Moreau, Clancy: Integration 3 Clancy Professor Chan Moreau First Year Seminar 4 March 2022 Connection, Service, and Faith Madison lived a faced paced life but she was not one to shy from contemplation. She recognized that “... the more facts come streaming in on us, the less time we have to process any one of them” (“Why We Need To Slow Down Our Lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week One). Throughout her education, she questioned her purpose. Especially during her time at the University of Notre Dame, she felt that she was called to be more. Through various social concerns seminars, Madison discovered a passion for interacting and being in communication with others. Like Father Hesburgh who could find common ground with anyone, especially when he “found one thing running through [their] conversations, that they all liked to fish” (“Hesburgh” by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley - Moreau FYE Week Two), Madison aimed to make true connections with all she encountered, and her kind demeanor lead her to commonly succeed in this endeavor, especially in the realm of service. She recognized that she “ “Allowing folks into my [her] jurisdiction requires me [her] to dismantle what I [she] have set up to keep them out” (“Tattoos on the Heart - Chapter 8 Jurisdiction” by Father Greg Boyle - Moreau FYE Week 7). However, Madison's life was not all highs. “Is this a source of joy?” (“Three Key Questions” [adapted] by Father Michael Himes - Moreau FYE Week Three) was a question she pondered frequently as she struggled with overthinking things. It took her a long time to learn to be confident in herself. When asked the question “What are you good at?” (“Navigating Your Career Journey - Moreau First Year Experience Course” by the Merulo Family Center for Career Development - Moreau FYE Week Four), she struggled. She felt that she spent so much of her time on things she was not good at. She loved to dance (which she was not very good at) and she enjoyed running (which she was also not good at), she also wasn’t necessarily thriving in her business classes as she hoped. But, after receiving advice from her professor, as well as engaging in a Pasquerilla West Hall Faith Group, Madison realized that, first off, it is https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40288/files/524007?module_item_id=168044 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/40288/files/471202?module_item_id=145988 https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ Clancy okay to do things you are not good at, especially hobbies. Her faith group in particular revealed that it actually shows perseverance, a very helpful trait to possess. In regards to business classes, Madison remained patient and soon discovered the realm of social impact and sustainability work in business where she discovered the intersection between her passion and the classes she was taking. To continue, those around Madison, specifically her mother, recognized Madison’s desire to help others, and made an effort to remind her that “You can’t always make everyone happy and can’t do everything for other people.” (“Reflection on The Conversation with My Mother” by - Moreau FYE Week Five). While this was not always easy to hear, Madison took it and decided that instead of focusing on all the people that she would not be able to help in the world, she focused on the people she could. She brought this mentality into her daily life, continuing to checking in on those around her, while also being vulnerable with those she talked with. While it took time, Madison grew to be a wonderful listener, and someone that had an ability to understand others. This journey of self-growth was a long one. Madison recognized that, “Introspection can cloud and confuse our self-perceptions, unleashing a host of unintended consequences” (“The right way to be introspective (yes, there’s a wrong way)” by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYE Week Six), and consequently she had to be thoughtful about asking herself the right questions, specifically the “what” of it all. In order to do this, she found it helpful to engage in prayer. Madison became an active member of her chapel at the University of Notre Dame, attending weekly evening prayer, serving as a lector and sacristan, as well as commonly attending the rosary. She took these practices into life after college and integrated them into all she did in her life. Some of Madison’s closest friends explain a story she told them about one rosary in particular. She mentioned how, all her life, she struggled finding focus. Her mind would commonly wander and she would feel bad about it. She would feel like she was a bad Catholic (something she struggled with commonly in her youth). However, during this particular rosary, during the Lenten https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GI9_CYzgdWq9u1fWm_UizMl7Y_TEYcNpTm_o44VPzsQ/edit?usp=sharing 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/ Clancy season, she realized that it is not about perfection. She came to a sense of kindness toward herself, acknowledging that she truly is loved by the Lord no matter what. She remembered the feeling of truly having faith that the Lord’s understanding is beyond her ability to comprehend as a person, and how special that was. She credits part of this experience to her Foundations of Theological class where she was able to take an analytical approach to faith: one she appreciated. After continuing on this journey of careful questioning and faith, Madison encouraged others to do the same throughout life. As mentioned, she was involved with her parish all through adulthood, where she shared her experience with others. She also did lots of work with youth groups (both religious and not) to share her lessons on appreciating yourself and your humanness, and finding a new perspective. In the workplace, where Madison worked for the Sustainability and Social Impact committees for various companies over her lifetime, she led mindful meetings frequently to continue her goal of helping those around her. Lastly, while connection, service, and prayer were large parts of who Madison was, this would not be a complete dedication without acknowledging the love Madison had for her family. Her sister, Shannon, truly was her role model and she consulted her on every single aspect of life. Her brother, Gavin and her parents were her rock over the years and she was thankful for them in every way. She commonly thanked her friends, especially those she made at the University of Notre Dame, as could not put into words the love she had for them. Lastly, her dog, Sievert. Sievert served as a kind, wonderful companion over Madison’s life, and he provided dear comfort, even in her hardest days. Madison was a thoughtful, faithful, and loving person, who dedicated her life to sharing it with others.