The following is the introduction of The YAWP’s Winter 2020 edition, written by Matthew Krasnov’ 20, Editor in Chief.

By Aidan Moran ’22. Click to enlarge.

In our day to day lives, there’s rarely time for people to be introspective. We’re often overwhelmed with responsibilities, obligations, goals, and deadlines that make it hard to take a moment to reflect on what we’re doing and where we’re going. I think often about a typical day at Hendricken; we’re so busy with classes, arts, clubs, sports, friends, family, and all of the responsibilities in between, that there are days where those few moments of prayer between each period are the only chances to take a chance to breathe. Because of this, usually our moments of introspection come after negative experiences; we face a setback, experience failure, get into trouble, or disappoint ourselves or those we care about. These introspective opportunities help us take stock of what truly matters to us and help us re-lay a foundation from which to grow and improve.

However, life sometimes also offers us opportunities to look back on what we’ve accomplished in positive moments. When we reach certain milestones or near the end of an endeavor, it’s difficult not to reflect on the experience and see how it fits in our “big picture” of what life has become and where we want it to go. It is the combination of these moments, both good and bad, that guide us. Without these, we can’t hold ourselves accountable and can’t recognize the people we have become. One of the most gratifying parts of victorious moments is recognizing how hard we worked for the accomplishment.

By Aidan Cahill ’22. Click to enlarge.

We are at an exciting crossroads at Bishop Hendricken. As we celebrate 60 years of the tradition of becoming young men of character, now is the perfect time to take stock of who we are and who we may become. Our new president and principal embody this fully; men who were forged in the tradition of excellence, but are also brave and enthusiastic to try new things and challenge our Hendricken community to grow in new ways, while also trying to stay faithful to what is truly right and good about our alma mater. Our students, faculty, and staff are reminded that our school is strongest as a family, and while we inevitably grow and change with time, as long as we are always reminded of our Catholic identity and strength in brotherhood, Hendricken will be the great institution that has earned its reputation of excellence and will undoubtedly continue this tradition in our next 60 years.

By Logan Cuthill ’20. Click to enlarge.

 

As a senior, introspection is something I personally find myself doing very often. I ask myself questions such as “what have I personally done to leave my legacy here?,” “how have I made my school and peers better from when we first walked in the door?,” and “what have I truly gained from four years wandering the same halls?”. Personally, when I ask myself these, I am disappointed by lost chances and regret, but most often reminded by overwhelmingly positive memories that make those lost chances seem minuscule. To my fellow seniors, I challenge you to continually look in yourself and ask these same questions. However, I pose a greater challenge to all those who walk in our footsteps and will pick up where we left off. Do not regret what you have missed out on; take advantage of your home and don’t what until your last year to be asking yourself what could have been different. Take a look for what you may still want with this short time we have and use that to propel yourself forward. Seize every opportunity you are given so you may one day walk down the steps of the cathedral knowing that you left truly your best mark on Bishop Hendricken.

For more student artwork, click here. To read other Bishop Hendricken publications, click here.