Integration 2




Integration Two

Growing Through Struggles

My first semester at Notre Dame has been filled with amazing experiences and

many new encounters, but I have also been faced with many hardships. I have

developed into a new person throughout these last few months; my roots remain strong

and intact, but I have grown tremendously in my personal beliefs and self-knowledge.

The conversations we have had and the modules we have completed during Moreau

have caused me to reflect on my values and consider how I can become a better

person through my journey at Notre Dame.

Although I have been enjoying my time at Notre Dame, I have had several health

issues that have made my semester less than ideal. I was diagnosed with pneumonia

after being at Notre Dame for just two weeks, which caused me to have a persistent

cough for about ten weeks. Along the way, I also came down with the flu and a sinus

infection. Battling all of these issues while being in a new environment was much harder

than I could have ever imagined, but I feel that my struggles brought me closer to God.

In week 12 of Moreau, we discussed how “It is during such trough periods, much more

than during the peak periods, that it is growing into the sort of creature He wants it to

be” (“The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis- Moreau FYE Week Twelve). In the past

when I have been experiencing hardships, I tended to distance myself from God;

however, I feel that the environment at Notre Dame encouraged me to grow in my faith

during this period. I have started to put more of a focus on my faith life, which is an

example of how my priorities have shifted in this new chapter of my life. I hope to

https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/27120/files/186053/download?download_frd=1


continue to grow in my faith during my time at Notre Dame, and I am confident that I am

in the right place to do so.

Being at a new school, especially one as prestigious as Notre Dame, there have

been times where I have felt the burden of expectation weigh down on me. In the

beginning of the school year, I definitely felt the imposter syndrome that was explained

in a video that we watched ("What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it?"

by Elizabeth Cox- Moreau FYE Week Nine). I found that my classes were much more

difficult than they were in high school, and I struggled with balancing school and my

social life. After coming back from Fall Break, I became very home sick, which is a

feeling I did not think I would ever have. I began to realize that I was not alone in my

feelings, which was a huge relief. I started getting good grades and found a great group

of friends, but I know that there are many people at Notre Dame who have not had as

good of a semester as I have. In one of the videos we watched for Moreau, we learned

about a woman who leads Kintsugi workshops for women in her community to help

them learn to heal like she did ("Women Find Healing Through Kintsugi Workshop" by

Grotto- Moreau FYE Week Ten). I was inspired by how this woman used her own

experiences to reach out to those who are struggling, and it made me ask myself how I

can do this too. As a member of First Year Class Council, I represent all of the first

years that live in my dorm. I originally joined this organization because I wanted to have

fun and plan events, but I have realized it is much more than this: I have a responsibility

to make sure that no one in our class feels alone or out of place. Through conversations

with many different groups of girls in my dorm, I am trying to find a way to plan things

that will unite our class and that everyone will truly enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQUxL4Jm1Lo
https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/heal/find-healing-through-kintsugi-art/


My residential life has had a large impact on my experience at Notre Dame. Prof.

Agustin Fuentes explains, “So for all of us here, if our learning is to be a sign of

alienation overcome, it will emerge from our witness as family. It should not surprise you

that your residence halls are designed this way” ("Diversity Matters" by Prof. Agustin

Fuentes- Moreau FYE Week Eleven). It is clear to see that Notre Dame’s dorm culture

is very unique. Reflecting on my time so far at Notre Dame, I can see how all of the

dorm events are built around creating a sense of community that really feels like a

family. Being away from my own home, this living arrangement has helped me to feel

like I have another huge family on campus that is always willing to help me when I need

it. Before coming to college, I thought that I would absolutely hate having to live with so

many other people; I love having my own bathroom and sleeping in a room by myself. I

was also extremely nervous to get a random roommate; however, I have learned to

really enjoy living in a communal space, and my roommate is one of my best friends. I

have grown to be able to do homework with other people instead of always needing to

isolate myself for hours, which has helped me to better balance my social life with

school. I have also become more considerate of others since I want to be a good

roommate and dorm resident. I thought I would not like having to live in the dorm for

three years, but I think that this policy helps to build this unique culture. Some of my

favorite people that I have met are sophomores and juniors, and it has been so helpful

to live with them because they are more experienced at being on their own. In the next

two years, I hope that I can be as helpful and friendly as they are to all the younger girls

who come into my dorm.

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In conclusion, I believe that I have experienced a lot of personal growth due to

the encounters that I have had at Notre Dame so far. I have struggled a lot this

semester being away from home and with my health, but I have loved every minute of

being at Notre Dame. I am confident that I am in the right place, and I am beyond

excited to continue my journey here.