Jennixa De La Cruz
Theo Helm
FYE Moreau 
Capstone Integration
29 April 2022
My Mission for Life
	The University of Notre Dame is one of the top Universities in the nation, so it was expected that they would want their students to excel in education. I thought that coming to this university meant that I had to just be a student and pass my classes. I thought I would have to be a machine and just work on studying more than anything else. Then the University of Notre Dame taught me that I need to discover myself and my purpose in being in this University. Being a student does not define myself as an individual but instead as a part of who I am for a short period of time. I must find who I am and the purpose of my being. I want to thrive in this community and find people that will help me through life. The University has made me think about how I want to be remembered after my death. I do not just want to be another student, but I want to make a name for myself. I have goals to be successful and earn a great living, but I should not forget that I am here for myself, my family, and the future. I should not lose myself in the process of achieving those goals. Instead I will thrive to be the best person I can be and pursue life itself (“Mission Statement” By Jennixa De La Cruz - Moreau FYE Week 13).
	One of the inspirations and role models that I have learned about this semester was Father Hesburgh. He had a mission for humanity and was ahead of his time. He wanted to do many things for the University and made a name for it. He was not only interested in just the University humanity as a whole as he stood for what he believed was just and right (“Hesburgh” by Jerry Barca and Christine O'Malley - Moreau FYE Week Two). Knowing that there is a possibility that one person can do so much for humanity is inspiring to many to achieve the same. I want to follow behind Father Hesburgh’s example and continue what he started. I want to learn from this University about what kind of leader I can be and how I can inspire others. However, trying to live a more inspirational life can have obstacles as well. Father Hesburgh had many obstacles and scandal, especially with the Vatican. One must learn how to live around those obstacles and overcome them. To overcome obstacles in life one must be self-aware of all they do when it comes to even the simple matters in life because “all stem from self-awareness” (“Ways to Practice Mindfulness” by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYE Week Six). I must learn how to be self-aware of my actions and emotions since that can help me grow more and learn about myself and those around me. These obstacles will not stop me from achieving my own way of living and the goals I have set for myself. 
	The one important question that I always ask myself is what kind of life is it that I want and how can the way I live influence others? Part of self-awareness or self-reflection is knowing what life I am currently living. We are living in a fast world right now and that is influenced by work and technology. People are more concerned with trying to be financially successful and trying to catch up with what is happening around the world instead of just trying to take time to focus on their own life. Pico Iyer talked about taking time away from technology or work and how beneficial that can be for the mind and just health in general ("Why we need to slow down our lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week One). Being aware of the life one lives is a way to reflect on how involved in relationships and the world I am. Father Greg Boyle was involved in his community and developed relationships with inmates that have lost their way. Father Boyle helped them find the right passage of life and he knew how important the relationships he developed with these men were for both parties (“Chapter 8: Jurisdiction” by Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J - Moreau FYE Week Seven). The importance of keeping a relationship is giving attention and interacting with them. I had a conversation with one of my best friends from back home that I have known since I was 4. We had maintained a great relationship for about fourteen almost fifteen years now. She described the person I am and how she believes I maintain a relationship. She believed that I always pay attention and listen to others (Moreau FYE Week Five). Communication is something that I think is important when it comes to any kind of relationship. It is very important and can help with my personal mission to help the world and myself.
	To know what the world needs one must listen to those that are suffering and try to understand what they are going through. “Look beyond your immediate concerns; show compassion and accompany one another” ( “Teaching Accompaniment: A Learning Journey Together” by Steve Reifenberg - Moreau FYE Week Nine). This quote perfectly explains what kind of steps that I need to take so that I can look beyond trying to fix a problem that is never ending. It is best to just comfort those that need it and let them know that they have people to help them. Being empathetic and compassionate is trying to take some of the suffering away from people and that is what I want to do. To help with suffering can also include the inclusion of those who are suffering. The spirit in this University is trying to have more inclusion so that people do not feel as if they are not wanted. One needs to understand that the importance of inclusivity is showing that someone is being heard, especially those who are in the minority. I myself am in the minority and this school shows great efforts of trying to help me feel welcomed in this school. Learning to be aware of others' struggles will impact their lives and  “it impacts my lived experience” in the way that I am more educated and aware (“Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism” by Dr. Robin D’Angelo - Moreau FYE Week Ten). I live in a lower middle-class community back home where they treat us as criminals since we are a Hispanic community. I have always tried to strive for greatness to prove those people wrong and to show them that anyone can be successful if they keep an open mind. There were times where I thought I was going to fail but then I learned that the only way I fail is keeping the same mindset throughout my life. I have gained the knowledge to educate others that there should not just be one view on matters. I would like to “leverage [them] to move them in my direction” so that they can step away from this one mindset (“Passion Isn’t Enough” by Hidden Brian Media - Moreau FYE Week 11). 
	My mission in life is just to live as well as possible. I will have an open mind to any challenges that I face and will not dismiss anyone who wishes to communicate with me. I want to lead an example for future generations and inspire them to continue living their life the way they see fit. There really is not a personal mission except to see where life take me and trust God on the path that he has given me.