I remember being an 8th grade student attending TACHS prep classes, with Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Tinervia being my teachers. I met so many people in my class and grew an instant relationship with them. I met many people that were considering Xaverian, as I did, and I just think that the experience learning for two hours in the building once a week made my craving to become a clipper more intense.
I remember walking in the building in 2016 and Mr. Tinervia recognizing me from the TACHS course. Ever since then, he’s became a huge part of my life. He’s became a father-figure to me, in and out of school, always making me smile and giving me the advice a teenage girl needs in her journey through high school. I couldn’t ask for a better sponsor in my Ring Ceremony or best friend. Besides Mr. Tinervia, I met other faculty members along the way that will always have a special place in my heart: Ms. Hayes, Mrs. Loposky, Mr. Burns, Mrs. DiPalma, Mrs. Notarnicola, Mr. Lindstrom, Mr. Drexler, and so many more role models. Xaverian’s faculty and staff has always been there for me, though the most troubling times and the brightest times. They have all impacted me to understand the bigger picture in life, my self worth, and have helped me find my voice and confidence.
One of the biggest accomplishments I have experienced is meeting Father Sean. Father Sean has been with me through my 4 years, always being my personal therapist, and for giving me advice to find the light. He has been one of my biggest motivators since we met, and I couldn’t ask for a better person to call a blessing.
Xaverian has also allowed me to get closer and find friends that will always be with me, no matter what. To my senior sisters, Maria Rotolo, Alexa Grasso, Casey Hicks, Ciara Diaz, Shawanna Watson, Sally Amro, and Fizzah Masood, thank you for never giving up on me and always being there for me with open arms. The memories we share, from getting yelled at for invading the bathrooms for girl talk, to trying to buy a Coca Cola in the cafeteria, to all TikToks we made, hoping we would get famous, I love you all.
Special shoutout to the girl who just in October of 2019 has became my heart; Lucille Spata. She didn’t have the chance to go to Xaverian, because she’s a year older than me, but she has came into my life and has only made it better. She is my biggest supporter, has became family, and has and will always be my partner in crime.
To my cousin, Olivia Ardizzone, thank you for sharing 3 years of my high school experience with me. I wouldn’t want to get Dyker Bagels after school or go to football games with anyone else.
To my precious, little, sophomore sisters that Xaverian has brought me closer to, Victoria Tarantola and Rosamaria Spata, thank you for making senior year so special. Thank you for being there for me no matter what, making me laugh, and being the light during the darkest days. I don’t know who I’m going to yell at in the morning for being late (Victoria) or bribe to go get me coffee in the morning (Rosamaria).
Xaverian, you have showed me so many characteristics of myself that I didn’t even know I had. You have showed me that I am capable of so much more than I think. You have showed me that I am forever a clipper at heart. Now, I have to actually plan my outfits before school... I took the uniform
P.S. I apologize to the teachers (mostly Mr. Alfredo) that had to deal with me and, surprisingly, were able to have patience with me for the past 4 years.
I despise to say this but, #swag I’m out.