We still love each other
March 25, 2026 2:42 PM
It is hard to believe that in one more week, our Tuesday nights will be devoid of lime green walls, buzzing lights and caffeine fueled editorial “writing”.
Student newspapers are coldhearted mistresses who draw you in with the promise of affecting change, building up resumes, and creating something tangible every single week. Sure, she leaves you with ink stained fingers and a permanent hankering for a cheeseburger, but it sure is good while it lasts. It sounds melodramatic, but it gets like that here.
But for those of you who aren’t involved in the production of a student newspaper, they are a special breed of media. Not only do they keep you informed of campus and world events, they create an outlet for you to voice your opinions and be critical.
The most outstanding feature of student newspapers is their editorial autonomy; their ability to be free of implicit editorial control from advertisers, the students’ union or the university administration.
This is something we guard jealously, and those student journalists who go on to pursue careers in the media long for the good old days when you weren’t bound by the corporate body that owns the publication you work for. It’s the truest form of autonomy.
This is a unique situation that won’t be at your disposal forever. As students at a small university, we have the power to affect change, and the Xaverian Weekly has always been there to help us do just that.
The Xaverian Weekly has been in circulation since 1895, and that’s entirely due to the phenomenal students who write, who read, and who recycle the Xav into awesome hats.
Students who work at and contribute to the paper play an important role in representing the diverse interests and beliefs of the greater student body. So, while it may seem like a shameless plug, be a part of it.
The most important thing to us is that the vibrant culture of student media, be it newspapers or radio, continues.
Obviously, we both love the Xav, although we want to run screaming from the newsroom and stay here forever simultaneously. But after Tuesday, it will have to be the former, hopefully without the screaming.
Even if you don’t always agree with what we publish, the fact remains that the Xaverian Weekly is (in our completely unbiased opinions) one of the foremost student newspapers in the country; it was long before we started working here, and it will be long after we leave.
The reason why the Xav is so great is because of the nature of StFX. Although we sometimes complain that nothing newsworthy is happening, students always pull through for us with activism efforts, outstanding achievements, the occasional error and tons of letters.
So thank you for that. We couldn’t be the Xaverian Weekly without you, the Xaverians. We hope you enjoyed reading, criticizing and responding to our work this year. Next year, the new staff will be working on lots of new initiatives, so even if you find a summer fling, don’t fall out of love with us.
