Opinion 1

In the past year, our country has been hit with multiple tragedies that have rocked our nation. Most recently, we

were struck by the bombing at the Boston Marathon. As soon as I heard the news, I immediately thought, “What is this world coming to that someone would do something like this?” I know that many people around me shared this same reaction. In situations such as these, it is easy to feel helpless because we are just civilians, but at the same time, we feel personally attacked. The people who were victims could have easily been friends or family that were at the race. A past editor of the Xpress was at the race, but thankfully unharmed. My dad had run that race before, and I thought to myself, what if he had run the race this year? I also felt attacked as a runner and an athlete. Races are supposed to promote good health, friendly competition, and bonding over the difficulty of a long run. They are supposed to bring people

“Take a deep breath as you walk through the doors, it’s the morning of your very first day.” Each and every one of us had

that first moment, and took that first breath as we walked through the doors for the very first time on the first day of high school. For some of us, it was a mere few months ago, but for others, the last walk through the door is quickly approaching. It’s so crazy how fast the four years of high school go, but I feel truly blessed to have shared my years thus far with the graduating class of 2013.

We all felt something different, something very special in the air this year, and I think one of, if not the main reason, behind the feeling was the leadership of this year’s senior class. #OURYEAR could not have been more appropriate for any other year I’ve had at Xavier; this year we really left all we had on the floor and gave everything our best shot. From Reggie Schulte running past the student section for the last time screaming thank you’s to the fans, to Patrick Mullin’s strong voice leading the student

Xavier High SchoolOpinion4

Satanly

<<

SaintlyMr. Goldsmith’s

Jokes

Post-It Notes

Voce Tour

Senior Retreat

Cabbage-patching

Tempeh

Smell of Worms

Downtown Parking

Constant Rain

Grinding

Juniors, #ouryear is fast approaching

body in praying the Stations of the Cross; from Connor Collins leading the roller coaster on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, to screaming “Lose Yourself” in the huddle before a huge performance with the Poms. The year has been full of crucial moments in leadership history. We’ll all remember straining our voices saying, “Are you ready for some golf?!” and laughing hysterically at the speech performances. The seniors this year have put everything into what they do and have set new standards high above average. However,

with these new bars that have been raised so high, they have now left us with a responsibility.

I am going to miss the comfort of having a class above me, people to look up to, and great people at that. I believe the examples this years’ seniors have left us with can only mean great things to come from Xavier classes. They have taught us to try everything and give it all we have because the end comes sooner than we think. They have taught us that it is definitely okay to have fun. One of their most important lessons, however, is not defined by a State

title or a score on the ACT, it is the humble balance of the important things and perseverance through all that life throws at you. Let us not forget, Xavier students of the upcoming years, that just because the seniors of 2013 are leaving, it does not mean that #ouryear is over. A new age is coming forward and it is our turn to take over from where they left off. We’re still here, juniors, and now it’s time for #ouryear round two! The seniors have left us with unimaginable new heights and now, it is our turn.

Be the change that you want to seetogether over a goal of finishing, or supporting a good cause, and to attack these good intentions seems especially evil to me.

It is all too easy to feel only like a helpless victim in these situations, as we sit at home and watch the investigations unfold on the news. However, there is always something that could be done. I may only be one little girl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but I can still help to make a difference. Disaster relief funds are usually set up within a matter of days and need contributions, especially in the event of a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy. Donating blood at any time is also a great way to help, and we can even do that easily through Xavier.

In the case of Boston, there were runners who literally continued running on past the finish line to a hospital where they proceeded to donate blood. The next day, there were also eight-mile runs taking place across the country in tribute to the eight-year-old boy who was killed by the blast. Organizers of the marathon have already pledged to continue with the Boston Marathon tradition in

2014, with the 118th marathon. There are also ways that we can make positive contributions to our world, even in times of peace.

Being respectful even to those people who may be different from you, trying your best to set a positive example for others… these are all small but often underestimated ways of impacting the world. It is easy to get sucked into a black hole of despair and depression about the current state of our world in times like these, and I’ll admit sometimes I fall in as well. However, it is so important to keep our heads up and look for ways that we can improve the future, even if it is just something small. We cannot rely on law enforcement and politicians to take care of our country; we have to help as well. Our own behavior can be a small but important step in the right direction. In the words of Michael Jackson, “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and make a change.”

The football games were just some of many fantastic events this year. Submitted Photo.

Morgan NoonanOpinion Writer

Cassie BuschEditor-In-Chief