Integration One Integration Paper One Believing my truths. Belief- the confidence in a concept or existence to be true regardless of how others interpret it. The word encompasses certainty, posing a challenge for me since I am a very indecisive person whose ideologies and beliefs are usually undefined. However, over the past eight weeks, I have found my set of concepts that I have determined to be certain. A core belief that I have acquired is the importance of vulnerability, and so I believe that it is essential to express ourselves. Vulnerability is “the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging, and love.” according to Brené Brown, whose TED talk conceptualizes the strength in our emotions. (“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown - Moreau FYE Week One) . The perception of vulnerability is slandered by the idea that expressing emotions correlates to being “the core for shame, fear, and struggle for worthiness." I disagree with this ideology and believe that our feelings underline ways to make stronger connections within our community, being free of judgment. I am quite a vulnerable person and find solace in people who accept my vulnerability instead of rejecting it. I also feel my closest to people when confiding in them, inevitably leading to a closer community. Relating to vulnerability, I believe that we should acknowledge our weaknesses and use our strengths to better the world. As part of my reflection for week two, my VIA survey revealed realities I had not known. At first, it was difficult to digest what I had tried to avoid coming to terms with, but the VIA survey confirmed the fact that one of my weaknesses was bravery. Yet, this was a necessary revelation because it is only when we lose ourselves do we find who we truly are, at least according to David Brooks, whose talk confirmed that I have been living an “atom 1” life. (“Should you live for your Resume or your Eulogy?” by David Brooks - Moreau FYE Week Two”) By acknowledging the presence of my weaknesses, I can work on myself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlLWTeApqIM while accepting the fact that my failures are not the end of the road but rather the start of a more stable path. Additionally, I can learn to escape the enclosures of an “atom 1 life”, and transcend my limitations to develop an “atom 2” lifestyle, living for others instead of myself. Faith has always been a constant in my life, and from Moreau, I have come to believe that my faith has and will continue to determine much of what I know to be true. Fr. Pete’s video during week three expresses the need for patience and structure in order to become our most authentic selves. (“The Role of Faith in Our Story.” by The Notre Dame Campus Ministry, Fr. Pete McCormick, C.S.C- Moreau FYE Week Three.) Being raised in a spiritually divided household has allowed me to discover faith on my own rather than having it be something enforced onto me. Although I have questioned the faith I profess today many times, especially when faced with difficulties, I remember the importance God plays in my life and the influence his presence has had on how I navigate my choices and beliefs. Similar to my relationship with religion, I believe that building a substantial foundation is necessary when forming life-giving relationships. To me, a real relationship is more than just a one-way agreement and more of a two-way struggle. I have had the same group of friends for seven years, and in those years, two very fundamental characteristics we all shared were respect and trust. When respect is present in a relationship, friends and couples hold each other in high regard, creating equality, honesty, comfortability, and transparency. No true and worthy relationship is easy, and there will always be factors that challenge a relationship. However, the presence of a solid foundation can help resolve those factors. For instance, some of my closest friends now live miles away from me, but although distance acts as our challenge, we still maintain the same level of intimacy because we respect, trust and comfort each other. Our years of developing a sturdy foundation have maintained the friendship we have today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcZMeqWWOIs Forging life-giving friendships is just as important as forming life-giving habits. I believe that I am responsible for bringing “life out of death” by using my education and privileges to tackle and address the negatives of this world. I believe sharing our stories and experiences is imperative to creating a voice that conquers the injustices around us. In Fr. Kevin’s lecture, he expresses how Notre Dame was built for the purpose of making a change; to bring life to a society that was dying. (“Two Notre Dames: Your Holy Cross Education.” by Fr. Kevin Grove, C.S.C- Moreau FYE Week Five). Through the education and resources I receive here, I hope to continue moving towards a society that is inclusive of all people and combats the prejudices people face every day. To do so, I must also remain unbiased and pursue the truth. I believe that I need to continue practicing open-mindedness, surrendering to the idea that my “truths” are always definite without considering the perspective of the other. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and regardless of whether I agree with their views or not, I will always respect their voices. We as a nation have a moral obligation to better ourselves and the society which governs us, so we have to appreciate the different voices and stories that we have, becoming the epitome of uniqueness and love. Because of the realities of our society, I am reminded of my belief in individuality and its importance today. 2021 Notre Dame Laetare Medalist Carla Harris put it best herself; “what counts is what you do for others, be fearless, and finally, be you.” (“Notre Dame Commencement 2021: Laetare Medalist Address” by Carla Harris.- Moreau FYE Week Five). I have been subjected to the reality that everyone is trying to fit one mold. Every day, we conform more to a criterion than express who we are as individuals. These realities are why I am so inspired by Ms.Harris’ speech, especially when she highlights how no one else can be a better me than myself, so I should be the best me I can be. My voice is unique, your voice is unique, everyone’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjSwjn-SyB4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjSwjn-SyB4 voice is unique, and I believe that now is time we start rejecting the idea of being the same person and accepting the reality that we are all different. I hope to continue reminding myself to be who I am and practice my truth rather than being who people expect me to be. These first few weeks of the Moreau First Year Experience have solidified and confirmed the beliefs I didn't know I held before coming to Notre Dame. In the same way, each class has developed a new concept within me, keeping me open to the possibility of reevaluating what I already consider true while also forming new truths. I believe each reflection has elicited questions that have shaped me and my integration into college life, steering me on the right path that fits who I am the best. Bibliography: “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown - Moreau FYE Week One) (“Should you live for your Resume or your eulogy?” by David Brooks “The Role of Faith in Our Story.” by Campus Ministry, Fr.Pete McCormick, C.S.C “Two Notre Dames: Your Holy Cross Education.” by Fr. Kevin Grove, C.S.C (“Notre Dame Commencement 2021: Laetare Medalist Address” by Carla Harris. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlLWTeApqIM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcZMeqWWOIs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjSwjn-SyB4