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Faces of Xavier: Joseph Aguilera '15

 By Mike Fiore ’10, Xavier Alumni Volunteer

Welcome to this edition of “Faces of Xavier.” In each article, a Xavier student, past or present, will be highlighted and will share his reasoning for his decision to come to Xavier, aspects of life as a Xavier student, and plans for life after Xavier. Joseph Aguilera ’15, a senior from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, participated in the Ignatian Teach-In on November 15th in Washington, D.C. This event is an opportunity for people inside and outside of the Jesuit Community to gather, learn, and advocate for Social Justice Issues around the world. Joseph was a participant on last year’s Ignatian Teach In and just recently returned from Kairos CVII where he was a student leader. On top of being heavily involved in Xavier’s Campus Ministry program, Joe is also a member of Xavier’s Varsity Baseball team, JROTC program, and Senior Gift Committee. I had the opportunity to catch up with Joseph and ask him about his life inside and outside the walls of Xavier High School.

Why did you first go on Kairos as a junior? What was the experience like?

I decided to go on Kairos after my older brother, Nick Aguilera ’12, went on the retreat. I’ve always heard that Kairos was a great experience and an opportunity to get to know my classmates better. I thought the retreat was definitely life-changing. It really helped me refine my relationship with God and with my classmates.

What made you return to Kairos as a student leader? What was the experience like?

Being that Kairos is a student-run retreat, I really recognized how important of a role the senior leaders played on our retreat. They challenged us both spiritually and intellectually. I wanted to make sure that the juniors going on the retreat would have a similar experience to the one I had last year.

What was it like returning to Kairos for a second time?

It was definitely much different. Watching the experience happen as a leader instead of participating as a retreatant was a truly rewarding opportunity. It was great to watch some of the guys grow up in such a short amount of time.

I know that you participated in the Ignatian Teach-In last year. Why did you decide to complete this experience? What were some of your driving motivations for participating in the Ignatian Teach-In this year?

Last year, I decided to participate in the Teach-In because I wanted to learn more about Social Justice issues and how I could make an impact on both a smaller and larger level through service. This year, the Ignatian Teach-In is focusing on the 25th anniversary of the Salvadorian Martyrs, which is something about which I’m very interested. I really would like to see how their mission relates to how we complete our Jesuit Mission at Xavier.

Obviously, you find value in taking part in these retreat opportunities. How do you think spirituality affects community?

One of the greatest rewards of participating in these spiritual opportunities is that our community is strengthened. To me, participating in spiritual experiences helps build trust. Trust builds relationships. Relationships build community.

What do you think was the most valuable experience you’ve had through Xavier’s Campus Ministry program?

This past summer, I attended the inaugural CFX Trip to Ecuador. The trip was an Immersion trip, meaning that we lived in solidarity with the people of Ecuador. For example, we shared meals with them. What I really appreciated about the trip was that it combined elements from Kairos, the Ignatian Teach-In, and the other CFX trips all into one. The trip also helped build awareness of poverty issues outside of the United States.