Capstone Integration “My mission is to do all that I can to find the most joy in life, as well as bring joy to all others that are a part of my life. I will do this by seeking out experiences that enable me to learn, grow, and broaden my perspective of life and the world. I seek to gain an understanding of those that are completely different from me, and to be open to listen and learn from them.” In order to gain the most fulfillment in life, I must leave my comfort zone and search for diversity. “Happiness changes from moment to moment, day to day. Joy, on the other hand, is much deeper and much more central, it comes from within, and it’s a genuine rightness of how one lives one’s life” ("Meet the nun who wants you to remember that you will die" by Ruth Graham - Moreau FYE Week 3). I may be content and happy with my scheduled and systematic life, but I can gain more joy by altering my lifestyle to enable new experiences. Nothing can be learned without first experiencing changes whether it be in setting, mindset, or some other form. I am a creature of habit so it may be challenging for me to go out of my way to obtain new experiences and thrive in new environments, but in the long term it will be an advantage in best understanding others around me and realizing how their mindsets may differ from mine. “Each of us needs to get to know people who differ from us. We must all make a conscious decision and effort to expand our circles.” ("Dean G. Marcus Cole: 'I am George Floyd. Except, I can breathe. And I can do something.” by Marcus Cole - Moreau FYE Week 12). Our differences are our strengths and must be celebrated and accepted. Diversity and differences enable growth and acceptance, which is one thing I want to promote and provide in this world. “I want to find success in the form of contentment and happiness, in all areas of my life including spiritual, academic, and personal aspects. I want to live as a good model of the Catholic lifestyle, and to be a role model for all those that are younger than me and are in need of inspiration. Father Hesburgh is the perfect role model of a person who is willing to do anything to benefit others as revealed when he said, “well the book sold out and I kept my job,” when referring to his outspoken behaviors that may have been frowned upon by some but ultimately was the right thing to do to benefit the majority ("Hesburgh" by Jerry Barca and Christine O’Malley - Moreau FYE Week 2). I hope to leave a legacy, not in the sense of a job or career, but instead based upon my morals.” I want to live a life for more than myself. In order to best fulfill this goal, I must ponder every decision wisely. The next generation is dependent on those preceding them, so I know it is my responsibility to leave a legacy of goodness and hard work for the younger generations to use as a model and as inspiration. It is in human nature to be https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html https://law.nd.edu/news-events/news/dean-g-marcus-cole-i-am-george-floyd-except-i-can-breathe-and-i-can-do-something/ https://law.nd.edu/news-events/news/dean-g-marcus-cole-i-am-george-floyd-except-i-can-breathe-and-i-can-do-something/ https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41005/modules/items/144076 selfish, which will make this goal challenging at times, but with motivation and the knowledge that it will benefit more than me I can remain focused and oriented towards the good. “I want to be independent, to lead, and to be responsible for my own life. I hope to find something to gain in all of my suffering and to never quit at anything I find challenging. I will seek out opportunities to prepare myself for the future and plan ahead so as to be most ready for what lies ahead.” I often find myself relying on others and mimicking my behaviors based upon social norms and expectations. It is important for all people to live unique and independent lives, so I must strive to do so myself. Independence is key to happiness, because self love comes first. Especially in a college environment, it can be challenging to differ from the norms, but it is always acceptable to form one’s own path and work towards happiness and success in uniquely individual ways. The first step I must take is to stop judging others based on their differences, but embrace their confidence and use it as inspiration to derive my own courage from. “I want to have a family and be wholeheartedly devoted to them. I also will continue to be a support for my family, and always be present to help them through any difficulties they may face. I want to love myself and be happy with all I have done and all I continue to do. I want to find self worth. Ultimately, I want to grow as a person so that I can live up to my potential and be all that I can be for the loved ones in my life and all others around me.” Although independence is important, it is necessary to form and maintain relationships that add joy to my life and enable me to love wholeheartedly. “And at that moment, really, I felt comfort and peace and had the sensation of maybe God can do something about this situation. Maybe there is something more about my life” (“The Right Way to be Introspective (Yes, There’s a Wrong Way)” by Tasha Eurich- Moreau FYE Week 6). This quote from Week 6, reminds me that there is more to life than myself, even though suffering may be challenging it can benefit those around me. In order to grow with my family and hold onto meaningful relationships, I have to put forth time and effort to express my love and care for those in my life. As we learned during Week 1, the world, especially with the growing prevalence of technology, is very fast paced which can tend to serve as a distraction of what is truly important in life. Family comes first and the foundation of all of my growth and abilities to endeavor upon new unique experiences is dependent on my support system. By devoting myself to my family, I will give myself something to work towards–their happiness and well being. They can serve as my inspiration https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41005/modules/items/144118 https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/41005/modules/items/144118 and as reminders that there are other people that I must take into account, for my growth is beneficial to them as much as it is to me.