Moreau Integration 3 Moreau Midterm Integration The Path to Success: Reflection and Growth How would I define a life well-lived? What steps have I taken to achieve a life well-lived? What can I change to continue on my path to a life well lived? Reflecting back on my experience so far in life, and especially throughout my first year of college, I have gratefully encountered many enriching experiences. At the same time, as with everyone, there have been moments of struggle and difficulty, but it is important to realize that these are learning experiences – the sun will always rise again. In a life well lived, I believe that I must fill my surroundings with people I enjoy, be continuously driven, and be challenged to grow to my full potential. With this, however, I also think that a life well lived is one with balance – one where you are not pushing yourself too hard, and where mistakes are looked at as learning opportunities. Not everything needs to be planned out perfectly – as long as there is a drive to keep moving forward and improving in life. With this definition in mind, I believe that I have taken many steps to reaching a life well lived. Primarily, I have emphasized the importance of making meaningful connections with others – ones that mutually bring joy. At the same time, I have reached to make a variety of connections, instead of just staying in my comfort zone with past connections I have already developed. When I came to Notre Dame, it just worked out that my group of closest friends in my dorm are all a part of the business school. Not that this is at all a bad thing, but, being in the college of science, it left me needing to make lots of new connections in my classes – not ones that were just simply class friends, but real meaningful connections so that I could have people to collaborate and study with. While it required me to step out of my comfort zone, I have made some lifelong friends through my classes, something that might not have happened if I wasn’t forced to reach out. While this is just one example, surrounding all areas of my life with people who are supportive and bring me joy has contributed to my life being well-lived. As my mom said in our phone conversation, she perceives me at my happiest and at my best when I am brightened by the people that surround me (Maribeth Coyne – Moreau FYE Week 5). While this sort of deep connection is greatly important, it nonetheless is important to be kind to everyone I am around, whether I know them well or not. As mentioned by Pope Francis “We seek to create loving communities of kinship precisely to counteract mounting lovelessness, racism, and the cultural disparagement that keeps us apart” (“Why the Only Future Worth Building Includes Everyone” by Pope Francis – Moreau FYE Week 7). Having this sense of kindness and open mindedness is greatly important to creating a tied community, one that will aid in constantly lifting my spirits and pushing me towards my goals. The other main aspect that I believe I have accomplished that has pushed me to a life well lived, is always having a drive to achieve. As mentioned in the description of Domer Dozen member Kiersten DeHaven ‘14, “Resourcefulness, relentless drive, and service have guided [her] throughout her young career” (“The Domer Dozen” by ND Alumni Association – Moreau FYE Week 2). Drive provides for achievement and growth – all things necessary to continue pushing your potential. A key part in finding this drive is to find something you are passionate about, something that pushes you to want to continue growing and learning. I entered Notre Dame as a biology major – something I really like and still enjoy, but this major left out a big part of what academically interests me, math and computer science. Because of this, after my first semester I talked to older peers, my mom, my advisor, and did a lot of research, and eventually became greatly intrigued by the ACMS major. While still being in the college of science and requiring basic science courses, I also get to take more classes involving computational math. This semester, although difficult, I am greatly enjoying my courses and am excited for the rest of classes yet to come. As stated by Father Michael Himes it is also important to “Look for the task that will continue to stretch you” (“Three Key Questions” by Fr. Michael Himes – Moreau FYE Week 3). I am undoubtedly learning and growing immensely as a product of my classes, while also being able to find joy in them. While those are a couple examples of things I think I am currently doing to lead a life well-lived, there are still many things I can work on. As I am sure is the same with every student at this school, I have a problem with overloading my schedule. Between classes, clubs, research, athletics and work, I struggle to find time for myself. At the same time, I constantly find myself thinking that if I am not doing something that is contributing to my future, I am wasting time. Being able to take a pause throughout the day is https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/38593/modules/items/145635 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/38593/modules/items/145635 https://domerdozen.nd.edu/ https://domerdozen.nd.edu/ https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/38593/files/470631?module_item_id=145531 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/38593/files/470631?module_item_id=145531 crucial to having a good mind set. As described in Pico Iyers’ TED Talk,“The need for an empty space, a pause, is something we have all felt in our bones; it’s the rest in a piece of music that gives it resonance and shape” (“Why We Need to Slow Down Our Lives” by Pico Iyers - Moreau FYE Week One). As mentioned, having time for oneself is extremely important, as it leads to a better mindset and ability to keep moving forward on a daily basis. While this is something I need to improve on, I have attempted to begin scheduling one activity for myself everyday. Whether it be setting time to go for a run, taking a second to listen to music and clean my room, or sitting down to call a friend from home, it is activities like this that will create a balanced and healthy life. Along with creating good mental habits, it is important to know that setbacks in life are inevitable. As said by Undergraduate Career Services, “Much as we present it with arrows from one step to the next, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not always linear” (“Navigating Your Career Journey” by Undergraduate Career Services – Moreau FYE Week 4). Life is anything but linear, there are so many factors that are out of your hands and unpredictable. With this, it is important to remember to be open minded and to never let setbacks or challenges permanently put you down. A week ago, in the midst of midterm week, I became very ill. I had a fever, was extremely exhausted, and couldn’t do anything to be able to concentrate on my schoolwork. With lots of assignments coming up and exams to study for, I became very upset. Why did this have to occur now? How was I ever going to be able to finish everything while also needing to take time to properly get over this sickness. Despite this setback, as I am currently finishing this integration, my last assignment before spring break, I know that the next day will come. Setbacks are common occurrences in life, ones that will eventually be overcome and may even result in personal growth. Reaching a life well lived is something that takes continuous reflection and growth. I strive to recognize the things in my life that I find joyful, and continue with those practices. I also strive to recognize areas that don’t bring me joy, and see what I can do to change those. Through this all, I hope to always stay connected to God. As said by Aria Swar after his injury, “As I began just thanking God and be more positive about the things that I had already, I was able to do things more gladly, and with gratitude and joy https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ and hope” (“5 Minutes” by Grotto – Moreau FYE Week 6). Reflection leads to an opportunity for growth and an opportunity to keep moving towards your full potential. As I continue through my journey at Notre Dame, I strive to make it one filled with reflection and faith – things that will guide me to success. https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/38593/modules/items/145602