Week 8- Integration 3 Moreau First Year Experience Week 8- Integration 3 Passion and Connection– Danuta’s Life Today we are here to honor the life that was . For those who knew her, you know her view on life often left her confused, or anxious. She had endless things she wanted to do, and she wanted to leave this plane knowing that she didn’t waste any time living the best life she could. That meant that she made as many successes as she did mistakes. She was incredibly aware that “It is impossible to have a complete and honest human story, if one doesn’t speak of human failings as well as human successes.” ("Hesburgh" , produced by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley- Moreau Week Two). Although this didn’t mean she didn’t dwell. From a young age, Danuta felt big feelings. She didn’t feel happy, she felt overjoyed. She would get mad, she would get enraged. So when she made a mistake, he wouldn’t get sad; she would be devastated. It wasn’t because she was overly dramatic, though she often joked that her dramatics made her destined for Hollywood. No, it was because she was raised to be passionate–about everything. Her passion went beyond the fleeting moments of life. She was determined to believe that everything happened for a reason. “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 Week 1). Stepping back was hard for Danuta at first. It required her to let go of some of the emotions that she held, in order to find peace within her place in life. The way she did that was rather simple–she looked to those she loved. Danuta had a habit of seeking out friends or family whenever she needed them. I’m sure many of you here today can attest to the fact that there were days Danuta appeared at the front of your door. Whether she was there to spill out all of her feelings or not, you knew you were doing something important. You knew that she needed you. One of the things she valued most in life were the people that surrounded her. All of them shaped her into the strong, outgoing person she was and it was imperative to her that they knew how special they were. One of Danuta’s best friends Kacper once told her how she “helped the energy of the group be whatever it needed to be” (Discernment Activity- Moreau Week 5). He was referencing a friend’s birthday party, which https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ probably means Danuta was dragging people to the dance floor and cracking jokes left and right, but he hit the nail right on the head. Danuta always wanted to uplift her friends to share in their joy. It was never an option to let someone drown into negative thoughts when she had the ability to help. In Danuta’s eyes, the growth of one meant the growth of all that surrounded them. That’s why at times Danuta would get sucked into her own head. She was aware that “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 Week 6). Danuta wanted to know where she was in life, because boy did she love working with people. She came alive when she got to collaborate with others and loved every second of work that connected her with someone else. That’s how she saw the world. She believed the world is a web of human connection that we should honor– not sever. Her advocacy for the rights she believed in all came from her hope that we can all see how similar we are. We can think of His Holiness Pope Francis’ words when he states, “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.” (His Holiness Pope Francis: Why the only future worth building includes everyone | TED Talk, by His Holiness Pope Francis- Moreau Week 7). Danuta believed that everyone had the ability to become great. No matter how often doubt encroached on her future plans, she never let go of the knowledge that time is everything and that the light will come. She was a bright light, and she knew that everyone here today was too. There was never a question if Danuta was moving towards something. Given how much passion she had, it was always being put to use. Danuta’s passion was the arts. She would dance, act, direct, anything she could to release her emotions in a way that could touch those around her. However, when she first started, Danuta knew she wasn’t amazing at it. But no part of her felt like giving up. The scars on her knees were all evidence of her persistence. If she fell off her bike, she got right back on. If her efforts didn’t provide the result she wanted, she tried again. It may have seemed as though she was in a rush to be the best, but all she was doing was a result of knowing that “It’s not a one-step process.” (Navigating You Career Journey by Meruelo Family Center for Career Development- Moreau Week 4). Danuta was never one to let up. She wanted to do what she wanted to do and there was no one who could stop her. Danuta would search far and wide to find what makes her happy, because she knew that there must be something. Fitting into https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/ https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/ https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ the box of expectations was a struggle for her at times–until she let it go. She let go of what she was told would make her happy and thought to herself, “Well what do I want?”. Being that it’s a hefty question I can’t say she got a straight answer. But what can be said is that Danuta gave herself the chance to find out. Fr. Michael Himes once said, “Finally, no one but you can say this is my joy. You must discover this for yourself!” ( Three Key Questions adapted from Fr. Michael Himes - Moreau Week 3). Danuta had so much to discover.There so many things left for her to find, and declare as her joy–since you know she would. Danuta let the world know what she loved. Her passions, her people, even her knick-knacks from her favorite shows. Her love will be missed. But do not let her connection to fade as you continue on living. She knew everyone was destined for greatness. So let us show her how right she was and live on for her. Danuta is not one we will forget. https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40288/files/471202/download?download_frd=1