Spence 

Bryan Reaume
Moreau
01 March 2022
Integration 3
The Moreau class is structured to provoke insightful moral questions that have ultimately made me a more competent person.  By diving deep into my thoughts and feelings, I have learned more about myself and who I wish to be in the future.  It is easy for me to read prompts and think of how they apply "in the now," but requires more effort to foresee how these questions, such as "How do I define a "life well-lived?" beyond my time at Notre Dame.
Our first week's focus question, which struck me as one of the more important ones, was "What life am I living?".  Ultimately, there was no way for me to honestly answer this question.  I am still learning and developing the life I want to live.  Changing day-to-day, there is no telling what I may encounter and how it will change or affect me as a person.  We all strive towards the "perfect life" I find myself unique at this point because of my goals and dreams and the processes I use to achieve them.  I, unlike others, seek struggle in life; hardships push me to grow and maximize my potential in all aspects of my life.  The text "Why we need to slow our lives down" by Pico Tyler made me realize that our lives are shaped by how we grow up.  Tyler talks about, in sabbath ideas, that we all come home at the end of our lives.  I, like many others, have been instilled with morals from my childhood.  I am grateful for what I have, striving to reach my goals and caring for those I love.  In a weird sense, these ideas have the feeling of "home."  From thinking back on how my parents raised me to the circumstances, adversities, and struggles I faced as a child.  I will forever be striving and searching for my "home."  And when I have found that sense, it will be instilled into my future family's morals.
Week 2's readings and movies about Fr. Hesburgh and Notre Dame may be one of my all-time favorite Moreau modules.  In learning fascinating history about Notre Dame University and Father and President Hesburgh, I developed a sense of pride and history for every step I take on this campus.  Before watching this film, I would've never have known that my dorm, Keough Hall, is related to the former CEO of Coca-Cola.  How cool!  Father Hesburgh truly gave everything he had in his time as president to make this university the greatest of them all.  Through high school, I always heard of the history surrounding the campus and how it integrated into the culture of Notre Dame.  At first, I only thought of history because the school is so old.  But after learning more about Fr. Hesburgh and the development of Notre Dame, it is clear to see how history has impacted the culture of Notre Dame.  Fr. Hesburgh's scale impacted the school during his time as president is quite impressive.  It is clear to see that he, along with others, paved the way for students to become as impactful in our world as he was at the university.  
The Domer Dozen pages were filled with extraordinary people, ranging from specialties and degrees.  But I found it interesting that every one of them is selflessly working to impact our world in the utmost positive way.  Dr. Rene Bernea caught my attention with his work.  Especially with what is going on in today's world involving outbreaks and pandemics, I thought it was fitting to listen to what Dr. Bernea has done to contribute to the world of medicine.  Dr. Bernea's introduction mentions "having something to fight for."  Personally, I think everyone worldwide striving to succeed is doing it in memory of someone, honor someone, or prove it to themselves.  For me, I not only pursue a career in Professional baseball for my own enjoyment but by respecting my parents in all that they have sacrificed to help me pursue my dreams.  Ultimately, although not being able to relate directly to a passion for medical research and science, I found his words inspiring.  My main takeaway was to know why you're doing what you're doing.  I think it is easy to get caught in the blur of a busy schedule and lose focus on your ultimate goals in life.  We all need to have a clear sense of "why" in our busy lives.
There are many ways that these activities have developed my young mind to come full circle.  And among all of the readings, I have seen who I am becoming, even if it is something I do not like.  This is among the most important lesson I have learned in this class.  Having self-awareness is key to assessing who I am becoming.  I feel that the readings and lessons in this class only cover a small portion of what is to be learned about yourself.  I have felt a greater sense of self-awareness in who I am becoming through listening and partaking in conversations with my classmates and teachers.  One example that is still fresh in my mind is Prof. Reaume describing how he was being a "jerk."  During a middle school trip that he was chaperoning, there was an unfitted family that disrupted the lessons during the trip.  Prof. Reaume stated that initially, he was furious at the family's grandmother and contemplated calling her out for letting her grandkids disrupt the conversation.  He also talked about how he made assumptions about how the grandma used sky zone as an excuse to not watch over the kids.  It was impressive to see him reflect back on his thoughts, humbly saying that he was thinking like a "jerk."  This is an important lesson that I can learn in life.  Often, the heat of the moment can pressure us into making unfair assumptions.  Even though these urges may be natural, it is essential that I can reflect on my initial thoughts and feelings.  And to ask me, is this the person I am or becoming?