Integration 1: Moreau Anthony Polotto Oct 14, 2021 Finding “My People” Under the Dome “It's the people”. When asking current Notre Dame students the sole reason for why they “love thee”, the answer always centralizes around the people. As a prospective student last year, I was overly invested in the college application process, divulging myself into every aspect of the schools I applied to, to discover the “best fit”. When I opened my acceptance letter, I experienced a wave of emotions and such a euphoric feeling which shook me emotionally. At the moment, I really did not know anything about Notre Dame besides it being associated with my dad screaming at the TV on Sundays when the Irish played. But from that day on, I learned every single thing there is to know about this school, attending every virtual information session on Monday, watching every “day in the life of a Notre Dame student” YouTube video, and even scrolling through some #NotreDame TikToks I managed to find. And through this content browsing and intense research what did I learn? Notre Dame seemed to have it all: a perfect harmony of school spirit, spiritual life, challenging academics, opportunity for networking, but what stood out to me the most was the community. After receiving acceptances from several other schools, Notre Dame consistently stood out for its effort to welcome me to my future “home under the dome”. When attending the virtual Riley Spring Visit Weekend, I heard countless testimonies from students who shared how their experiences at Notre Dame have been so positive and life changing because of the people. So, when my family and I finally made the decision for me to come to Notre Dame, I was overly eager to see how my expectations about the people, and community would prevail when I arrived. At the start of college I was searching for my people: and as cliche as it sounds, the people who would help me get through the next four years, the people who looked so happy in the brochures and videos, and the people who would challenge me to be the best version of myself. During Welcome Week, all I could think about was meeting these people, and it started to become very overwhelming. As students spoke at the introduction to Moreau speech, my head was so consumed with the fear of acceptance and questions about what people would initially think of me. As I sat in the auditorium, I overheard conversations of people talking about their major, their classes, all that they had done over the summer, and what they were already doing to get ahead. This was even more stressful for me because my only wish was to belong in this new environment. A few days into classes, I began to talk more with my roommate and the people on the fourth floor of my dorm. The adjustment was coming more naturally, and then I watched the Ted Talk by Brene Brown. In her talk, Brown discussed the power of connection, and how, “the ability to feel connected is neurobiologically how we are wired. It’s why we are here.” ("The Power of Vulnerability"-by Brené Brown - Moreau FYE Week One) This scientific concept accounted for my own desire to create meaningful, long lasting relationships with others who I can relate to and feel comfortable with. Oftentimes in a new environment with new people, I look for ways to connect with my peers through relating. Brown’s words really clicked with me as I realized that vulnerability is the only way to truly give yourself the chance to cultivate connections with others. I believe that an integral part of vulnerability also comes with accepting failure, and acknowledging my weaknesses in order to grow. In high school I had a “perfectionist” mindset, and although I do feel like that is part of how I am here, when looking back at the root for my growth, it lies within my struggle and setback. In Week Two of the course I listened to David https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&list=PLmiPsabET-W_hjesjTZaITh2s1WbM-Kd0&index=3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&list=PLmiPsabET-W_hjesjTZaITh2s1WbM-Kd0&index=3 Brooks explain the contrast between the two different sides of human nature. “Adam 1 is built by building on your strengths, Adam 2 is built by fighting your weaknesses”(“Should You Live for your Resume or Your Eulogy?” by David Brooks - Moreau FYE Week Two). Brooks highlights such a critical question which I feel that I should reflect on more often: What are my intentions in doing this, and ultimately what is my purpose? By asking myself these questions as I begin to get involved in different activities and events on campus, I hope to compartmentalize my time efficiently. In Week 3, I was reminded of the person who I am striving to be. I believe that my purpose and my vocation is to use the strengths and identity God has given me in a way to help and inspire others. “The person who lives in the dawning of faith, hope, and love is someone whom C. S. Lewis calls one of the “new people.” (“Faith Brings Light to a Dark World-by Professor David Fagerberg- Moreau FYE Week Three )He says you can spot them. “But you must know what to look for.” This quote from Professor David Fagerberg presents me with an enlightening outlook on the woman I eventually will become at Notre Dame. The testimonies from students that I watched senior year, gave me a glimpse into this community of less than 9,000 students. But it wasn’t until I arrived on campus, that I realized how amazing the people really are. Whether it is the random stranger who smiles at me as I walk to class, or the friend who pushes me to persevere through that Chemistry homework late at night , I have seen the effect of faith even more now than ever before. Although it is pretty uncommon to have a negative encounter with someone here on campus, I believe that it is important to know how to try to turn any difficult situation or circumstance into a positive one. Week four’s lesson on building healthy relationships built upon trust, love, respect and equity equipped me with strategies to create long lasting relationships https://youtu.be/MlLWTeApqIM https://youtu.be/MlLWTeApqIM https://bit.ly/2MwCxs4 with all of the friends I had met so far. Olivia T. Taylor writes, “Some people tend to focus on the negative more than the positive. It’s a learned habit, so try challenging your friend by pointedly asking them about something positive that’s going on in their life.”(5 Signs You’re in a Toxic Friendship" by - Olivia T. Taylor Moreau FYE Week Four). My montra has always been “You got this”. As a flyer on the cheerleading team in high school, my optimism and positive mindset has been something which has kept me from falling, both literally and figuratively. During my time at Notre Dame, I hope to maintain this spirit, and be that friend who will uplift people when they need it. I also hope to take this same spirit of optimism and joy to give back to the community here in South Bend. Service and caring for other people is something that brings me great joy in doing. During week five I reflected on Carla Harris’s words, “I have learned that the way to grow your power is indeed to give it away.” ( 2021 Laetare Medalist Address-byCarla Harris Moreau FYE Week Five ) As a freshman I hope to make time to get involved in service, and exemplify a “force for good” in this world. Likewise, in the poem I wrote the following week I was reminded of my home and the values that have been instilled in me since a child. I value inclusion, exploration, determination, kindness, and hope. ( "Where I'm From” -by George Ella Lyon Moreau Week 6)Where I have been, the family I have been raised in, and the friends I chose have all been factors in shaping my core values which drive me to make decisions each day I am here at Notre Dame. Last week was a good opportunity to review implicit biases. In my senior year I conducted a research project on the maternal mortality crisis for women of color and how implicit bias is the leading cause of these disparities. As a future health care worker, I believe that implicit bias training and reflection is critical to becoming an advocate for my future https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/relationships/signs-of-toxic-friendships/ https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/relationships/signs-of-toxic-friendships/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjSwjn-SyB4 http://www.georgeellalyon.com/where.html patients. ("How to Think About 'Implicit Bias'"-by Scientific American- Moreau Week 7) Understanding that we all have biases is so important, and in my dorm and throughout campus this year I hope to build a more inclusive culture at Notre Dame, and learn how I can become better myself. Throughout each week of Moreau I have identified with one of core values and beliefs that make me who I am. As I continue throughout my journey, I hope to discover more of these values and create relationships that will last for a lifetime. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-think-about-implicit-bias/