Challenges and Hope Challenges and Hope As I get older, I reflect on how I have changed throughout the course of my life. New challenges arise, and I come to struggle with different things. With the passage of time, I have grown in self-awareness; I reflect on my past and on who I hope to be in the future. I believe that I am made to grow in relationship with God. Ever since I came to embrace the Catholic faith a few years ago, I have learned more about God, the traditions of the Catholic faith, and how my belief in God should shape my life. Ultimately, as Leon Bloy remarked, “The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.” Often, I feel like Ryan, a former undergraduate: that in my spiritual life, I “take step after step, only to return again and again to the same points on a circle” (Student Reflections on Faith by Campus Ministry - Moreau FYE Week Three). However, God loves me and does not want me to lose hope--he wants me to grow in holiness. One way for me to obey God is through the service of those around me. I believe that I am meant to serve others. In the Gospel of Matthew, the Lord imparted the importance of serving others, proclaiming that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Before coming here, I enjoyed volunteering in Texas, especially for an organization that provided free math tutoring, and I hope to volunteer often here as well. Though conditions were difficult, Father Sorrin served others in America and he wrote that he “love[d] the work of the Brothers” (Letter to Bl. Basil Moreau by Fr. Sorin - Moreau FYE Week Five). Like members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, men and women in Catholic religious orders across the world have demonstrated what it means to serve sacrifically. Moreover, I should take the notion that my brain “notic[es] patterns and makes generalizations'” into account, as sometimes what I think about others is not accurate, and this may close me off having a friendship with them (How to Think about ‘Implicit Bias’ by Keith Payne, Laura https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YVemqUBaAs5DNBPYm806TyQZr3F0xElP/view https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23733/files/191908?wrap=1 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-think-about-implicit-bias/ Niemi, and John M. Doris - Moreau FYE Week Seven). Also, through the Notre Dame Right to Life group, I have participated in activities to emphasize the dignity of all human life. Jesus spent his public ministry in humble service of his creation, and the Gospels are full of His miraculous acts and mercy towards sinners, and I am meant to imitate him. I believe that I am searching for greater peace. George Ella Lyon writes that the Where I’m From “poem as a writing prompt has traveled in amazing ways” and she mentions the groups for which it has made a difference, such as for refugees (Where I’m From by George Ella Lyon - Moreau FYE Week Six). Writing my own Where I’m From poem helped me reflect on what has been significant throughout my life. Also, coming to college has been a large transition. These first 56 days since I arrived here have been filled with uncertainty, tears, and doubts. Brene Brown remarks that “for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen, really seen” (The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown - Moreau FYE Week One). Since I have been here, there have been times that I have felt homesick and lonely; additionally, I have not yet forged many deep relationships with others by being vulnerable. Friends who truly care about me and know who I am will help me, and conversations with them could help me to reflect on life. As Olivia T. Taylor writes, “Great, fruitful conversation comes from two people engaging in one another’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences” (5 Signs You’re in a Toxic Friendship by Olivia T. Taylor - Moreau FYE Week Four). By thoughtfully engaging with others, I can develop meaningful friendships that will support me; intentionally forming friendships is something for me to focus on. Additionally, I have struggled with my own faults and finding myself in “ a sort of mediocrity where [I] realize there’s a difference between [my] desired self and [my actual] self” (Should You Live for your Resume or Your Eulogy by David Brooks - Moreau FYE Week Two). I know that there is a gap between who I am now and who I want to be. Through more http://www.georgeellalyon.com/where.html https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability/transcript?language=en https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/23733/modules/items/108914 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlLWTeApqIM spiritual direction and prayer (in addition to the more efficient management of my time), I can grow closer to who I want to be. Also, I have experienced satisfaction, joy, and hope since I arrived here. I have enjoyed God’s beatiful gift of creation through runs on campus. I have enjoyed working with a group of students in the Student Policy Network club. I have been encouraged by the example of other students who are strong in their faith and who spread joy to those around them. I know that going deeper in prayer and growing in my relationship with God will lead me to the deep peace that my heart is longing for. I hope that I will find a good life balance soon. I hope that I will continue to grow in holiness and overcome my flaws. I hope that I will come to serve others more meaningfully. There are many opportunities to grow in my Catholic faith here. In the Magnificat of Mary (who is the namesake of this university, and the humble handmaiden of God), she proclaims that “[her] soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, [her] spirit rejoices in God [her] Savior.” She trusted God through uncertain situations and serves as an example to preserve in prayer. I believe that by both living out the truths of the Catholic faith and by serving others, I can grow closer to God. I also believe that I am searching for deeper peace, which I can find as my relationship with God deepens and as I acclimate to growing up and the transition to college.