Moreau Capstone Integration Andy De la Garza 4/29/2022 Mapping Out a Fulfilling Life Throughout the semester, we have explored the characteristics that have helped others create a fulfilling life for themselves. By looking at these traits, I feel that I have been able to create an outline for the life that I would like to live and be remembered for. Through finding peace in my education, becoming an informed member of society, and working to improve the world, I hope to grow into a more complete individual who can look back on his life and be proud. As a young college student, one question sits in the forefront of my mind at all times: what will my future look like? This question can be interpreted in many ways, but at this moment, I see it as an uncertainty regarding my future career and work life. Whenever I express this uncertainty to my family members, I receive a similar response: “You’re young, you have your whole life ahead of you to figure out what you want to do.” While I appreciate the thoughtfulness of my family members and the support they offer, this response is not one that changes my doubts or stress. However, through reading this semester’s sources, I feel that I have found a few ways to better handle my anxiety regarding my future. After reading Fr. Micheal Himes’ “Three Questions,” I discovered a question that particularly piqued my interest: “Is this something that taps into your talents and gifts—engages all of your abilities—and uses them in the fullest way possible?” (“Three Questions” by Fr. Micheal Himes - Moreau FYE Week Three). I found this question particularly interesting because it altered my view of what a college education can be. Reading Himes’ question, I realized that I did not arrive at the University of Notre Dame with no prior experience. In fact, I arrived with many talents and abilities that I have https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40253/files/467215?module_item_id=142974 now had the opportunity to improve, such as my writing. Having always enjoyed writing in middle and high school, having the opportunity to take college-level English courses that challenged me has allowed me to improve my writing practices. While these courses have not given me a clear answer for a future career, I feel guided by my abilities that I had prior to attending college. Oftentimes when I am concerned about my future career, I also find myself questioning my choice in majors. Currently a business analytics and English double major, I have found myself wondering if these education paths will lead me to a job I want. However, through reading from the Merulo Family Center for Career Development, I realized an important fact: “Contrary to popular belief, deciding on a major does not determine the rest of your life” (“Navigating Your Career Journey” by Merulo Family Center for Career Development - Moreau FYE Week Four). While there is often ample pressure on students to pick a major and courses to fulfill such requirements, this quote reminds me that my majors will not put me into a box in my future. Instead, I should look at my future degrees as a gateway into more opportunities in my future that I would not otherwise have. While it can be difficult to envision the role that a major plays in one’s future, I am trying to relieve myself from the unnecessary pressure of selecting the “perfect” major and course plan. As valuable as resources such as the career center and academic advisors are to finding one's academic path, I have also realized the value of reaching out to friends for guidance. After interviewing a close college friend, he revealed his interpretation of my career uncertainties: “As scary as it might be for you to pursue a career as a writer, I don’t think you’ll be satisfied until you take that risk” (“Week Five Discernment Conversation Activity” by Noah Korth - Moreau FYE Week Five). Hearing his outlook on me and my goals made me realize that I had been https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yZ7hqvx-u4EuW2nlK-fRbWFiurQm1mZv_KpoeeiN4So/edit subconsciously projecting my dreams onto others while personally denying them. While I am uncertain what a career in writing could look like for me, this conversation helped me realize that in order to feel that I have had a life well lived, I will need to pursue this dream in some capacity. This realization was further emphasized through the Eulogy Integration. As I began to think about a legacy I would leave behind, it became clear to me that I wanted to be remembered in some capacity through my writing: “Through reading his works for many years, it was never a doubt to me that he had a passion for writing.” (“Integration Three” by Andy De la Garza - Moreau FYE Week Eight). Similarly, my passion for writing shone through in my mission statement: “For my mission, I would love to incorporate my passion for writing into helping others develop similar skills” (“Writing A Personal Mission Statement” by Andy De la Garza - Moreau FYE Week Thirteen). These statements represent my growing realization of a passion that I have. From feeling completely uncertain about my future to having a tangible goal for both myself and helping others, I feel that I have grown. In addition to developing the start of a path for my future, I hope to become more educated about issues in our society. There are important issues in today's world, from social justice concerns to environmental ones, that many individuals remain unaware of. This lack of awareness cannot continue, as “It is urgent that we recognize that human rights are under threat all around the world, including here in the United States” (“I am George Floyd. Except, I can breathe. And I can do something.” by Dean G. Marcus Cole - Moreau FYE Week Twelve). However, there is hope for improvement. As stated by Admiral Richard E. Byrd, “‘Half the confusion in the world comes from not knowing how little we need’” (“Why we need to slow down our lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week One). I strongly agree with this statement, and would like to better implement it into my own life. Through reading this semester’s sources, one https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SkhkzZIMH2UwJauu5J_yq76rGV0GcG_lVd8KPBLTFF0/edit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ur4b9oFy7Mh8adNrwRTIFcanUIJUAI6wnAczkxW-H3I/edit