The Focus Question for this session is: "In what ways may courage, vulnerability, and belonging be a part of my search?"
1) Review the Moreau FYE Fall 2021 syllabus. Which of the focus questions or objectives stated in the document stand out to you as particularly relevant to your life? 
In what ways do stories shape my journey?
With every story heard or read, I gain a new perspective. I can now see a new opinion on a new topic with a new lens. Through storytelling, we build meaningful relationships that connect deeper than before. Oftentimes, values, opinions, and thoughts are better communicated through a medium where we put an audience in our shoes. This way of storytelling has allowed writers to hold an audience’s attention longer without boring them with a lecture. I know with every story I hear, I’m able to become more empathetic and open myself up to respecting another person’s accomplishments or mistakes. For me also, telling stories is a way to remember and reflect on past lessons I’ve experienced. I can look back on stories to see if I progressed, decide what I should do next, or whether to make the same or different decision. As I collect more stories, my decisions and resolutions have become wiser and mindful, and with everyday, I become a better version of myself. Hopefully, stories will continue to improve how I make decisions and tackle questions that are too complicated for a yes or no, right or wrong. My journey to Notre Dame is also thanks to my ability to storytell in my college essays!

2) Drawing from Dr. Brown’s commentary, submit a QQC Reflection to prepare for in-class discussion. View the “QQC Reflections” section of the syllabus for detailed guidance.
Question: How can we take the blame away from others and become empathetic?
Quote: “The way to live is with vulnerability and to stop controlling and predicting.” As humans, we set a border, more or less a parameter, around what we want to control. We think our input will directly influence the outcome of what we can control. We feel at ease having to put aside a concern that could possibly have damaging consequences. However, the downside of control comes when things aren’t in control. If anything were to step out of line, we would feel exposed and think we’ve made a mistake. This mentality of keeping a straight line isn’t healthy nor entirely new. Making mistakes should be a sign to embrace that we are imperfect, a sign that everything truly is uncertain. If we do, Dr. Brown’s definition of courage becomes an aphorism, a truth, on how to live our lives. Once we let go of how we think everything should be, our lives become authentic and real, worthy of aspiring, and therefore vulnerable and beautiful. 
Comment: By watching this presentation, I realize how truthful Dr. Brown’s viewpoints are. Coming to Notre Dame, I’ve tried to put a persona on who I should be. I didn’t take into account how damaging it could be having to prove myself to other people. I should learn how to let go of my persona, my shield, and become vulnerable. For being vulnerable puts me in a place where joy, creativity, belonging, and love are a part of my life. I would hope that I can learn to embrace vulnerability and become my authentic self. Only then can I give myself some respect and therefore give others respect too.