As my time as Editor-in-Chief of The Viking – and as a student at 4720 Fifth Ave. – comes to a close, I wanted to leave our readership with a few life lessons that I’ve learned from 720 days of walking the quad at Central Catholic.

First, sweat the small stuff. I think everyone can remember a time when they let out an exasperated sigh as Mr. Bezila reminded them to tuck in their shirt, tighten their tie, or take off their sweatshirt. As much as we may not like to admit it, Mr. Bezila’s constant reminders will serve you well as you venture beyond Central Catholic.

At its core, Central Catholic teaches us the importance of a daily routine. Each time we walk into the building, a little voice tells us to button our top button or take out our Airpods. As we prepare to leave Central Catholic, where there is no one reminding us to sweat the small stuff, we’ll lean on our experience at Central Catholic.

You may be tempted to ask, “So what? Why does the small stuff even matter?” It matters because everything builds on each other. The devil is truly in the details. When we commit to doing the small stuff each and every day, the big stuff seems just a little more manageable.

Second, know yourself. As Nick Guinta so beautifully reminded me at KAIROS just a few months ago, that’s a tall order to ask of anyone, particularly of a high school student. Yet, Central Catholic has helped you better understand who you really are. At Central Catholic, you have experienced so many different walks of life – from varsity athletics to the Masque to the Scholars Program – each and every one of you has found a place at Central Catholic.

While many of you wear three, four, or even five different hats, each hat is critically important to knowing who you are as a person. As you continue on in your journey, I challenge each of you to take this knowledge with you. Never try to be someone you’re not. The world is full of too many people who are trying to fit into a particular mold or live up to a particular image, but life is simply too short to hide your true self.

The second part of knowing yourself is surrounding yourself with people that are simultaneously your biggest cheerleaders, your most honest critics, and your most comforting shoulders to cry on. While we’re all going to meet new people as we embark on the next stage of our lives, make an effort to keep the lifelong friendships that you’ve forged together over these past four years.

Third, find a balance. I’m admittedly not good at this; but, like all of us, I’m forever learning. Central Catholic has taught each of us how to juggle so many different commitments that jockey for our time and attention. From sports to extracurriculars to academics, Central Catholic pushes each of us to our limits.

Yet, it is precisely when we are at our limit – when we think we cannot possibly handle everything that’s thrown at us everywhere all at once. It is here that we grow. And grow we have. So, whenever you think you can’t handle one more thing, I hope you’ll think back to the times when you felt overwhelmed and exhausted at Central Catholic. And, always, always remember, you can, you did, and you will persevere.

Fourth, remember the brotherhood. We use the word brotherhood a lot at Central Catholic. While some may think it’s just a catchphrase or tagline, it is so much more than that.

When I think of brotherhood, I think of the small acts of kindness that define Central Catholic. I will never forget how overjoyed Mrs. Lynch was when she shared with me that an alum had donated 85 shirts to the clothes closet. Or when Brother Tony would shake everyone’s hand in the morning, no matter the weather and even as he worked through his own health challenges.

To me, these actions are the epitome of Central Catholic’s true brotherhood. Looking out for one another when no one is watching. Showing up. Checking in. Giving back. Realizing that you are a part of something much bigger than yourself. As you embark on the next leg of your life’s journey, take this sense of brotherhood with you. And remember, you’ll always have a home at 4720 Fifth Ave.

Roll Vikes!