roots

How are we formed by others, especially those closest to us?

"To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul."

- Simone Weil, "The Need for Roots" (1949)

readings

Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, "The Good Life" (2023)
Alvaro Dávila, “Re-Discovering My Spiritual History” (1994)

refractor

Salima Rockwell is Head Coach of the volleyball team. As a setter for Penn State University, she participated in several contests for the Big Ten Championship, the NCAA Semifinals, and the NCAA Championship. She was a three-time All-American in college. She continued as starting center for the U.S. National Team, which she also captained. Since turning to coaching, she led one team to win a national championship. She has also served as a television sports commentator for several networks, most recently as an analyst for NBCUniversal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

co-curricular events

"This Is Us" Art Mural Reflections w/ the Sister Thea Bowman Center

Sept 18, 21, 22, 23, 25

See how your story contributes to our narrative. In this interactive reflection on the 1,225 tile mural titled, “This Is Us,” students will examine how individual story lines come together to create the community that is Notre Dame. The individual tiles represent personal sets of roots that become entwined with each other. Learn more

First-Year Poetry Cafe w/ Prof. Laura Betz

Sept 22

"Where are you from?" Joiin a poetry reading and writing event hosted by Professor Laura Betz, Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of English, and Moreau Peer Leaders that helps you consider the stories, persons, places, and ideas that have formed you. You'll sip tea, listen to peers recite poetry, and perhaps begin to craft your own "Where I'm from" poem.

No prior experience with reading or writing poetry is needed to participate in this event. Learn more

beloved life life: writing a letter of gratitude

due in class by session 5: dignity.

Life Labs are engaging, interpersonal activities related to course topics that you complete on your own. You and your classmates will complete these activities during the same time period, enabling a shared communal experience.

This Life Lab is an opportunity to recall that you are beloved. By writing a letter of gratitude, you may see your own worth reflected through the eyes of someone who has loved you.

beloved life life: writing a letter of gratitude

Additional Resources

Watch a video–among the most-viewed at TED–of Robert Waldinger explaining how the Harvard Study of Adult Development indicates that deep relationships are essential for living well.

Listen to remarks by Salima Rockwell, delivered during the University’s 2024 Walk the Walk Week, on her own roots and the way people can influence those around to them.

Read (in English or in Spanish) a statement by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on the contributions–including a sincere love of family–made by Latinos and Hispanics to the Catholic Church in America.

Explore how Bl. Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, organized his community around the model of the holy family.