Integration One.docx


My Core Beliefs: Exploring How to Maximize My Authentic Self

I believe that one should aim to be honest and open in order to reveal their authentic self.

Brené Brown argues that even though many people conceal their true emotions and view

vulnerability as a negative characteristic, vulnerability is essential to revealing one’s true

character.  Brown explains, “vulnerability is the core of shame and fear and our struggle for

worthiness, but it appears that it’s also the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging, of love”

(“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown – Moreau FYE Week One).  This quote

demonstrates that people should “be themselves” and openly share their feelings and emotions.

Overall, showing one’s authentic character will foster a better and more fulfilling life, that

includes happiness and purpose.  Before going to Notre Dame, I struggled to reveal my true

emotions.  Because of this, I was only able to have surface-level relationships that were not

impactful on my life.  However, going to Notre Dame made me realize that I should be more

open to admitting flaws that are negatively viewed by society, and solely act through my

authentic emotions and character.  Although I still struggle to show complete vulnerability, I

know that being vulnerable will help me form better relationships to have a happier life.

Because of this, I believe that being open to one’s true self is an essential value.

I believe that one should strive towards being a moral and genuine person rather than

acting solely on personal aspirations.  David Brooks describes two opposing sides of nature that

each human has, which he refers to as Adam I and Adam II.  Brooks describes Adam I as the

career-oriented, ambitious side of our nature, and Adam II is the internal side of nature, that

desires to do good.  Brooks explains, “We happen to live in a society that favors Adam I, and

often neglects Adam II. And the problem is, that turns you into a shrewd animal who treats life as

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&list=PLmiPsabET-W_hjesjTZaITh2s1WbM-Kd0&index=2


a game, and you become a cold, calculating creature” (“Should You Live for your Resume or

Your Eulogy?” by David Brooks – Moreau FYE Week Two). This means that people in

modern-day society are too focused on their personal achievement, and struggle to focus on have

moral conviction.  In my personal life, I have seen America as a country that exalts

consumerism.  Because of this, people are focused on ascending to a higher career, and become

cold, calculated figures.  Many Americans solely act to ascend their careers, and therefore loose

much of their authenticity.  Overall, being the moral and genuine “Adam II” is essential, as it

facilitates a society that cares about the wellbeing of others.

I believe that one should maintain faith in God in order to facilitate hope and optimism

for the future.  In one of the student reflections Jennifer explains, “Through [faith], I am able to

encounter the certainty of God’s presence in my life and I feel a sense of comfort in knowing that

I am not alone” (“Student Reflection on Faith at Notre Dame” by Jennifer – Moreau Week

Three).  This reveals that God gives one a sense of comfort through their trials and tribulations.

As a Protestant, I have faith that God will lead me to a life with Him after death.  Having the

confidence that God is in control of my life is very important, as it creates reassurance that God

wants to help me through my struggles.  My faith and confidence in God gives me hope and a

bright outlook for the future, which helps facilitate a happier and more optimistic life.

I believe that one should seek relationships where both sides contribute equally.   In a

Grotto article, Olivia Taylor explains, “A healthy, balanced, mutual friendship involves peers

who ask questions and bounce ideas back and forth” (“5 Signs You’re in a Toxic Friendship” by

Olivia T. Taylor – Moreau FYE Week 4).  This illustrates that in order to create an authentic and

meaningful relationship, both sides contribute to deep conversations so that each person grows

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlLWTeApqIM
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YVemqUBaAs5DNBPYm806TyQZr3F0xElP/view
https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/relationships/signs-of-toxic-friendships/


off each other.  Overall, it is essential for both sides to disclose their authentic thoughts and

feelings, in order to facilitate character growth.  By disclosing personal beliefs and working off

each other, authentic relationships are an important tool towards creating and defining one’s and

moral character.  In my personal life, Notre Dame has challenged me to be true to the belief

statement.  Although I had many one-sided relationships in high school, Notre Dame has

challenged me to gain meaningful friends that will spark personal growth.

I believe that one has the power to change their personal story and can shape their

identity through actions.  In the letter written from Father Sorin to Father Basil Moreau, Sorin

explains, "This college will be one of the most powerful means of doing good in the country…at

least such is my firm conviction, time will tell whether I am deceived or not" (“Fr. Sorin Letter to

Bl. Basil Moreau” by Father Sorin – Moreau FYE Week Five).  This shows that Father Sorin

created a story, which he then used to shape his identity.  Because Sorin created a story and

believed in establishing a great Catholic institution, he was able to put this into fruition and

shape his identity as the founder.  I aim to put this into practice by fulfilling my shaping a story

that gives me an identity to maximize my inner potential.  Although I am still working on finding

an overall purpose in life, Notre Dame is an environment that fosters exploration of purpose.

Ultimately, I have created a narrative of doing good to the world, which I hope to fulfill at Notre

Dame.

I believe that it is important to reflect on what factors have shaped one’s identity.  While

writing my original “Where I’m From” poem, I was able to honestly reflect on the elements that

defined who I was.  Through this process, I learned which aspects of my life I was proud of, such

as my family, education, and culture.  By reflecting on my personal beliefs, I was able to

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o56woQDq3QrRkziT8eYrvYly5CQaP2Vb/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o56woQDq3QrRkziT8eYrvYly5CQaP2Vb/view


recognize my authentic self, which is important to forming self-identity.  I ultimately believe that

by reflecting on factors that have shaped life, one can gain a better perspective on their true

character and beliefs.

I believe that one should become aware of the unconscious biases they have, in order to

avoid hostility towards other groups.  Keith Payne explains, “[implicit bias] sets people up to

overgeneralize, sometimes leading to discrimination even when people feel they are being fair”

(“How to Think about ‘Implicit Bias’” by Keith Payne – Moreau FYE Week Seven).  This means

that it is natural for humans to be biased and marginalize against certain groups.  In fact, most

people do not even recognize this implicit bias that people have.  However, it is important to

recognize that people of different races, cultures, or genders have a shared humanity and deserve

to be treated equally.  In my personal life, I aim to remove implicit biases from my life by

exposing myself to diversity.  By becoming familiar with people who are different than me, I aim

to become aware of different perspectives to remove implicit biases from my life.

All in all, I aim to shape my personal identity through these seven core belief statements.

And even though I am still exploring my beliefs and am open to change, these beliefs are how I

currently seek the truth.  I aim to use these beliefs to reveal my authentic self, in order to

facilitate self-improvement and to maximize my human potential.  At the University of Notre

Dame, my identity is continuing to be challenged, through the exploration of difficult subjects.

Through this, I hope to gain a true understanding about my inner self and determine what I truly

believe in.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-think-about-implicit-bias/