Week 8 Intregration 3 Geiger 1 Mr. Anthony Polotto Moreau First Year Experience 4 March 2022 Eulogizing the Life of was a man who left us too soon and had so much more to accomplish in his life. While there are so many different ways in which I can describe my friend, I would first call him incredibly insightful. Zach was always able to provide incredibly astute advice to anyone who asked for or needed his help. He would always put aside anything that he was doing to offer his support to anyone in need. Zach created so many close relationships with others because he was so willing to support others through their endeavors in life. This is not, however, surprising because Dr. Eurich explains, “People who possess greater insight — which he defines as an intuitive understanding of ourselves — enjoy stronger relationships, a clearer sense of purpose and greater well-being, self-acceptance and happiness” (“The right way to be introspective (yes, there’s a wrong way)” by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYE Week 6). Zach was an individual who enjoyed deep, long-lasting friendships because of his insight. He understood that one of his primary callings from God was to put others first and, in this way, he was enriching himself. Zach was truly a great communicator like so many other giants of our society. Zach found great inspiration from former Notre Dame President Father Ted Hesburgh. He tried to, in part, live his life in a way that would mirror the actions and thought processes of Father Ted. “Ted was a bridge-builder between people and God and among people” (“Hesburgh Film” Moreau FYE Week 2). I like to think that Zach was a similar type of bridge-builder. He was also the most level head in the room and was able to bridge the divide not only between his https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/ https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/ https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9 Geiger 2 friends, but also between colleagues at school and at work. I remember a situation last year at school that perfectly shows how Zach was able to bridge divisions. We were working in a group project to determine the role that democracy plays in the growth of civil society. Two students had different ideas of democracy’s role and were arguing quite intensely about their ideas. Zach simply said that there is no perfect answer, and we should include both in the project. While it seems like such a simple solution, Zach understood that all ideas contributed a speck of truth to the conversation in one way or another. Zach’s dedication to resolving dilemmas on top of all his other commitments kept him busy; however, he was never deterred by the rapid pace of his daily life. Zach always knew how to unwind from the stress of his daily life. He believed that relaxation was an essential component of leading a successful life. This is because it is “precisely those who are busiest . . . who most need to give themselves a break” (“Why we need to slow down our lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week 1). Zach worked very hard throughout the day; however, he was always done working by ten in the evening. He took that time before bed to spend time with his friends, watch Netflix, or go to mass. The most important thing was that this time was spent for leisure. In general, beyond leisure, Zach was able to remain calm under pressure and go with the flow. Zach trusted that any situation that he was experiencing in his life would improve. He furthermore was rarely stressed about having his life planned out perfectly; instead, he believed that his life would end up working itself out, as it always does. Zach was studying political science at the University of Notre Dame before he passed. Even though he did not know what type of job he wanted with his major, he was fascinated by the way that politics functions and affects the United States. Even though many people told him that he needed to pick a major that https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-need-a-secular-sabbath/ Geiger 3 guaranteed job security, Zach believed that, “contrary to popular belief, deciding on a major does not determine the rest of your life” (“Navigating Your Career Journey” by Undergraduate Career Services - Moreau FYE Week 4). Zach thought that he might want to work in government or continue on to law school following his undergraduate graduation. That being said, Zach’s ideas for a career following college were very fluid, and he was still trying to figure out his path in life. Although many people tried to pressure Zach into choosing a more “useful” major, his grandpa always supported him in any of his decisions. Zach was closer to his grandpa than anyone else in the world. “[His] grandpa [had] always been the person that [he could] rely on most to give [him] advice” (“Discernment Conversation Activity” by - Moreau FYE Week 5). It cannot be overstated that Zach and his grandpa had an unbreakable bond; the two of them were invested in each other and could always have a conversation no matter what was happening. They called one another just about every day, consulted one another with problems, and trusted in the advice that was given. His grandpa will truly miss the conversations, friendship, and love that they shared because Zach genuinely represented the best in all of us. Words cannot begin to describe the pain that we all feel today as a result of Zach’s passing. Yet, Zach lived his life to the fullest. He understood that “life is not time merely passing by; life is about interactions” (“Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by Pope Francis - Moreau FYE Week 7). Zach truly took this mantra to heart. As I said early, Zach found meaning in his life first by helping others, and, by supporting others, Zach was able to find satisfaction in his own life. It was not only friends and acquaintances that gave Zach meaning; instead, his grandpa was the person that Zach confided in most as he continued on his life https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/ https://www.ted.com/talks/his_holiness_pope_francis_why_the_only_future_worth_building_includes_everyone/transcript Geiger 4 journey. Even though Zach is greatly missed by everyone in attendance today, let us all have solace in knowing that Zach knew that he was going to be okay, even in death. Zach had an unwavering trust that he would be guided into heaven as he died. He was acutely aware that his death was imminent, yet he had come to terms with his passing because “remembering death keeps us awake, focused, and ready for whatever might happen” (“Meet the Nun Who Wants You to Remember You Will Die ” by Ruth Graham - Moreau FYE Week 3). Zach was ready; he wanted to meet his Maker and be reunited with all those who had passed away before him. Before he died, Zach wanted everyone here to know that he will be watching over you all forever and is in a much better place now. He asked that you would all smile because he wants his life to be remembered by the beautiful memories, not the sad ending. Zach lives in all of our hearts; that can never be taken away, even in death. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html