https://law.nd.edu/news-events/news/dean-g-marcus-cole-i-am-george-floyd-except-i-can-breathe-and-i-can-do-something/ https://law.nd.edu/news-events/news/dean-g-marcus-cole-i-am-george-floyd-except-i-can-breathe-and-i-can-do-something/ https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ of the most effective methods for combating ignorance and a lack of awareness seems to be accompaniment. By accompanying others and being accompanied, we can better understand other perspectives: “By being aware of what you’re trying to do, engaging in it, reflecting on experiences of it -- both accompanying and being accompanied -- you get better. Like teaching and swimming and learning a new language, with accompaniment, you get better by awareness and by practice” (“Teaching Accompaniment: A Learning Journey Together” by Steve Reifenberg - Moreau FYE Week Nine). This quote shows the value that accompaniment gives all parties involved, allowing one to become more aware and help others in the process. While accompaniment may seem like a simple process, the thought of reaching out to others or searching for help can be daunting. However, it is not surprising that making positive change is difficult. Likewise, implementing practices that bring about social change can seem like a monumental task. However, I am reminded by Notre Dame alumnus such as Zoe Kourajian that it is possible: In the years since [graduating], she has established herself as an innovator in the instruction of history, creating a curriculum reflective of the cultural experiences of all students. She strives to ensure that every single student, regardless of their background, sees their history valued and taught as essential to the American story (“Domer Dozen” by Notre Dame Alumni Association - Moreau FYE Week Two). It is inspiring to see an individual who was in a similar position to me years ago making a difference in her community, and I hope to use her work as motivation for making my impact on the world. Kourajian’s work with the American school system raises an important point: there is a lack of representation and understanding for many communities in the United States and world https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZbSdVImfn2hZDqMrdL96dZCNOtHuf6C-lg3sH-Rs30/edit https://domerdozen.nd.edu/ beyond. There are many causes for this lack of connection between various groups in the United States, such as racial segregation: “Most whites live, grow, play, learn, love, work and die primarily in social and geographic racial segregation” (“Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo - Moreau FYE Week Ten). While it is extremely unfortunate that there are demographics of the American people who are truly incapable of understanding each other’s situations, work just as Kourajian’s shows that there are ways to educate individuals about other American experiences. The impact of her work once again motivates me to take steps to understand other perspectives. A Hispanic-American, I am guilty of gravitating towards individuals with similar backgrounds to myself. However, I have also gravitated towards others with similar academic backgrounds or beliefs to myself. While it is nice to have a sense of belonging and connections to those who are similar to me, there are potential dangers to this behavior: “Bubbles turn into echo chambers when groups give up on tolerating diversity of opinions” (“How to Avoid an Echo Chamber” by ThinkND - Moreau FYE Week Eleven). It is possible that by surrounding oneself solely by like minded individuals, they can create a culture that discriminates against differences in beliefs. I strive to keep from creating echo chambers in my life, in order to be more aware of a variety of opinions and beliefs, in order to become a more tolerant and well-rounded person. In addition to making a difference in the world, I believe that in order to be an informed individual one must be able to understand and be critical of him or herself. As stated by Pope Francis, “If we’re not self-aware, it’s almost impossible to master the skills that make us stronger team players, superior leaders and better relationship builders, either at work or in the rest of our lives” (“The Right Way to be Introspective (Yes, There’s a Wrong Way)” by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYE Week Six). If we cannot work on ourselves, then we cannot expect to work with https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdVnfLDrJUJhd-4UtYb_kfRpcFgOoOeY7O1WT8_d3iw/edit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdVnfLDrJUJhd-4UtYb_kfRpcFgOoOeY7O1WT8_d3iw/edit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaIVxQcqnLs&t=1s&ab_channel=ThinkND https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/ others to improve the conditions of our communities or the world at large. This quote shows me both the role of self-awareness in improving the world and the importance of self-reflection in a life well lived. However, as important as we are as individuals, we must remember that we are not the only individuals who matter. In worrying about ourselves, it is possible that we “[leave] behind thousands of human beings, or entire populations, on the side of the road” (“Chapter 8: Jurisdiction” by Fr. Greg Boyle - Moreau FYE Week Seven). I have been guilty of letting my personal issues takeover my thoughts, making me forget about the lives of those around me. This quote shows me that in order to bring about positive change, we cannot only think about ourselves, but those around us. From creating my own goal, recognizing places for improvement, and enacting such improvements, there are many ways in which I can strive for a life well lived. While I am far from reaching all of the goals discussed throughout this integration, I hope that this activity serves as a sense of motivation for my future endeavors. It is never easy to plan out one's future, but by setting general expectations for how I want to live my life, I feel that I will be able to work towards any potential changes to my goals. There is no one way to achieve a life well lived, but I hope that through living up to these core principles, I will be able to create one for myself. https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40253/files/523815?module_item_id=167944 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40253/files/523815?module_item_id=167944