Like many students last fall, I looked forward with great anticipation to the day I would receive my X-Ring. As someone with many family ties to the university, I had seen the ring worn proudly at family functions my whole life, and I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment that came along with wearing it.

In early February, the ring went missing. At first I assumed it had fallen behind my desk, or was buried under a stack of books. Finding the ring was not going to be as simple as that; over the next three months I searched endlessly for the ring and thought continually about its possible whereabouts. Despite the help of friends and family, and my grandmother's continued prayers to St. Anthony,

I resigned myself to the fact that the ring would probably not be found in time for Convocation. Unfortunately, I was right.

In mid-August, a good friend of mine and fellow Celtic Society enthusiast called to invite me to Antigonish. I was told that the AlumniNews wished to speak with both of us for an upcoming article on the Gaelic Scholarship fund and the Celtic Society. As one of the recipients for this year's scholarship I was more than willing to share some of my experiences.

So I arrived back in Antigonish one day in August. Ready for our lunchtime interview we met and proceeded to a local restaurant where I was told we were to meet with a representative of your magazine. Entering the building, I saw a dozen friends of mine gathered around a table. I was quickly handed a small blue box, not unlike that which my own X-Ring came in, and told that instead of an interview about scholarships, this was to be day for X-Rings!

Unbeknownst to me, a move had been on since mid-June to raise enough money to replace my lost ring! Twenty people, friends spanning my four years at X, contributed more than $400 to replace the ring. Contributions had been sent in from as far away as British Columbia and letters were written by several contributors. That night all those who could be in Antigonish for the event went out and a good time was had by all.

The ring means more to me now than the original ever could have. To be able to earn an X-ring through scholarly endeavour is a wonderful experience; to be able to earn it again, through friendship, is a rare privilege and one for which I consider myself exceedingly fortunate. The event testifies to the unity of the Xaverian spirit and the generosity of its nature.

- Shamus MacDonald '02

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