Week 13 - Integration Two Moreau First Experience Course Professor Pruitt 3 December 2021 Experincing a New Life After starting my new journey at the University of Notre Dame I have encountered many new experiences and learned new things about myself that I believe would not have been possible without the transition to Notre Dame. I’ve learned to deal with imposter syndrome in my life not only in school but as I continue into my career path. I have also seen first hand the gender differences between women and men and have experineced the drastic affects in communities. I began to understand my personal connection to God based on my life experiences leading up to ND and the way I’ve connected with God on campus. I’ve grown and learned all these new concepts and experiences by understanding the importance of community, within Notre Dame and examples of life after ND. As a Caribbean American woman at a PWI, I have faced imposter syndrome very early in the school year. Imposter syndrome can be explained as “People who are highly skilled or accomplished tend to think others are just as skilled. This spiral into feelings that they don’t deserve accolades and opportunities over other people.” I have felt like this when in new learning environments where I may not grasp concepts as fast as others may, making me feel like I’m not smart enough or deserving enough to attend such a prestigious institution. It has also been proven to be more prevalent in POC, the ted talk “What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it?” by Elizabeth Cox, she explains that imposter syndrome is “...though it may be more prevalent and disproportionately affect the experiences of underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.” ( "What is Imposter Syndrome?" by Elizabeth Cox - Moreau FYE Week Nine) I have seen this first hand as I have spoken to many upperclassmen of color about their experiences at ND and all have given similar stories and advice. Having imposter syndrome can make an individual feel like their best isn’t good enough then causing them to give less than what they usually do, that is why talking about it and learning that other people suffer from the same thoughts can help you feel less alone and you’ll begin to believe you belong. I have started to feel more comfortable after speaking with upperclassmen because I no longer felt like I was experiencing this alone. Women and people of color have always been underrepresented within every community in America, and still, in some forms, we are. Kirsten Helgeson, a kintsugi artist, has created a safe space for women to come together to let go of the hardships in their lives, whether personal or social. Kirsten’s goal is to “Everybody, I hope, walks away with this greater connection to who they are. That they learn that the things that they’ve experienced — the good, the bad, the ugly, all of that — it has made them this beautiful, dynamic, interesting person that they are today. And that that person is worth celebrating and honoring.” (“Women Find Healing Through Kintsugi Workshop” by Grotto - Moreau FYE Week Ten) However, why is it that women have to be given certain outreaches in order to find healing? It is a good thing that these spaces are created for women to come together but would we need them if we weren’t put in a bubble, to begin with? Women are still in a constant battle for equality, but it has improved over the years. The battle for POC however is still a loud and strong battle being fought. Alumni of Catholic schools “demand that their schools implement curriculum, student formation, hiring, and programmatic measures to promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.). They want to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQUxL4Jm1Lo https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/heal/find-healing-through-kintsugi-art/ https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/heal/find-healing-through-kintsugi-art/ see accountability and progress in meeting measurable goals in these areas.” (“Should Catholic Schools Teach Critical Race Theory?” by Christopher J. Devron, S.J. - Moreau FYE Week Ten) after the death of George Floyd. Why aren’t these programs and curriculums already formed in not only Catholic schools but all schools, diversity especially in communities that POC spend a lot of time in, such as schools and jobs, are very inspiring to young children in what they can accomplish? It can also be a learning experience for those who may not come in contact with POC very often, learning ways to avoid discrimination and microaggressions. Our country says that equality for all is in place but systematically we have a lot of growing to do. My personal understanding of how to live and grow in hope is similar to what I’ve been exposed to growing up. In order to maintain a relationship with God and have that hope and faith in him, it is not necessary to be a heavy part of the church life but to be faithful and live your life in his word and his doings. The Holy Cross and Christian Education text explain this concept by saying, “Human life is only a long way of the cross. It is not necessary to enter the chapel or the church to run over the various stations. The way of the cross is everywhere, and we walk along with it every day in spite of ourselves and often unknown to us.” ( Holy Cross and Christian Education by A publication of Campus Ministry at the University of Notre Dame - Moreau FYE Week Twelve) I have seen this from both perspectives. Being heavily involved in the church is a great way to stay connected to your faith and those who will support you in your faith journey, however, my first-hand experience has shown me that maintaining hope and my connection with my faith is solely based on the way I involve my practices and values into my everyday life in the likeliness of God and his ways of living. Community is an important addition to any area of many people. One main reason for having an inflated sense of community is to be able to have people in your corner to help you https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/06/03/critical-race-theory-catholic-high-schools-black-lives-matter-240792 https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/06/03/critical-race-theory-catholic-high-schools-black-lives-matter-240792 https://campusministry.nd.edu/assets/105431/holycrossandchristianeducation.pdf https://campusministry.nd.edu/assets/105431/holycrossandchristianeducation.pdf through hard times. The article “Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community” by Parker J. Palmer explains this by saying, “Community that can withstand hard times and conflict can help us become not just happy but at home.” (“Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community” by Parker J. Palmer - Moreau FYE Week Eleven) and “Hard experiences—such as meeting the enemy within, or dealing with the conflict and betrayal that are an inevitable part of living closely with others—are not the death knell of community: they are the gateway into the real thing.” (“Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community” by Parker J. Palmer - Moreau FYE Week Eleven) These express that by creating a safe and loving community, even with downfalls, there will always be a group of people who will be there during your hardships and pick you back up. These experiences also allow for the community to be real and genuine, because of the hardships that are handled together instead of only looking for the good. http://couragerenewal.org/parker/writings/13-ways-of-looking-at-community/ http://couragerenewal.org/parker/writings/13-ways-of-looking-at-community/