Real Xavier Pride

When most people describe their dedication and pride for Xavier, they start off by explaining how many basketball games they have attended and how they can memorize every star

athlete to walk this campus. While I believe this shows a great deal of Xavier spirit, I feel there is a component missing. The missing link is pride for

the campus itself. Winning records are great, high academic achievements even better, but what about students caring about the school they claim to love?

What I mean is taking care of this school. So many times I've walked around campus and seen blatant disrespect

for the buildings and green spaces at Xavier. I have

witnessed fellow classmates dropping trash on the ground

five steps from a garbage can or leaving their empty bottles at their desks instead of putting them in the recycling bin.

To me, this just shows the lack of pride students have on a daily basis, as opposed when there are 10 seconds left on

the clock. There is something to be said for students who not only brag about Xavier's achievements, but take the time to appreciate the highly-ranked campus they live and learn on everyday. Having new wave technology and state of

the art equipment is a great asset to learning. But having clean buildings makes paying attention to that high-tech gear in class easier too, especially when you're focused on the professor and not the empty potato chip bag behind

him on the floor. Besides the trash, Xavier has a smoking problem. While I am not trying to tell people the dangers

of smoking, I do not think it is too much to ask that smokers

obey simple Ohio state law; for example, please obey the nonsmoking signs inside many of our classroom buildings. On more than one occasion I have seen fellow

students lighting up outside class, inside Hailstones and Alter. Alter Hall has enough problems and smells without adding cigarette smoke to the mix. Xavier students have some of the most school pride I have ever seen, but I think it's time to take it to the next level. Not only should we cheer our teams on to victory, but we should also take care and pride in our beautiful campus. What better way to show Dayton who's the best by not only wiping the court with them, but having the cleaner, nicer, more appealing

campus as well? Not only will taking pride in our campus

better the conditions for the students, it will also grab the

attention of future Muskies who can carry on that strong Xavier pride. Overall, pick up your garbage, keep Xavier clean and show your Muskie spirit.