This is one big, wide-open classroom. The members of the Class of 2025 were all out on the football field Tuesday for group exercises as part of Fall Freshman Leadership Day, run by Dan Jaskot ’98 of Empower Leadership.
When the freshmen are on the field, it’s about fun, it’s about listening, it’s about learning.
“All of what we’re doing out here today is about functioning with people around you … everyone doing what they are supposed to be doing,” Jaskot tells the freshmen. This is about doing what it takes for the group to be successful. It’s not about me, it’s not about I.”
The freshmen were surrounded by senior leaders who had gone through the same experience.
“It teaches them to come together,” James DeDonato ‘22 said. “They can meet a lot of kids and start to learn the leadership skills they’ll need. It can allow you to connect on a deeper level.”
DeDonato, like so many other seniors helping out on this day, has developed those leadership skills. He’s a Peer Minister, a Big Falcon, member of the National Honor Society.
“This is about teamwork, leadership, and the things that Xavier teaches you in your four years here,” Jack Roy ’22 said. “You start to learn what it takes to be successful in life.”
Roy remembers meeting other freshmen that day four years ago with whom he remains friends.
“The freshmen can meet others and kindle some connections they never thought they would,” Roy said.
Like DeDonato he’s a Peer Minster, NHS member and Big Falcon. He’s also familiar with the football field on which he stood. He’s a member of the varsity team that has started the ’21 season with two wins.