May 16, 2013
Senior Articles
7
The importance of family is huge As you all have probably figured out for yourself, high school is full of good and bad days. You have those insanely wonderful moments when you pass a test you thought you failed, win a game, or get asked to a dance. And you have days where nothing seems to go your way. You receive a Saturday school, you complete an assignment for Mr. Thraen in pencil, or you’re in a fight with friends. I’ve experienced all these roller coaster moments, and looking back, the one thing that stayed steady in my life was my family. As I get closer to graduation and as my plans for school next year become more concrete, I find myself truly not wanting to leave home. Sure, I want the
independence of going to college and the new experiences that come with it, but there is so much I want to stay the same. Curling up on the couch and watching (and imitating) “The Rachel Zoe Project” with my mom every week, driving to work with my dad, or laughing uncontrollably with my sisters are all things I will miss
more than anything next year. I find myself cherishing these moments now instead of taking them for granted like I used to. I tear up when we sit down to eat dinner together knowing that I’ll be missing out on it next year. I lie in bed at night wondering how I will fall asleep at college without my parents tucking me
in or how I’ll leave for class in the morning without hearing my mom say “Goodbye, I love you, have a good day,” as she’s done every day since kindergarten. Don’t wait until the last minute to realize how great you have it. Appreciate what you’ve got going for you now and never take it for granted. This one goes out to the best parents in the world, Chuck and Bobbie, I love you! CJ Lampe Opinion Writer
Put your goals into action; just do it Stop the presses. Forget all the stuff you just read, especially Alex Fox’s article. Every motivational quote you’ve ever read from Twitter, Pinterest, FacePlant, your favorite book, every movie or song quote that speaks to you, every story you’ve read about that inspired you, and even from this paper in your hands, is completely and utterly useless. Without, that is, the utilization of one word: action. You can be as inspired as humanly possible, but without action, you can’t accomplish anything. Take, for example, my high school grades. As a freshman, I struggled academically, especially in Biology and World Civ. I knew
Timeless Freshmen: these next three years will be as fun as you make them. I encourage you to balance your time between your friends and family, and get to know them on a deeper level. I also urge you to branch out and try new things. Although I love Xavier football with all my heart, there are so many other events that you can attend to support your classmates! Sophomores: you are about to embark on the most challenging academic year of high school. While grades are important, you also need to find a balance. If you spend too much time worrying about school, you will waste away one fourth of your high school experience. Additionally, this is your time to step up. You are no longer underclassmen and
I could do better and get better grades, but didn’t do anything about it. Then, my brother went away to college. At that point I realized how important grades are to getting into college and getting a jumpstart into a successful career. That was a wake up call for me to get my schoolwork to the level that I
does not only apply to school work. Whether you want to improve in academics, your faith life, athletics, fine arts, or even being a good person, you will always need to take action. The hardest part of correcting old habits is almost always starting. Remember, you will always be in control of your future by taking action and going for it. Well, knew it could be. No, I didn’t what are you waiting for? Stop cheat (that much). Only kidding. reading this article and just do it! It didn’t take much; just by listening in class and doing my homework, my grades improved substantially. It didn’t affect my social life or athletics, but just Robbie Thinnes by starting a small action, I was Feature Assistant able to make a positive change. This theory of taking action
wisdom
for
the
ages
when they came. I can honestly say without a doubt in my mind that we have made our school, our second home, a better place. To the Class of 2013, “I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.” sooner than you know you will be the seniors leading the school! Juniors: you have truly been an amazing class to bond with over the past three-plus years. This next year is your chance to shine and make the most of your last year at Xavier. I cannot stress enough how fast your senior year will go. I know many of you are probably ready to move on and
go to college. But seriously, slow down! Enjoy your last year of home cooked meals, high school football, and being able to see all of your friends every day. Seniors: what can I say? We’ve had a great run. At the beginning of each year Mr. Keating challenges each incoming freshmen class to leave Xavier a better place than it was
Hailey Sojka Business Manager