Integration Three


Jayden Vrins

Catherine Wagner

Moreau Integration Three

A life of family, kindness, and respect

Throughout his life, Jayden Vrins was guided by the values of family, kindness,
and respect. It was these principles which he represented in every facet of his journey
from his early childhood in the Caribbean to his time in Miami as well as his transition to
college at the University of Notre Dame and finally to his professional career.
Jayden believed that finding your purpose and fighting for what you believe in inspires a
life well lived. Ultimately, his dreams were always to strive to make the world a better
place and ultimately put more into the world than what he took out of it. Jayden’s
perspective on living a life of purpose was inspired by both the life of Father Hesburgh
and the ambitions of Terrel Hunt, two precious members of the Notre Dame community.
In an article describing Hunt’s achievements after graduating from Notre Dame it states,
“Dedicated to public service, Hunt works to not only strengthen U.S. diplomatic
relations, but is an advocate for constructive dissent, servant leadership, and diversity
within the U.S. Diplomatic Corps”.(Domer Dozen Gallery, Moreau Week Two). Pursuing
a career in economics similarly to Terrel Hunt, Jayden wanted to not only pursue an
academic career path he enjoyed but also one he could genuinely make a difference in.
Terrel Hunt in that article showed Jayden that this was indeed a possibility through
economics. Hesburgh on the other hand showed Jayden the importance of living a life
of inspiration.

Before deciding on a career in economics Jayden was unsure of what career
path he wanted to pursue and which one would bring him the most satisfaction. He,
however, decided on economics for two reasons: the first being the influence of his
black economics teacher in high school and the second because economics was a
broad major so it left him a lot of options to choose from. As Meruelo Family Center for
Career Development at Notre Dame explains, “There are so many career paths and
industries out there that it’s best not to limit yourself too much right off the bat.”(Meruelo
Family Center for Career Development, Moreau Week Four). In spite of economics'
broad nature which gave Jayden more breathing room to decide on his career, the most
influential factor in Jayden’s decision to choose economics was indeed his senior year
high school economics teacher who promoted racial diversity in the field of economics.

https://domerdozen.nd.edu
https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau
https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau


In his journeys through life, Jayden Vrins encountered many challenges. In spite
of his many setbacks and hardships, he prevailed and used them to build himself into a
better man. The transition to Notre Dame was a huge change for Jayden as it was his
first time away from his family, as well as a whole new environment, and finally
academically the school was a bigger challenge than high school. In spite of this, he
used these challenges to mold him rather than let them break him apart. Overcoming
the academic pressures was one of the hardest challenges as it was a big leap from
high school. Early on, he got into an unhealthy pattern of constantly working hard to try
to keep up with the pace. As time went on, however, he learned the importance of
separating himself from school work from time to time. In the article, “Why we need to
slow our lives down?” they summarize Jayden’s ideas stating, “The need for an empty
space, a pause, is something we have all felt in our bones; it’s the rest in a piece of
music that gives it resonance and shape.” (“Why we need to slow our lives down?” By
Pico lyer, Moreau Week One). He quickly realized that separating yourself from school
work or your professional career in the future will change your life for the better because
it will prevent you from developing a workaholic mentality and force you to appreciate
the journey rather than just focusing on your goals solely. Another challenge for Jayden
when he first entered college was adjusting to his new more open schedule since he
was no longer doing Track and Field.Although not a big challenge, this was a hard
adjustment for him and he learned to fill his time with friends and doing other activities
like clubs and playing basketball. Another big obstacle for Jayden during his early years
at Notre was being too difficult on himself and not effectively using self-reflection. In the
article, “The Right way to be Introspective (Yes, There’s a Wrong Way)” they discuss
some negative methods of self-reflection which tend to do more harm than good. They
summarize that “Why questions can draw us to our limitations; what questions help us
see our potential.”(“The Right way to be Introspective (Yes, There’s a Wrong Way)” by
Tasha Eurich, Moreau Week six). Ultimately, Jayden realized that sometimes it is
necessary to take a pause and r appreciate everything you have already accomplished,
while being grateful for everything you have. Jihoon Kim’s story was a very eye-opening
story for Jayden as it taught the importance of doing the most with what you have rather
than complaining about what you can not or do not have.

Finally, as a family-orientated person the biggest challenge for Jayden during his
time in college was being away from his family. This was especially difficult because his
family was so far away and most of them were international so he only was able to see
them once or twice a year and they were on the older side. In spite of this, Jayden
learned to cherish every moment with his family so his time away definitely gave him a
better perspective and appreciation of moments with loved ones. As Sister Theresa
Aletheia explains “We try to suppress the thought of death, or escape it, or run away
from it because we think that’s where we’ll find happiness, she said. But it’s actually in
facing the darkest realities of life that we find light in them.”( '' Meet the nun who wants

https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/
https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html


you to remember that you will die” by Ruth Graham,Sister Theresa Aletheia, Moreau
Week Three). Although Jayden obviously loved to spend time with his family, his
separation from them gave him a greater appreciation for their time. An important part to
living a well-lived life is appreciating every moment like it is your last because you never
really know which moments will be your last.

The most important thing for Jayden in his life was always family and establishing
strong healthy relationships with loved ones. He learned quickly that the best and most
real relationships require sacrifice . In his speech, “Why the only future worth building
includes everyone”, the pope quotes Mother Teresa who stated "One cannot love,
unless it is at their own expense."(“Why the only future worth building includes
everyone” by His Holiness Pope Francis,Moreau Week 7). Jayden took this quote to
heart and used it to help him mold healthy and loving relationships throughout his life
whether it was re-establishing relationships with family members or forming new
relationships. This was so important because the key to a happy life is having an
amazing support system that wants to see you succeed.  For Jayden, his number one
supporter was always his mother. She was always his best friend and always told him
the truth when no one else did. She knew how difficult Jayden always was on himself
and how he always strived for perfection.She would tell him, however, that sometimes
things are not going to turn out the way he always wants them to. Although difficult to
hear, this was important for Jayden to realize and it gave him some peace of mind that
not everything has to be perfect or just the way he plans it out in his head.

It is evident that Jayden Vrins lived his life to the fullest extent. He never
sacrificed his morals and always stuck to the values he developed from his family and
his time at the University of Notre Dame. All in all what Jayden wanted most was to be
an example for those who come after him and to be revered and respected for all that
he has done. I can say now that he accomplished that goal.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html
https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript
https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript