For nine years , I put on hockey pads and played in Red and White games . I traveled early mornings and late nights with my classmates to New Jersey , Long Island , and Connecticut . We battled together on the ice and broke bread at local diners afterwards , win or lose . The car smelled like a body odor bomb and the laughter was never-ending .
At Regis High School , I had success as an All-State level mile runner . I could have run in college , but I decided not to . An individual sport did not give me that feeling . Four years later , I still yearned for the team sports feeling that I enjoyed at Saint David ’ s . I needed to compete , sweat , and bleed with my brothers in arms . This sentiment still exists . Last week , I watched a playoff lacrosse game here at Notre Dame . I went with one of my best friends , a fellow Marine from my program . He asked me if I missed team sports “ with the boys .” I told him there was nothing greater than putting on the same uniform as your brothers to fight for a valiant cause . This emotion and sense of purpose began at Saint David ’ s .
To the current students of East 89th : Saint David ’ s is a great place . You get a superior education with an emphasis on public speaking , teamwork , and discipline . You must show up in uniform and go to Chapel , which is inclusive of all faiths . These things prepare you for life where all people are required in some way or at some time to lead . Saint David ’ s provides its young men with the skills to take command and make a difference in the world . Looking back , I realize that , above all , Saint David ’ s imbued me with the taste of brotherhood and tools of leadership . For me , the hunger for brotherhood cannot be satiated by a company or specific degree . Leadership in the Marine Corps provides me the honor and privilege of leading others and putting their needs above my own .
Gentlemen , take a moment to think about how fortunate you are . Saint David ’ s is not like the rest of the world . Don ’ t make the mistake of seeing burdens when you are surrounded by advantages . To be able to bask in the brotherhood and prepare for life as a well-prepared leader is a privilege . You will never forget your memories here . It is the foundation for the man you are becoming .
TIMOTHY CARTER ’ 14
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That they be good men ” is a mantra that has followed me since I left 89th Street in 2014 . To me , this aspiration carries a sense of responsibility to give back . In the seventh grade , our class walked to the Carnegie East House on several occasions to speak with nursing home residents . At Saint David ’ s , many teachers also expressed the virtues of St . Francis of Assisi , who abandoned his life of luxury to care for lepers and the poor . These are just a few memories of the spirit of service and charity that Saint David ’ s instilled in me . With my family ’ s background in military service , these experiences weighed heavily on me as I explored college and career options in the years after Saint David ’ s .
In May of 2022 , after graduating from Boston College , I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U . S . Army as a Field Artillery Officer . I recently finished Field Artillery training and certification at Fort Sill , Oklahoma , and Airborne School at Fort Benning , Georgia . I am joining the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg , North Carolina .
In the coming years , I am excited to gain unique experiences and grow as a leader . I am grateful to be involved in an organization steeped in history and tradition and full of talented , selfless individuals . I don ’ t expect upcoming tasks to be easy or comfortable . However , I hope that bettering the lives of service members around me and cultivating positive relationships with my small teams will help me achieve my goals and serve in a valuable way .
28 • Saint David ’ s Magazine