Looking back at photos of myself from freshman year, I had thought that besides maybe my hair color, I really hadn’t changed that much. Having had time to reflect on that, I see that I couldn’t have been more wrong. Although not changing the most physically, I noticed that these past four years have altered me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I have had the amazing opportunity to make dozens of new friends, strengthen old ones, encounter new ways of thinking and unique ideas. Xavier has challenged, formed and impacted me more than ever, helping me become the person that I am today. Without my freshman and sophomore year English classes, I wouldn’t have discovered my love for writing which had influenced me to participate in journalism and XPress. 

Thanks to the kindness of Mr. Mos, the XPress crew and all of my teachers and friends. I have found and grown in a passion that I truly love, which I plan to continue after I leave, having chosen to study creative writing.

My advice for the future editorial staff: search for joy and creativity in everything and stay true to yourself. Pick articles and apply for staff positions that genuinely interest you, that way journalism will feel like fun and not hard work. Don’t just copy what you see others doing. Find a writing style that is unique, interesting and your own. Being yourself is the best that you can be.