Senior service provides quite an irksome stress for students at Xavier High School.  Juniors presented with the task of finding a project in the community that they will be devoted to have little interest in following through.  Faced with the coming end of the toughest high school year, juniors see service hours as the lowest common denominator.  Then, once senior year starts, students are confronted by menacing college applications.  It’s no wonder they tend to lag on completing their required service.

However, Xavier’s senior service policy is not so bad when it’s laid out in a defined format.  The ever-present nagging of mentor checklist meets allows students to gauge their levels of procrastination through the Campus Ministry’s vigilant tracking of their progress.  Mentors are picked by the students, so generally they are likable and easy to work with, at least from the individual students’ perspectives.  Three mentor meetings are required throughout senior year, but if these meetings are designed to motivate the students, then it is nothing compared to the relentless reminders via email, morning announcements, chance attack meetings in the halls, and untimely detentions.

That aside, the senior service requirement is a highly beneficial experience for Xavier students.  Xavier strives to turn out well rounded, honorable men at graduation.  Along with Xavier’s many other character building and teaching tools, the senior service projects provide young men with a broad sense of community and an understanding of the world around them.

I myself, having completed my senior service over the summer away from the hectic school life, actually rather enjoyed the experience.  Beforehand, I was dreading it, but there is also a certain feeling of accomplishment and self-worth when one is actively helping others.  It also helps when the service is something you are happy doing and are passionate about.  For me, it’s all about the kids.  I remember when I was in grade school, and I always had some camp, sport, or other activity with teens serving as counselors and guides.  I remember how much fun I used to have, so, now that I can fill the role that the teens of my childhood filled for me, I am glad to know how happy I can help make the next generation.

Although we, as students, may not want to commit ourselves to service at this time, Xavier knows that students before us have successfully done the same and ultimately have come away with a life experience that hopefully will lead to greater experiences down the road.  Ultimately, the value of helping others sticks with these young men and allows for lasting pride and accomplishment.