Integration 2 Megan Leis Moreau FYE: Integration 2 Improving my Community By First Improving Myself Over the course of my first semester at the University of Notre Dame, I have been given the opportunity to deepen my self-knowledge and personal understanding. This has called me to reflect on not only my personal development, but on how I can use my own growth to strengthen my relationships and serve others within my community. As I have entered into this new chapter of my life, the Moreau First Year Experience curriculum has challenged me to reflect on this personal development and the ways in which I may continue this throughout the next seven semesters of my Notre Dame experience and education. Although the adjustment was tough at times throughout the semester, the relationships I have formed and the experiences I have gained have made my time unforgettable. Throughout this first semester at the University of Notre Dame, I have been asked to reflect on various questions pertaining to my growth and experience over the course of the past few months, as well as how I can continue to grow in the future. The first question that I was asked to reflect on was “How do I respond to external and internal dissonance?” While pondering this question, I thought about the societal and personal pressures that I experience every day. Even if I attempt to ignore them, they still remain present. The quote, “The people in both of these situations set expectations for themselves that symbolize their worth as people. But it comes at a cost.” sums up this idea well (“Why Letting Go of Expectations is a Freeing Habit” by Julia Hogan: Moreau FYE Week 9). These pressures to achieve certain standards and goals are ever present, whether they come from within your own thoughts or the people who you surround yourself with. It has been argued that these pressures are increasing due to social media and increased photo altering online, especially within younger populations. Teenagers and kids now have more access to the internet and media, therefore https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/health-and-wellness/letting-go-of-expectations/?utm_source=fall_2021&utm_medium=class&utm_id=moreau https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/health-and-wellness/letting-go-of-expectations/?utm_source=fall_2021&utm_medium=class&utm_id=moreau Megan Leis Moreau FYE: Integration 2 increasing the amount to which they compare themselves to unrealistic expectations that they see online. Many people experience imposter syndrome due to things that they see online. They compare themselves to an impossible standard, and therefore they are never able to accept that they too are good enough and don’t need to achieve the impossible expectations. They fail to realize that social media is only a highlight reel of someone’s life and does not accurately reflect their daily endeavors. Comparing yourself to others and things that you see online often comes at a cost. These costs are often both physical and mental, and are caused by an outside pressure to fit a specific standard. After taking time to think about how these pressures affect my life, I have made a conscious effort to not let them affect my life as much and not take a hold over me. Although I acknowledge that these pressures will always be present, how I handle and deal with them is in my control. To combat these societal challenges, I have learned that we must learn to accept ourselves for who we are and acknowledge our worth and strengths. The next question I was asked was “What are the central challenges of my community and how do I respond?” My reflection around this question focused on how my community and I can take a stance to educate both children and adults on the injustices happening all around us. The quote “Many school leaders formally apologized for this harm, but this group understandably desires more than words. They demand that their schools implement curriculum, student formation, hiring and programmatic measures to promote greater diversity, equity and inclusion (D.E.I.). They want to see accountability and progress in meeting measurable goals in these areas.” sums up the core of this topic (“Should Catholic Schools Teach Critical Race Theory?” by Christopher Devron: Moreau FYE Week 10). This quote stood out to me because it discusses the concept of accountability. Although many people will speak on topics related to race and injustice, they often fall short when it comes to acting on what they say. As the quote https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/06/03/critical-race-theory-catholic-high-schools-black-lives-matter-240792 https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/06/03/critical-race-theory-catholic-high-schools-black-lives-matter-240792 Megan Leis Moreau FYE: Integration 2 says that the school leaders apologized verbally for what they did, the apology cannot truly be sincere or accepted until they show evidence of how they plan to right their wrongs and attempt to make up for what they have done. I believe that it is very important to show your intentions through actions and not solely just words. From thinking critically about this question and topic, I learned that in order to foster a community of growth, love, and acceptance, we must all first recognize the beauty and dynamic nature of ourselves and those around us. The next question I was asked was “How do I strengthen bonds of interconnection with others, especially in the midst of conflict or dissimilarity?” My reflection around this question focused on how I can promote connection between others who are different from me. This is accurately portrayed through the quote “The concept of community must embrace even those we perceive as ‘enemy.’” (“Thirteen Ways of Looking at Community” by Parker J. Palmer: Moreau FYE Week 11). This quote discusses one way in which we can aid in the formation of community among people who have seemingly significant differences. Although some people in a group may not get along, it is important that steps are taken to build relationships between people who perceive each other as an enemy. Creating bonds between people possessing opposing opinions is important in the process of creating a cohesive and inclusive community. Even in the midst of conflict or dissimilarity, it is necessary that the people within a community work to understand each other and make a conscious effort to get along. While pondering this topic, I thought about and learned about many ways in which I can work on promoting community and connecting with people who are different from me in all aspects of life. The last question I was asked was “How do I live and grow in hope?” When thinking about this question, I guided myself by pondering how we can best encounter genuine hope and remain hopeful throughout hardship. The “Screwtape Letters” by CS Lewis and the http://couragerenewal.org/parker/writings/13-ways-of-looking-at-community/ Megan Leis Moreau FYE: Integration 2 “Introduction to the Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis” touch upon the fact that the devil is a liar and attempts to screw with and tempt humans. This is exhibited in the quote, “Screwtape, as a demon assigned to tempt and destroy humans, repeatedly refers to God as ‘The Enemy’ and the devil as ‘Our Father Below.’” (“Introduction to the Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis” compiled for Moreau: Moreau FYE Week 12). When we acknowledge the fact that the devil is the enemy and love lies only with God, we make a conscious effort to live in truth and grow in hope. In order to live a life filled with hope, we must work on our relationship with God and make an effort to steer away from the devil and his trap. In order to do this, we must learn to love and do God’s will. Through thinking about this question, I have concluded that, for me, the best way to encounter and grow in genuine hope is to trust in God and His plan for me. Throughout the course of my Notre Dame experience, I have been asked to ponder challenging questions and think about how they relate to my everyday life and my interactions with others. Concepts that I had not previously considered have now become integral parts of my belief system and being. I have been given the opportunity to deepen my self-understanding and reflect on not only my personal development, but how I fit into my larger community. As I continue on this journey and this new chapter in my life, I hope to continue to grow as a person, learner, and constructive contributor to my community. https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/28217/files/192396?module_item_id=108738