11-27-21 The Incentive for Hope and Optimism Moreau first year experience was enlightening as it covered aspects of fairness and introduced me to different perspectives. Both racial and religious experiences have been emphasized through the detailed discussions I have conducted. The concepts of hope, community, pluralistic ignorance, and faith were discussed and explicated throughout the class. The quote, “who says you have to meet society’s expectations for the perfect body? Who even set those expectations?” by Julia Hogan speaks to the societal norms that damage people’s self-esteem and make them deeply self-conscious about their “shortcomings” (Letting Go of Expectations is a Freeing Habit by Julia Hogan – Moreau FYE Week Nine). This array of societal expectations make us unable to be satisfied with who we are currently. Instead, we continuously reach for a goal in the interest of making society proud instead of ourselves. Seeking to fulfill societal expectations blinds us from ourselves and inadvertently leaves us devoid of self-integrity. Hogan echoes this sentiment by proposing that people should emphasize and proudly wear their personal traits rather than seeking to encapsulate an imaginary vessel of societal expectations. The concept of imposter syndrome speaks to how insecure I was prior to arriving at Notre Dame. I had manifested the thought that I fell below the caliber of intelligence that Notre Dame had for its students. This feeling of pessimism about my place at Notre Dame contributed to “pluralistic ignorance”. Doubts about the caliber of my abilities fueled my first few weeks at Notre Dame; leaving me with feelings of hopelessness and hesitation. Fortunately, my interactions with other students helped to forge a sense of self-confidence and welcoming. The quote, “Francis looks through a structural lens to detect systemic injustices and calls on people of faith to dismantle them,” demonstrates how leaders are acknowledging the inherit injustices rooted within a myriad of societal aspects (Wesley Theological Seminary Commencement by Fr. John Jenkins – Moreau FYE Week Ten) . Facets such as the criminal justice system, housing, economics, and health care are plagued with racial biases and preconceived notions that subsequently hurt our progress toward equity. Neglecting these innate shortcomings will lead to long-term consequences that exacerbate the contemporary discrimination in our society. At the same time, it is unfair to execute change through violent acts of social activism. So rather than using forceful activism, we should instead follow a passive albeit persistent approach that creates a bipartisanship between both sides of the political spectrum in the interest of promoting positive change. Although I grew up in a racially homogenous city, I can empathize with the persistent calls for change that have sprouted throughout various news outlets. The article by Christopher Devron encapsulates prominent opinions voiced by the both sides of the political spectrum and proposes a “both/and approach” that seeks to create a more equitable environment for for minorities. So by the standards of John Paul II and Francis, we can identify examples of structural or systemic racism throughout society at large as well as in Catholic Jesuit education. The quote, “We cultivate a capacity for connectedness through contemplation,” says that we must forge an acquiescent environment for everyone (Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community by Parker J. Palmer – Moreau FYE Week Eleven). This does not always imply sitting cross-legged and chanting a mantra, though it may help certain people. By contemplation, I mean any method of breaking through the illusion of separateness to experience the reality of interdependence. Failure, sorrow, and loss have been the deepest kinds of introspection in my life. We are all part of a community, whether we realize it or not, whether we like it or not, whether we honor it or not. The concept of community emanates from the human heart.Hard experiencessuch as meeting the enemy within or dealing with the conflict and betrayal that are an https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/health-and-wellness/letting-go-of-expectations/?utm_source=fall_2021&utm_medium=class&utm_id=moreau https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/health-and-wellness/letting-go-of-expectations/?utm_source=fall_2021&utm_medium=class&utm_id=moreau https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/health-and-wellness/letting-go-of-expectations/?utm_source=fall_2021&utm_medium=class&utm_id=moreau https://president.nd.edu/homilies-writings-addresses/wesley-theological-seminary-commencement/ https://president.nd.edu/homilies-writings-addresses/wesley-theological-seminary-commencement/ http://couragerenewal.org/parker/writings/13-ways-of-looking-at-community/ http://couragerenewal.org/parker/writings/13-ways-of-looking-at-community/ 11-27-21 inevitable part of living with other individuals are not the death of a community. Community is less like a garden and more like a crucible after the first flush of romance. Community requires leadership, and it requires more leadership, and it requires more leader, not less, than bureaucracies. A hierarchical organization, with its well-defined roles, rules, and relationships, is better ableto operate on automatic pilot than is a community, with its chaotic and unpredictable energy field. The article titled Hope-Holy Cross and Christian Education quotes, “Moreau spent his childhood years watching the Church struggle to regain its footing and sustain itself against lingering discrimination…” echoes much of how society today is struggling to find its footing amongst a slew of discriminatory events that occur throughout the world (Holy Cross and Christian Education by Fr. James B. King – Moreau FYE Week Twelve). We are frequently bombarded with tragic stories about oppression and defragmentation. Like Moreau, society today continues to struggle to maintain its stability. Society’s propensity to ignite violence in times of peace destroys the potential harmony that could exist. This inclination is the cause for social stagnation throughout the world; motivating people to become less open to bipartisanship. To echo the Holy Cross article, a profound education and instillment of values prevents stigmas and fosters a more equitable community. Just as the dogmas and interests of the Church and society were increasingly straining the traditional understanding. I empathize with the article because it echoes much of the sentiments expressed by the community. Just as Moreau intensified his efforts to promote a profound education, it’s vital that we take what Moreau pioneered and make it a natural part of our lives. Our education similarly aims to develop students’ intellectual capacities within the context of a broad curriculum. Competence can be earned through a myriad of different ways but courage is instilled over time by cultivating one’s heart and constantly directing its purpose beyond one’s self. It is a process that requires spiritual and vocational formation. Ultimately, the class combines integrity with the importance of understanding new perspectives. I remember learning about how to forge a strong community and perceptual illusions rooted in feelings of hopeless in certain communities on campus. The class also outlined aspects of negligence in the classroom when considering ways to circumvent harm in neglectful relationships. In addition, the concept of community and hope has helped to forge a deeper understanding between perspectives. These insightful discussions have helped to instill positive values to various individuals and has made Notre Dame a more equitable place for a community of diverse perspectives. https://nd4-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/omartine_nd_edu/Eb1jmAA_R7dHoEAfT6Zuo6YBPKVkRxOr2TJ2i8z0vY6ZRg https://nd4-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/omartine_nd_edu/Eb1jmAA_R7dHoEAfT6Zuo6YBPKVkRxOr2TJ2i8z0vY6ZRg