No, thank YOU
February 18, 2020
In today’s day and age, students do not seem to go to school to expand their knowledge but only to strive for the ‘self-defining’ grade. This mindset can be harsh on our health, happiness and confidence.
On the bright side, Xavier isfilled with an endless amountof resources to help us improveall aspects of our lives. We haveXcel Hour for work time, Campus Ministry and a chapel with opendoors to grow in our faith. We have a library filled with an abundanceof books, supplies and helpfulstudent Xtras. The list goes on… we are blessed beyond measure.
Behind every opportunity is someone with a rather passionate mindset who cares about others, someone who gives their all toencourage and uplift students.
In particular, often in the midst of tight schedules, I would love to squeeze in a good read from the LMC, but I simply don’t have enough time. Some students use a library to fall into the pages of a story besides their own. I use the library to chat to a familiar face with an open heart, open arms and open LMC doors. Mrs. Marshall truly wants the best for every person she encounters.
Every time I walk into the Xavier LMC, I am typically in search of whiteout, a stapler or photos for The Xpress. She humbly guidesme to exactly what I need but I always leave the Xavier LMC with something greater: a bigger smile, an uplifted mood and a big “thankyou”forallMrs.Marshallhasdone, just by being her authentic self.
Mrs. Marshall’s go-to responseis a phrase I will remember after my high school years, “No, thank YOU!” Picture this: someone thanking youfor asking for help. I can alwayspredict her words when I ask to lookfor something for my next project.
“Marsh, may I use some note cards,” I would ask. “I want you to,” she says. Every time.
We are so blessed to have aTeacher-Librarian along witha school full of staff members who truly care! While most of us students grew up in the Catholic school system, we may take this for granted. The seniors can account for this in their four years of getting to know Xavier’s incredible staff. I haven’t encountered a single faculty member who wouldn’t think twice about simple acts of kindness to help a Saint in one way or another.
Although we all have our bad days, we need to understand that a positive attitude and an openheart is what lifts us back up. Somepeople cannot lift themselves back up, so strive to help them throughthe little things. Thank a teacher, uplift a friend, smile at the person who held the door open for you this morning. There is no shame in being a good person because everyone needs a little support, even if you don’t realize it. So, no, thank YOU Mrs. Marshall.
