Microsoft Word - Capstone Integration.docx A Charged Life In my pursuit of a life well-lived, I will strive to fulfill my personal mission. This extends to all areas of my life and how I will impact others. In discerning my purpose, I had a conversation with sister. She provided an outside perspective on what she observed I valued, which I found perfectly congruent with my own internal feelings. This worked to reaffirm and direct my construction of defining how I want to live my life (Activity: Complete "Week Five Discernment Conversation Activity" – Moreau FYE Week 5). Thus, my mission is to pursue a life exemplifying the glory of God. I intend on turning to Him in all things, to find my answers and strength from Christ. I want my life to reflect my Savior, treating others the way he taught. Often times I will fail. But it is how I grow from these failures that will in turn shape me into a better person. I can turn to influential figures who modeled the person of Christ in shaping my own life. One such figure is Father Hesburgh, who reached across lives to make a lasting impact at the University of Notre Dame and America at large (Video: "Hesburgh" by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley- Moreau FYE Week 2). Father Hesburgh embraced humanity and exemplified a life well-lived. Additionally, I can learn from “The Spirit of Inclusion at Notre Dame” to remember that I can learn from my peers right here at Notre Dame. Our campus builds upon a Christian tradition to welcome all (Text: “The Spirit of Inclusion at Notre Dame” by du lac: A Guide to Student Life – Moreau FYE Week 10). I have found this to be true, as our community is both kind and inclusive. I hope to extend the values I learn here at Notre Dame beyond campus and throughout the rest of my life. For me to give my all to helping others, I first must find time to rest and empower myself. This is an area I continuously struggle with, as I always want to push myself without realizing the potential costs to my health. I have found that it is difficult to balance between work and self- care, although I have worked on improving this throughout the past semester. In the “Pause for Reflection” activity sheet, I took the time to reflect on the fall semester and identify areas in which I wished to improve upon (Activity: Complete the "Pause for Reflection" by McDonald Center for Wellbeing- Moreau FYE Week 1). This past semester, I took more time to truly be present with my friends, growing closer to them than ever before. I engaged more with my surroundings, finding time to take in nature and acknowledge to beauty of God’s creation. In order for me to be placed in a position to help others, I must choose a career that facilitates this. Throughout my time at Notre Dame, I want to learn as much as I can. This will better my mind and embolden me to try new things. In this knowledge, I strive to improve upon others’ understanding. I want to be influential and instrumental in catalyzing change. I seek to pursue a life in accordance with God’s plan. In asking myself the “Three Key Questions,” I was reassured of my chosen major in biology and the opportunities this will provide me with (Text: "Three Key Questions" by Fr. Michael Himes – Moreau FYE Week 3). This activity, in addition to the resources provided by the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development, aided in easing my anxiety about future jobs (Text: "Navigating Your Career Journey” by Meruelo Family Center for Career Development – Moreau FYE Week 4). Yet, I also found myself this semester thinking about other areas beyond my major that I could better my mind. I was encouraged by Week 11’s materials encouraging growth in wisdom and gaining new outlooks on life. Dr. Paul Blaschko provided advice on how to avoid an echo chamber and part of this process is inviting new perspectives (Video: “How to Avoid an Echo Chamber” by Dr. Paul Blaschko – Moreau FYE Week 11). This material, paired with encouragement from my professors, contributed to my decision to add a theology major. I feel that through this addition, I can enrich my understanding in both realms of science and humanities. I feel that this major will teach me how to live a life well-lived and how to form relationships, a significant component of my mission statement. I wish to find fulfilling relationships, beneficial in both directions. I want to both experience and share love. In my connections with my friends, family, and significant other, I will grow with them and give my all to their happiness. In sustaining relationships, I will strengthen my connection to the one whom I desire ultimate communion. These goals are reflected in Pope Francis’s teachings. He teaches that “Through the darkness of today's conflicts, each and every one of us can become a bright candle, a reminder that light will overcome darkness, and never the other way around” (Video/Text: “Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by Pope Francis – Moreau FYE Week 7). Often, I forget how small actions can still make an impact. I remember how I feel whenever someone takes the time to just say hi to me around campus. This encourages me to do the same and reach out to others, as this is the only way to set the foundation for a fulfilling relationship. It is through these relationships that I will experience life to the fullest. I want to feel the highest of highs, gained only from what I have lost. I want a perspective that looks at obstacles as areas of growth, much like Dr. Kim in his five minute perspective (Video: “5 Minutes” by Aria Swarr – Moreau FYE Week 6). I know that it is in my power as to how I can overcome and respond to difficulties. I can find hope in my foundation in the ultimate rock of Jesus Christ. Using this outlook, I want to be able to serve others, while knowing that they will serve me. Professor Steve Reifenberg’s idea of accompaniment as a two-fold path was particularly insightful and I strive to give and receive in this manner (Text: “Teaching Accompaniment: A Learning Journey Together” by Professor Steve Reifenberg – Moreau FYE Week 9). I desire to look back on my life and feel satisfied. I will live without the threat of regret and take action when it is fit. I want to help shape a society that no longer allows acts of discrimination like Dean G. Marcus Cole experienced (Text: “Dean G. Marcus Cole: 'I am George Floyd. Except, I can breathe. And I can do something.” by Marcus Cole – Moreau FYE Week 12). I want to treat everyone with the love and respect they deserve. I want to settle into eternal life knowing that people viewed me as a Christian. In these things, will I find true happiness and peace. Through these goals, I will live a life well-lived (Activity: Complete: Writing a Personal Mission Statement Activity – Moreau FYE Week 13).