Vu 1 Professor Thigpen FYS10101-97 15 October 2021 The Journey of Adulthood Coming to Notre Dame was a big change in my life as I transitioned into adulthood and started my search for meaning in life. Since I was coming to a new place, I remained hopeful to find good, life-long friends. Not surprisingly, my top strength when taking the VIA Character Strengths survey was hope (VIA Character Strengths Survey – Moreau FYE Week Two). I could have easily tried to be someone I am not so I could fit into a certain crowd, but I am so glad that I did not. Through trial and error with different friend groups, I have found really great friends here at Notre Dame, and it makes me feel so good to know that I have friends who will only make me a better person. I knew these friendships would be great after reading the article from Grotto Network and seeing this quote: “Friendships should make you feel positive and like you’re investing in something long-term” (“5 Signs You’re in a Toxic Friendship” by Olivia T. Taylor – Moreau FYE Week Four). Because my friends support me and spread positive energy, I know these relationships will last. Taking notes from Brene Brown’s talk, I realized that being vulnerable will help build my relationships exponentially, and it all starts with me being vulnerable to myself. She says to be truly vulnerable is to “believe that we’re enough” (“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown – Moreau FYE Week One). This quote sticks with me because I sometimes feel like I do not belong here but I need to believe that I do belong, and my hard work is what got me here. I came from the NROTC Preparatory Program through Holy Cross College so comparing my high https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register?registerPageType=popup https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/relationships/signs-of-toxic-friendships/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4Qm9cGRub0&feature=youtu.be Vu 2 school experiences to kids who got 5s on every AP exam is often a struggle for me. Whenever I feel this way, I always remind myself that I worked so hard during my preparatory year to get here and that is why I am here. I am at the University of Notre Dame because I belong here. I have always been an active member in my church as a religious education volunteer, retreat leader, altar server, etc., so I wanted to further my faith as I started school at yet another Catholic institution. Drawing from Grotto Network’s article, I reflected on the quote: “We don’t have to look elsewhere for God; we only need to look around” (“Faith Brings Light to a Dark World” by David Fagerberg – Moreau FYE Week Three). The moment I attended my first dorm Mass on campus, I knew this would not be difficult at all. From praying the prayers of the faithful together to hugging during the sign of peace to dancing during the recessional hymn, my view of Mass changed from an obligation to a want. I used to be an altar server because it helped me feel like I was a part of the Mass rather than just sitting there. I wanted to do something to participate in dorm Mass, so I asked to join the band as a guitarist. In doing so, I went out of my comfort zone, and it resulted in me finding a really fulfilling way to end my weekends. Being a Catholic university, there is so much more that Notre Dame has to offer. Having not only the assistance of the Resident Assistants but also of the Assistant Rectors and Rector has made feeling at home that much easier. In the classroom, I am constantly educating my mind with the rigorous classes and workload, but I am able to grow my spirit through many opportunities. From the residence hall communities to furthering my faith to joining clubs, all of these help me find meaning. Carla Harris said, “Your authenticity is your distinct competitive advantage” (2021 Laetare Medalist Address by Carla Harris – Moreau FYE Week Five). Through Notre Dame, I have been able to find many things that I like to do. While in high school, I found myself doing some things that did not particularly interest me to fit in. Now, I https://grottonetwork.com/keep-the-faith/belief/faith-brings-light-to-dark-world/?utm_source=fall_2021&utm_medium=class&utm_id=moreau https://grottonetwork.com/keep-the-faith/belief/faith-brings-light-to-dark-world/?utm_source=fall_2021&utm_medium=class&utm_id=moreau https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjSwjn-SyB4 Vu 3 have come to realize that it does not matter who I am doing these things with, but rather whether I enjoy it or not because I will meet good people as long as I am my true self. One thing I love about Notre Dame is the fact that there is always a deeper meaning to everything. For example, I joined Bengal Bouts and while they do box, it is for something greater than that. The boxing is to raise money for Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh, and it brings a smile to my face every time I realize the impact that I am making by simply being here at Notre Dame and doing things I enjoy. No matter where I go or how successful I am, I will never forget where I came from (“Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon – Moreau FYE Week Six). I am from many things, but most importantly, I am who I am because of how my parents raised me. They sacrificed so much for me to get to where I am today, so I dedicate my hard work to them. Whenever its difficult to wake up at five in the morning for Navy physical training, I remember the nineteen years of difficulty my parents had to go to. I remember the struggle they went through as Vietnamese immigrants, sacrificing so that their children can live in a better place. I am also proud of my roots as a Vietnamese American. I can relate to Adichie as she says, “I realized that people like me, girls with skin the color of chocolate, whose kinky hair could not form ponytails, could also exist in literature” (“Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Moreau Week Seven). Being here at Notre Dame, I set an example for my little cousins and nephews that they can achieve more in life. Unlike our parents who had to any job possible when they first immigrated, we have the opportunity of growing up in America and having an education. This is not something we should take for granted, but rather take advantage of so that we can do whatever we want and live a meaningful life. Notre Dame gave me the opportunity to live this life because I will be leaving here as an officer in the Navy and a degree in engineering. http://www.georgeellalyon.com/where.html https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story