau FYE Week Eight). After fighting a long battle, I believe that I deserve to pursue a life well lived by serving others. The last three promises of my mission statement: To forgive others, understand that we are ever-changing and our emotions are instances where we succumb to our struggles; and to always treat others with kindness, respect, and dignity, the bare minimum. I have participated in many conversations about race at Notre Dame - an institution still trying to improve its diversity. Often it can be difficult to discuss because many of my colleagues benefit from a concept Dr. Robin calls “Psychic freedom: Because race is constructed as residing in people of color, whites https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41060/modules/items/143880 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41060/modules/items/143910 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dLdyYguoPWytdQfrF0iOIS8GTgtvWkbK3i318VGZCJ8/edit don’t bear the social burden of race. We move easily through our society without a sense of ourselves as racialized.” (“Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism” by Dr. Robin D’Angelo - Moreau FYE Week Ten). For this concept alone, it is essential to facilitate discussions about race. As Notre Dame is often referred to as a poorly diverse campus, “We need to ask whether our picture of our opponents is accurate and well-thought-out or whether we might be trapped in the feedback loops.” (“How to Avoid an Echo Chamber” by Dr. Paul Blaschko - Moreau FYE Week Eleven). It is easy to ignore rational thought in a disagreement between two conflicting parties when one is trapped in a feedback loop. In the past, I have taken it upon myself to step out of my comfort zone, or “feedback loop,” and try to empathize with those who see differently. This is why I have elected to join Hawaii club board as our Diversity Council Representative because, as Mr. Cole puts it, “While my education and position do not grant me immunity from racial violence, they do place me in a position to do something about it.” (“I am George Floyd. Except, I can breathe. And I can do something” by Dean G. Marcus Cole - Moreau FYE Week Twelve). I aspire to treat others with kindness and fairness - in pursuing a life well-lived, I will continue to do so. My mission is to live a fulfilling life, guided by love for myself and others. By holding myself accountable to my mission statement and all of its promises, I may be able to pursue a life well-lived. As Professor Reifenberg states, “With respect and intelligence, humbly and without arrogance -- with humble confidence or confident humility -- we can be ambitious for making meaningful change.” (“Teaching Accompaniment: A Learning Journey Together” by Professor Steve Reifenberg - Moreau FYE Week Nine). Although I may struggle to uphold my mission statement at times, challenges will only strengthen my resolve. Others will be able to see my https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41060/modules/items/143969 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41060/modules/items/143990 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41060/modules/items/144011 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41060/modules/items/143949 mission in action through my service and love for others. By reflecting on the past, celebrating the present, and building toward a better future - I may pursue a life well-lived.