The Collegiate
27
THE HUMILITY TO BEGIN AGAIN
A MESSAGE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION His journey reinforces a lesson many people overlook: true fulfillment often requires stepping back from ego, accepting that we don’t have all the answers and being willing to start over with a beginner’s mindset. “The truth is deeper than what lies on the surface,” he reflects. “If we’re not willing to dig, to really seek the truth, we end up living lives that aren’t ours.” Humbled, Gavigan found the courage to step away from his “successful” career and open a small shoe repair shop called Sole Man in Buffalo, NY. The decision raised eyebrows, but he embraced a craft that demanded patience, skill and attention to detail. In doing so, he discovered a deeper kind of satisfaction rooted in service, humility and honest work. For Gavigan, it marked a turning point: a shift from chasing what he once perceived as important to discovering the truth of what is. Today, Gavigan encourages others, especially young people, to approach their futures with openness rather than rigid plans. He reminds them to dig deeper. “Explore your passions. Be open-minded. Don’t be afraid to step off the prescribed path if it’s not where your heart is leading you.” For those willing to dig past the distractions, the shiny objects and the noise of expectations, there is a deeper kind of success waiting: one built not just on achievements, but on purpose. Brian is the loving father to Carter ‘25, Olivia (Sacred Heart ‘27) and Leo ‘30, all made possible by his loving and supportive wife, Joyce.
Faith Reflection For Gavigan, faith wasn’t a fallback. It was the compass that helped him navigate the hardest chapter of his life. He believes, “Truth is love. If Christ is the way, the truth and the life, then the path to truth is paved by love.” Gavigan’s story reminds us to: • Stay Humble: Learning should never end, no matter how successful you become. • Seek Truth Over Approval: Your path may not look like anyone else’s — and that’s okay. • Let Faith Guide You : Trust the process, even when it’s uncomfortable. • Dig Deeper : To find meaning, you need to look past the distractions and work to find what truly matters to you.
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator