PREP 2023 COMMENCEMENT
SENIOR REFLECTION
Jesuit Education for Mind, Body and Soul
D
uring my freshman orientation, the first words that came out of our senior speaker’s mouth were “Don’t be a 2:30 kid!” On the surface, this
simple message urges students to take advantage of the countless service, clubs, and sports opportunities Prep has to offer; however, after spending four years here, I can tell you this message is much deeper. Many people know Prep for its Jesuit education, yet, it is difficult to grasp what a Jesuit education has to offer when you are only looking at it from the outside in. It is only after deep reflection that one who has experienced a Jesuit education can recognize the effects it has had on their thought process, life balance, and priorities. Reflecting over the past four years, I can see now that Prep instills Jesuit values in their students without them even knowing. During freshman year, students are introduced to numerous Jesuit terms and values such as Cura Personalis. Cura Personalis, Latin for “care for the whole person,” is the basis for success anywhere. One of the main goals of a Jesuit education is to develop students into loving people, but you cannot love others until you love yourself. Therefore, it is a necessity to take care of your mind, body, and soul. Prep’s structure allowed me to subconsciously fulfill Cura Personalis. Through Prep’s rigorous classes, I was
“Now, as an alumnus of Fairfield Prep, I am proud to say that I am a part of the Jesuit Brotherhood for life.” JACK DEVINE ’23
constantly enriching my mind; through Prep’s crew team, I was constantly challenging and caring for my body; and through Prep’s daily prayers and weekly examens, I was continuously calming my soul. Another Jesuit concept Prep stresses is reflection which has become a key aspect of my life. Through weekly, schoolwide examens, or through retreats, students learn to reflect on their experiences. I learned that if I set aside my pride and accept responsibility for all of my actions, I can learn from almost every situation; I can elevate my successes and prevent repeated failures. Similar to any ceremony Prep hosts, the graduation itself was professional and personal. I felt as though all of the faculty who formed me over the past four years were there specifically for me. The speakers, voted on by my classmates, touched on all of the heartbreaks and triumphs we’ve experienced together over the past
8 PREPTODAY | FALL 2023
four years; COVID-19, the detrimental loss of a brother, the appearance in two football championships, and even winning the state hockey championship. I feel like it was the ideal way to transition from a student to a graduate. Now, as an alumnus of Fairfield Prep, I am proud to say that I am a part of the Jesuit Brotherhood for life. The “Jesuit Brotherhood,” often thrown around casually, is not just a saying; it is real. Coming from a family of Prep graduates—both my grandfathers, numerous uncles, and my father—I can say with confidence that mentioning you graduated from Fairfield Prep to another Prep or Jesuit school graduate will provide you with many opportunities. By Jack Devine ’23 Jack was honored with the Cardinal Key Society Award for leadership and service at the Senior Awards Dinner, and at graduation received the Francis Xavier, S.J., Award honoring a student who took advantage of the full array of opportunities and experiences offered at Prep. Jack is attending Boston College.
