Integration 3 Integration 3 The Story Goes On Life moves very fast while in college. With all the papers, exams, labs, tutorials, and lectures it seems like there is always something to worry about. As dedicated students our minds are always focused on the next assignment or the next exam. Once we get those out of the way, our mind quickly turns to the next set of assignments or exams, never giving us the time to sit back and take in all of life’s blessings. As Pico Iyer claims, “It’s easy to feel as if we’re standing two inches away from a huge canvas that’s noisy and crowded and changing with every microsecond. It’s only by stepping farther back and standing still that we can begin to see what that canvas (which is our life) really means, and to take in the larger picture” (“Why we need to slow down our lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week 1). As I reflect on my life thus far, and as I hope others will look at my life as well, I hope to be viewed as someone who put his everything into each challenge he faced. I also want people to view me as a compassionate person that always had the well-being of others in mind. I just hope people feel that I have a genuine care for my future and the lives of all those around me. I feel that this perspective on life is reflected by the work of Change Donations. “Change Donations is an international fundraising platform that helps nonprofits and schools grow with the power of spare change. The platform allows users to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to their favorite causes” (“The Domer Dozen Gallery” by the University of Notre Dame - Moreau FYE Week 2). This work by Change Donations reflects that what may not seem to be a lot of money to some people, might make all the difference to others. I have tried my best to offer support to others when they need it. If one of my fellow Notre Dame https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://domerdozen.nd.edu/ peers is taking a class that I have already taken, I might offer them advice or instruction from what I previously learned. Also, as much as I miss my parents and my family, I try to take a little bit of time each day to call them and check in. What might only take twenty minutes out of my busy day, might bring them joy and make them feel like I am closer to home. As I reflect on my life, I am reminded of Becky Clements saying, “Memento mori is: Where am I headed, where do I want to end up?” (“Meet the Nun Who Wants You to Remember You Will Die” by Becky Clements - Moreay FYE Week 3). I think about the meaning of this quote quite often. Although life tends to move very fast, it is important to think about the way in which you are living it on a daily basis. Do your actions reflect your goals and aspirations? If you want to be one thing or achieve some things, are you doing what it takes to get there? As often as possible, I remind myself of where I would like to be later in life and it keeps me on the right path. This dedication keeps me in check and helps me get closer to my goals. I hope to be known as an outgoing person that isn't afraid to try new things or take risks. After all, “the only way to know more about yourself is to test the waters - just get out and experience life!” (“Navigating Your Career Journey” by the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development - Moreau FYE Week 4). As freshmen, we really do not know much about where we will end up or what career path we will take. I am definitely unsure about this at the moment, but am trying to keep an open-mind to as many options as possible. I hope to put myself in uncomfortable environments as this will help me to grow. Another way that I have reflected on my life is through conversation with others. In the (“Discernment Conversation Activity” by the Moreau Program - Moreau FYE Week 5), I talked with my mom about how she views me and some of my strengths. I realized that her and I have a lot in common and that we share many of the same values. She noted that I have a genuine care https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yZ7hqvx-u4EuW2nlK-fRbWFiurQm1mZv_KpoeeiN4So/edit for others and am often motivated by making an impact in the lives of others. This is something that I definitely see in myself and I hope to eventually work in the legal field to provide help to those that cannot afford it and need it most. Sometimes we need to look within ourselves in order to be a better person and neighbor to others. “University of Sydney psychologist Anthony M. Grant discovered that people who possess greater insight — which he defines as an intuitive understanding of ourselves — enjoy stronger relationships, a clearer sense of purpose and greater well-being, self-acceptance and happiness” (“The Right Way to be Introspective” by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYE Week 6). I often look within myself and try to be the best version of myself. I understand that I can only control my own actions, and so I must do so to the best of my ability. By continually improving myself, I am able to offer a better friend, listener, and communicator to others. By realizing what I have to work on, I hope that others will see that I am open and willing to be vulnerable with them. This openness also allows me to let others in, not blocking everyone else out. “Allowing folks into my jurisdiction requires that I dismantle what I have set up to keep them out” (“Tattoos on the Heart” by Fr. Greg Boyle - Moreau FYE Week 7). I hope that when people think about me or reflect on my life, they see someone that was always willing to let others in. I try my best to be open-minded and accepting to others, but it is also important to have some sort of a barrier to prevent you from getting constantly hurt by others. I hope people will think that I maintained a good balance of this tradeoff. I do my best to let others in and have a very welcoming heart, but it is still important that everyone proceeds with some caution. Although we all continue to grow, I believe my heart and mind are currently in a good spot. http://sydney.edu.au/science/people/anthony.grant.php https://www.sbp-journal.com/index.php/sbp/article/view/1219 https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/ https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41060/files/523808?module_item_id=167937 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41060/files/523808?module_item_id=167937