Gratitude. One word with nine letters and countless meanings. When I think back upon my time at Xavier, this is the word that pops up most often in my mind. 

I have been spending a lot of time thinking during the last two months, especially about the things for which I am most grateful. I have an abundance of gratitude for my teachers, my family, my friends and for Xavier itself. I have been trying to write down moments and things for which I am thankful as our senior year comes to an end and I would like to share some of them in my final contribution to this newspaper. 

I am grateful for my teachers for multiple reasons. They have taught me lessons in self-confidence, perseverance and finding joy and pride in all I do. To Mr. Matt Walker and Ms. Sarah Hayes: thank you for teaching me the value of believing in myself and helping me to grow in confidence. To Mrs. Kellie Wagner, thank you for teaching me the importance of speaking up for myself and making my ideas heard. To Mr. Tim O’Brien, thank you for showing me the importance of finding happiness and taking pride in all the projects I undertake. 

I am also thankful for Xavier itself. The things I have learned within the brick walls of this building will stick with me forever. I have found however, that the spirit of Xavier is not just inside the physical building. I will carry with me the importance of service and the way songs in a concert can impact an individual who needs to hear them. I will forever be grateful for all I have learned and this word will be with me whenever I think of Xavier. Nine letters. One word. Gratitude.