Xavier Students Getting "Scarred Up"

By Jeremy Lardner

Tattoos are a major part of the culture of many Pacific islands. From the Maori “Moko” which is designed to both distinguish the wearer from other clans and to intimidate enemies, to the Cambodian “Yantra” tattoo, which is used for spiritual protection, tattoos are sometimes the only thing that many Pacific islands have in common. With this in mind, it is a shame that such and ancient and distinguished tradition has become such a point of conflict within Xavier.

While many of our students have tattoos which are professionally done and look very impressive, lately many students, especially some of our Freshmen boys have been doing their own tattoos, despite Br. Dave’s constant warnings. Using anything from thorns and knives to battery acid, some students have taken it upon themselves to distinguish themselves from their classmates by “scarring up” and marking themselves for life.

“It’s just dumb” one freshmen girl said, “it doesn’t look good when they do it, it looks really horrible”. With this kind of response to a practice which is meant to attract the opposite sex, this reporter has only one question to ask those who are tattooing themselves: is there any point in cutting your own flesh and marking yourself for life if girls remain unimpressed when you show them your scars?

As well as the social effects of tattoos, or rather, the lack of them, there are also many health risks involved in do-it-yourself tattooing which mean that you can often be taking your life into your own hands when you take part in this practice.

The most obvious risk is infection. Because tattooing involves breaking the skin, all reputable tattoo artists ensure that before they work on a client, their hands are washed and they throw out old needles and ink and use fresh materials straight out of their packaging for each new client. At Xavier, however, the closest thing to this kind of preparation that our talented tattoo artists undertake is breaking off a thorn from any old shrub or tree and perhaps brushing any visible dirt off of it before they begin on their client.

Think very carefully before you do it, because this variety of body art is extremely painful to have removed, and fon’t let your friends do it for you. Go to a professional”.

Halloween Horror Fest

By An Anonymous Freshman

During Halloween, the Orionz class set up a haunted house in the gym. They spent two days just setting it up. On the eve of Halloween, the uppers added a little twist. Before bedtime, Riantho (SR) told scary stories. That same night, Thaine (JR) pretended to be possessed. The next day when we went to the haunted house we were really shaken up because Thaine warned us in a deep, evil voice,”Don’t go in there! It’s not good in there!”. He then stormed out, violently banging the dining hall tables.

When I took my first step inside, Ivynn (JR) pushed me in and shut the gym door. I was stuck in a dark gym with the ear-piercing sound of an old lady screaming. I hesitated to keep going at first. Then I finally gathered enough courage to walk through, Suddenly something grabbed my foot with an enormously tight grip. I struggled for freedom and I kicked really hard, hitting someone in the face. I rushed towards the end and when I got out an old lady with a big mouth charged at me. I hollered for help and ran away.

Then I found myself on the stage with an old lady crying over a colossal figure with a familiar voice. I stepped closer and the huge figure suddenly came at me like a bull. By the time I figured out it was Jordan (JR), he had already grabbed me and Michael Ken (JR) was screaming in my face. I struggled free then suddenly they pushed me off the stage and shoved me in a cabinet. The only thing that was in there was water, a mirror and a paper with directions scribbled on it. “Splash water on the mirror but beware—death is near. If death is what you seek, then yell ‘Bloody Mary’ three times.

After I followed the instructions, I heard a high-pitched scream and banging, then all of a sudden a door opened behind me. I ran to another tunnel, which was quiet and lit by candles. I crawled through then the candles went out and something grabbed me. I stayed still because I felt it wasn’t a human hand. I jolted to the end where there was only one candle alone, one foot away from me. Suddenly a huge pick-axe smashed it. I ran under a table and the axe banged against the table. Then it was quiet and I ran for the exit, but some man in a dress stopped me. I was ready to cry but then he just gave me candy and showed me the way out.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

By Omekar Kanai (FR)

Everyone was noisy in class so I sang a little, but suddenly everyone became quiet and watched me until I realized I was the only one making a noise.

While Freddy was chasing me, I slipped on the field and slid through the girl’s sewerage. I was covered in waste from top to bottom and I lost my glasses in the mud.

Being scolded out loud in front of everyone in the study hall by Fr. Jim.

Kissing my girl in public.

Seen with underwear in the benjo by the girls.

I ran outside naked while girls were looking.

A girl caught me scratching my groin.

On the first week of school, I slipped in front of everyone.

On the first day of school I got scolded, and was forced to apologize in front of the class. Instead I walked up and started to cry.