1 Archuleta Moreau Integration One My grandpa used to tell me to never forget about my roots. Having to take the Moreau First Year Experience class I was at first confused, but then I began to realize it was a way for me to take a step back and reflect. These past few weeks have reminded me to look at my roots and where I come from because that is what truly will allow me to succeed here. Recently I have identified things that I believe will help me grow. I know that I am searching for opportunities to live a life of happiness, gratitude, and service. I understand that I forge life giving relationships by being honest, kind, impartial and open-minded. I believe that my purpose is to give back to my community. Lastly, I believe that I grow by taking chances, by allowing myself to learn more about myself and others, and discovering new meanings in life. In August, I was told by my family and peers to work hard and be successful when I began my new life here at Notre Dame. Before college, people would describe me as a successful and a talented individual who was going to do big things in the world. I always worried about what people thought of me because I wanted to make everyone proud. Though I was trying so hard to impress the many people in my life, I strayed away from making one person proud and that was me. When I was focusing on perfection I was focusing on the end goal. I did not think and give thought to the process. I just knew that failure was never an option. I saw failure as my biggest fear and in the first week of being here I was told I was going to fail. I learned to understand that the reason I was scared to fail was because I was scared of being vulnerable. Understanding the importance of failure was said in the first TedTalk we had to watch, “When we numb those [feelings of vulnerability], we numb joy, we numb gratitude, we numb happiness. And we are miserable looking for purpose and meaning” (“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brene Brown - Moreau FYE Week One). Brown’s message was clear and delivered with intent to 2 Archuleta reveal that without failure I will never be successful. Understanding how I can learn from my own failures will only help me grow to be the person I want to be. Learning to accept failure was only the first step. The second aspect was to gain insight on how to balance success and empathy. David Brooks explains that “[T]hese two sides of our nature are at war with each other” (“Should you live for your résumé ... or your eulogy?” by David Brooks - Moreau FYE Week Two). He explains that people often put their resume first and do not take time to reflect on love, gratitude, and feelings. I was at war with my own feelings because again, I felt vulnerable. But when I was pushing away those feelings that defined my humanity, I was pushing away my faith as well. When I learned to put myself in a vulnerable position I felt like I was allowing God to be a part of me. “The spiritual person can see the glory of God in the world...everything speaks of God, nothing is ordinary, no one is ordinary,...” (“Faith Brings Light to a Dark World” by David Fagerberg - Moreau FYE Week Three). These words by Fagerberg were very relevant to my situation because once I started to allow God into my life I began to be more appreciative of those around me. Even though I may resist Him sometimes, I know that I must let Him help and guide me because He only wants me to be happy and be the best version of myself. Finding good in everything has allowed me to become a better person which includes treating everyone with kindness and respect. When you treat everyone with kindness and respect you form healthy relationships, but it is important to understand that “The best kind of friendships are the ones where you leave with a smile on your face, knowing you’re both growing to be better people and that you’re helping each other get there” (“5 Signs You’re in a Toxic Relationship” by Olivia T. Taylor - Moreau FYE Week Four). Olivia Taylor provided valuable knowledge about how the best type of friends uplift each other and grow together. Entering a new environment, friendships will have a great 3 Archuleta impact on my life and journey. So far I have made several friends who I know will help me and have helped me with my adjustment here on campus. I have formed friendships with people in my classes, in my dorm, and in clubs that I have joined. Before continuing with my journey I felt the necessary need to reflect on my roots and where I come from. Identifying who I am and what my purpose in life is will help me see my path. In the sixth week of Moreau FYE the poems we wrote were perhaps my favorite assignment so far. I was able to discuss my home and it made me miss home as well. The smells, sounds, and sights of home are all a part of me and I will carry them with me wherever I go. My identities and stories are also what shape me. “[S]tories can also be used to empower and humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity” (“The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Moreau FYE Week Seven). Adichie emphasized the power stories hold and it is important to not forget those stories. My grandpa always used to tell me stories about his experiences and they taught me many lessons that pertain to my situations today. So far my journey has only just begun. WIthin the first few weeks here I have learned much about myself and I will continue to be open to learning more. Perhaps the quote that has pertained to me the most from my Moreau was one that explored power, “The way to grow your power is indeed to give it away” (“Notre Dame Commencement 2021: Laetare Medalist Address” delivered by Carla Ann Harris - Moreau FYE Week Five). Attending a very prestigious university I feel honored to be given the opportunity to further my education. My home has very few people who attend college and I want to bring back the knowledge that I will learn here and share it with my community. The only way I can be successful and to grow my power is indeed to give it away and share it with others. Understanding that my purpose is to help others and my 4 Archuleta home keeps me grounded, but I know that I must be engaged with my faith, strengths, and weaknesses in order to grow and improve who I am.