Cultivating a Legacy

	When it comes time for me to depart this world, I don’t want people to be sad. Even if it is a sudden or unexpected departure. I want people to celebrate the time I had on earth and be happy that I made an impact on others around me. I want my legacy to live on and continue making an impact on people's lives, which to me, is evidence of a life well-lived. So how will I create a legacy that will affect generations to come? I believe that the most effective way to do this is by forming strong relationships with those I surround myself with. Fortunately for me, I have found such amazing friends here at Notre Dame. I have never been in such a supportive and fun friend group in my life. When I die, I know they will be there. I know they will have such amazing things to say about the time we spent together, the moments I have already shared with them, and our future adventures. I am also very fortunate to have excellent mentors in my life right now. In ROTC, the upperclassmen are always around making sure we have all academic and extracurricular resources possible. The battalion Gunnery Sergeant, A decorated Marine with 4 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan is always around making sure we are on track to be the best leaders possible. When I die, I want to have lived a life of service. Giving back to the younger generations just as “Gunny” does for me. By doing so, I can create a legacy of leadership that will hopefully impact the future leaders of this nation. 

What would I do differently if I were to die in one month?  I would spend time with my family and closest friends. All I would ask of them is to make sure that my mission in life will be continued, either through them or through one of their children. My mission in life is not unique, but I believe it is important. A mission of service to the country and service to the future generations of leaders. I would be honored if one of my friends opened an MMA gym in my name in Philadelphia and mentored underprivileged children in Philadelphia. I would be happy to depart this world in a month knowing that one of my friends WILL make sure someone else picks up my mission where I left off. Even if that person has not been born yet. My mission can wait, but the sooner it continues, the better. 

Reflecting on how Moreau has contributed to my personal development, I have concluded that it forces me to reflect on what I am doing right, and what I could be doing better. Week One of Moreau, I realized I am most clear-headed when I write my feelings down on paper. Physically writing my emotions/problems down on paper helps me organize my thoughts and make a plan on how to fix my problems. I once heard someone say if we can’t do complex math problems without writing things down, how can we deal with emotions which are much more complex than math, without writing things down? 

For week two of Moreau, we reflected on the question “Is my desired career path suitable for me?” I wrote a lot in response to this question because my future career is something I am very passionate about, and something that I work towards every day. Week two of Moreau helped me write my essay to switch from Navy ROTC to Marine ROTC. I wrote “There is nothing I want to do more than be a Marine Corps Officer. My desire to serve our country was ignited by the radiant sound of taps played by two Marines at my grandfather’s funeral. At the young age of 6, I did not know what branch those highly disciplined service members were from, however, the chills pulsing through my body made it clear to me that I too wanted to wear that same uniform. Just now, reflecting on my grandfather's funeral, it has become clear to me that my calling to be a United States Marine was planted on the day my grandfather was buried.” Week two of Moreau had me reflect on what aspects of my personality and character contribute to my desire for a particular career. Reflecting on my character attributes and development helped me clearly dictate to the Marine Officers reviewing my application that I truly wanted to be a Marine. 

Week three of Moreau had us watch the Father Hesburgh documentary. The biggest takeaway I had from this documentary was how Father Hesburgh has such a powerful voice for good and reason. His voice commands respect and trust, I really enjoy listening to him speak. He is a tremendous role model for all people, and having a voice that people trust and appreciate is something I pride myself on. Of course, I get carried away sometimes and try to be too funny, but I always do eventually get serious and can offer good advice. But if I don’t know how to give someone advice, I tell them that truthfully and say I do not know the answer to that question. I then offer emotional support and make sure they know that I hear them and I am there for them. 

Week four of Moreau I reflected on the quote “If you are in a major you enjoy, you will be more motivated to go to class, get better grades, and overall be happier - all of that leads to better post-graduate outcomes.”(Link). I am a firm believer in doing what you love and not chasing money. I know that my job after college will not pay very well, but it pays tremendously in life experience and job satisfaction. People with a lot of money are not always rich. People that live a life of purpose and have a positive impact on others are “rich”. They are rich in life fulfillment. Which I think is much more important than having a big bank account. 

Week five of Moreau I had a conversation with one of my best friends, Robert. The biggest takeaway I had from this conversation was the fact that sometimes I let my emotions take over(99% of the time it's anger). He told me that they waited to tell me that our friend Lily was sexually harassed by another kid at a party we were all at because he feared that I would seriously hurt the kid. I am fortunate to have a friend like Robert that knows me very well. I don’t know what I would do if I had known that night. But moving forward, I am working on taking a few seconds to let my initial emotions subside, then make the best decision that will help me achieve my goals. 

Week 6 of Moreau I reflected on the question: “how can I trust in God and move forward after tragic events?” Week 6 of Moreau, I received news that my friend Makai was murdered back home in Philadelphia. Makai had a great heart and cared for his friends and was taken from this world too soon. I was struggling for a while with the fact that the killers will most likely get away with the murder. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is that his family and friends have faith that he is by God’s side watching over them. An event like this makes me appreciate all the things I have in my life and reinforces the uncertainty of life.  

	Week 7 of Moreau continued my reflection on the passing of Makai. The quote: “This is also, largely, the problem in the groupthink of gangs. They just can’t seem to see one another as residing in the same jurisdiction”(Tattoos on the Heart) This quote resonated with me because whatever Makai could have done to the 3 people that murdered him could not have possibly justified their actions. People need to stop seeing each other as “residing in different jurisdictions” and understand that we are all born with a clean slate and that our environment is what shapes our development. Some people are more fortunate than others in regards to the environment we are born into. This is something that helps me be sympathetic towards the actions of others. Sometimes it is hard to look past the evil they commit, and sometimes I can’t do it. But that is why I believe in God. God will forgive him should they repent for their sins.