By Joe Fitzgerald ‘19

Time you enjoy wasting, is not time wasted. John Lennon said that, and it is one of my all-time favorite quotes.

This year I haven’t always done everything I could to get an A, or put in the most time for math or psychology, but I have had an absolute blast. Instead of studying or doing the extra work, I was goofing around, laughing with my friends, and being petty. To be honest I don’t regret any of it.

When all the grades are forgotten and lessons taught escape the mind, nobody is going to remember that one test you failed. What they will remember is how you made them feel. If I could put a smile on someone’s face or help him get through a time, that to me is far worth more than anything else.

There are two types of people in this world – people who value relationships over work, and people who value work over relationships. This year, in a way, has been somewhat of a dream. We had a dream football season until we fell short, we had more fun than we’ve ever had before, and we have really cherished our time together.

I have made more relationships my senior year than I’ve ever had before. One day I realized this is it, so I listened carefully, spoke cheerfully, and lived joyfully. If I barely knew someone, I would say hi or ask him how he was doing. After all, a simple smile and hello can take you very far.

I didn’t intend to do these things for my own personal gain, but looking back now, I guess I did. When students graduate from Brother Rice, they only really are gone when the ripples they have created cease to exist. If I can help build some sort of positive culture, my effect here will never die.

Being passed along through the years – that’s how tradition is built, and I know the Class of 2019 has and will add a lot to the proud tradition of Brother Rice High School.

It feels surreal, almost like a dream or even a nightmare. I always knew this day would come. At one point it seemed so far away, but now it’s too close. Two days left of school, and then if I want to come back, I’ll have to get a visitors pass. Although it is sad, I have no regrets.

I’m going to miss the little things the most. The small talks, the lunch tables and even some of the teachers. I have done my time here; even if I might not want to leave, it is time for the next group of Crusaders to experience the blessings I’ve had the privilege to experience.

Anyone reading this who is at or will be at Brother Rice, enjoy your time. Don’t sweat the small stuff, don’t hold grudges, and live a little. Everyone dies, but not everyone really lives.

I thank God all the time for Brother Rice, and I love this school. Thank you to everyone who has made these four years better than I ever could have imagined. I love you all!