Moreau Integration Two


My Journey
Growing up, I was always more decisive than my peers. When asked what ice cream

flavor I wanted or what my plans were for the day, I always had a clear answer, with no
hesitation. However, I have had a change in mindset recently. During this new phase of my life
and throughout my college experience so far, I have realized I do not have all the answers and
not everything is as clear as I previously thought. More importantly, I have asked questions that
deepen my understanding of myself and my journey here at Notre Dame. From the article, “Why
letting Go of Expectations is a Freeing Habit, the author highlights, “Trust yourself...Look at all
of the options out there for living life and pick the ones that you feel called to”(“Why Letting Go
of Expectations is a Freeing Habit” by Julia Hogan-Moreau FYE Week 9).  Through evaluating
all the opportunities presented to me, one of the most important questions I have asked myself is
“What do I want?” In terms of the friendships I form, the goals I set, and the aspirations I would
like to fulfill, I have learned to always ask myself this question and trust my natural instict.
Instead of listening to unrealistic external expectations and standards, I have learned to respond
by listening to myself. This has instilled a newfound sense of confidence within me as I have
learned that in trusting myself, I can answer questions that often seem daunting.

Another pivotal question I have asked this semester is, “How can you create a healthy
balance between academic and social life?” During my time in high school, I put an excessive
emphasis on academics, taking the hardest classes and maintaining a perfect transcript. While I
do not regret putting long hours into studying and achieving the best of my ability, I was always
tired and had a hard time maintaining that healthy balance. In answering this question, I have
now realized how finding a middle ground between my past and present self has increased in
importance as a result of my Notre Dame Journey. One of my favorite videos I have watched this
semester, the Kintsugi Video, relates to the concept of unifying your past and present
experiences. The creator of Kintsugi describes how love serves as a bridge between your past
and present self and how there is “beauty in brokenness”(Video: “Women Find Healing Through
Kintsugi Workshop,” Grotto-Moreau FYE Week 10).  The message behind Kintsugi was to
transform hardship and tribulation into growth as an individual, which I truly admired.

In addition to encountering my innermost self, I have also encountered community.
Through various dorm events and activities, I am able to meet people from all walks of life,
perspectives, and backgrounds that share a similar passion for what Notre Dame has to offer. In
relation, the author of “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Community” says, “Community is not a
goal to be achieved but a gift to be received” (Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community” by
Parker J. Palmer-Moreau FYE Week 11).This resonated with me because my response is now a
newfound appreciation and sense of cherishment for others around me.  My response has also
turned into a willingness to participate. For instance, my hall hosted a Thanksgiving dinner and I
signed up to cook three dishes: stuffing, apple pie, and mac and cheese. After hours of work, my
efforts were rewarded by seeing the happiness and gratitude people expressed when tasting my
food. It is what you do for others that truly counts, which now holds greater clarity in my
purpose behind every day.



Another aspect of my life that holds greater clarity is realizing how important family is to
me. Prior to college, I never recognized the extent to which I love spending time with my
parents, and close family members. Whether it was watching the nightly news with my mom or
playing tennis with my dad, I did not fully appreciate the joyful little things in each moment. I
now know how precious time is and how significant it is to not take anything for granted.

I have also encountered hope. Moving to a new environment and experiencing changes
including living with a roommate, adjusting to colder temperatures, and being away from family
has not been entirely easy. However, maintaining hope throughout the whole process has enabled
me to grow as an individual and challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. Likewise, the
reason behind containing hope is “to believe that what is born of questioning beliefs will lead us
to a new and better understanding of our vocation.”  As hope is essential to one’s understanding,
it is key to moving forward. An example from one of the readings, The Screwtape Letters,
examines how humans respond through “undulation, the repeated return to a level from which
they repeatedly fall back, a series of troughs and peaks”(The Screwtape Letters” Chapter 8 by
C.S. Lewis-Moreau FYE Week 12).  Encountering hope from my friends and family has
encouraged me to persevere through the series of troughs and peaks The Screwtape Letters refer
to. While I have encountered hope, I have also faced disappointment. Setting high expectations
for myself, and not reaching them, can contribute to a feeling of discouragement. Instilling
optimism within myself and finding a silver lining in those setbacks has encouraged me to
always work hard no matter the outcome or circumstance. For instance, when I received one of
my statistics tests back, I was upset with the outcome and put that energy into studying for the
next exam. As a result, I did much better and was content with the outcome.

Last but not least, I have encountered experiences and memories that will continue to stay
with me throughout my time here.  From attending my first football game to sitting in a big
lecture hall, every moment has helped shape me and given me varying perspectives. Talking to
classmates in the Moreau class has enabled me to connect with others and form bonds with
people I would have not otherwise met. I was able to understand various points of view and hear
each other's story.  It has allowed me to fully grasp the spirit of camaraderie and togetherness
surrounding Notre Dame.