Intigration 1- Oswald Moreau 10/15/2021 Integration One Growth Within New Experiences The start of college has been a rollercoaster so far. There have been many mixed emotions such as excitement, stress, homesickness, nervousness, pride, and acceptance. In my first year experience in Moreau class, we learned and talked about many different topics about this whole new college experience. It has allowed me to learn and talk about things that I wouldn't normally talk about out loud. Some of these topics include transitioning to a new life in college, building relationships, managing stress, and learning how others are going through the same new experiences, and it is okay to ask for help when needed. I believe that I grow by making friendshsips, and learning from my past. All throughout high school, as I look back on it, one of the first things that comes to mind is my closest friends. I believe that the reason why these friends come to mind when I think about my past high school experiences is because they have created such a big impact on me and they have influenced me to become the person I am today. This may sound a bit corny, but I genuinely don't know where I would be today if I didn't have those friends by my side for the past few years. The relationships you build are important because they are what get you through a tough day, or when you need anything from a good laugh to a shoulder to cry on, or simply just for company. In Moreau week 7, Adichie says “Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.” (“Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- Moreau week 7). This highlights how we never know someones true story and where they come from so it is important to be considerate towards others. In Moreau week 3, the video we watched from Father Pete included the quote “all of you know a thing or two about stepping out of your comfort zones you've left family and friends to form new relationships.” (“The Role of Faith in Our Story” by Father Pete McCormick-Moreau Week 3) This quote is especially relatable because everyone has stepped out of their comfort zone by leaving home and coming here to Notre Dame. For me this was difficult because I grew up and have only ever lived in Long Island my entire life, and living on an island makes your relationships with people even closer, because everyone knows everyone. This made it extra difficult to leave and form new relationships here at Notre Dame. I believe that I forge life giving relationships by understanding others and being there for people. As these past few weeks moved into, and adjusting to this new college life, every individual has had their own personal experiences with it. Not everyone may have had the smoothest start to beginning their classes or learning their way around campus, or making friends. Important to understand that all people are different and going through their own things that we don't know about. Therefore, it is important to always be kind towards others, and make friends, because at the end of the day, everyone is trying to meet new people and for relationships, so introducing yourself to someone and asking how their day is going can be a positive turn around for someone. On the other hand, it is also important to be able to identify toxic relationships as well. Not all relationships are going to be healthy ones. In week 4 of Moreau, we spoke about relationships. In one of the articles we read, it said “A good, healthy friendship is one where two people are mutually growing and on a path toward becoming better people.” (“5 Signs you're in a toxic Friendship” by The Red Flag Campaign Moreau FYE week 4). This quote proves that you should find relationships that help you become a better person rather than put you down all the time. Relationships should be a two way street, meaning that you want the best for the other person, but they also want the best for you. It is important to look out for your close friends. I believe that I pursue my truth by identifying my self worth. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses are very beneficial, because you learn the kind of person you are. It is also beneficial because it makes it easier to meet new people and form bonds with others. In our Moreau week 2 we spoke about knowing our self-knowledge. This includes how we see things from our own personal perspective and how we interact to become successful. In the video, Brookes states “We live in perpetual self-confrontation between the external success and the internal value. And the tricky thing, I'd say, about these two sides of our nature is they work by different logics.” (“Should you Live for your Resume or your Eulogy?” by David Brooks- Moreau Week 2). This quote allows us to think to ourselves by questioning what we seek in our lives. Do we strive for success and innovation, or do we strive for humility and love? Our strengths and weaknesses influence our success. Another way in which I pursue my own truth is by knowing where I come from. In Moreau week 6, we wrote a poem about where we come from. This poem is in a repetitive “I am from” format where you describe things, places, people, or influences from your past that have influenced your morals today. (“Where I’m From” by Ella Lyon -Moreau Week 6). This poem helps me realize how close of a connection I have with the place and the people I grew up with who have made me the woman I am today. Some of the people I mentioned in my poem have motivated and encouraged me to succeed and without them I wouldn't be where I am today. I believe that I am made to find who I am meant to be and create a future for myself that I enjoy. Finding a sense of belonging can take more time for some people than others. Being confident in ourselves is the key to knowing who you want to be. This quote from week 1 of Moreau, “The most important, is to believe that we're enough. Because when we work from a place that says, "I'm enough," then we stop screaming, and we start listening. We're kinder and gentler to the people around us, and we're kinder and gentler to ourselves.” (“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown - Moreau FYE Week 1). This quote stood out to me because it reminds us that once we find our own self belonging, then we can begin to encourage others that they are enough as well. In week 5 of Moreau this quote stood out to me “Faith and reason together place us always in relationship to each other.” (“Two Notre Dames: Your Holy Cross Education” by Fr. Kevin Grove- Moreau week 5). This illustrates how the framework for your own personal experiences is already there for you, you just need to take the time to find who you are and who you want to be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&feature=youtu.be https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=859bc1a8-0d0f-4eb4-a1c1-d0a45c429187 https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=859bc1a8-0d0f-4eb4-a1c1-d0a45c429187