COLUMN: Alexander Rurik shares story of name

This is the first in a series by student body president Alexander Rurik who adds a leadership perspective and voice to The Feather Online.

Hello, my name is Alexander Rurik, the 2018-19 ASB President for Fresno Christian. As an FC lifer, I am thrilled to spend my final year alongside friends and classmates I have walked through life with. As the initial school year madness settles into a calm routine, I want to share a part of who I am.

I have two older brothers named Andrew and Austin who are ten and seven years older, respectively. When I came along, my parents almost settled on the name Jonathan, but my brothers protested, saying I might feel left out if they both held names starting with “A”, and I did not.

For the longest time, this story was the only explanation offered for my name. That is until recently, when my father’s best friend Frank revealed he had a hand in it. After the original choice was vetoed by my brothers, my father outsourced to his friend Frank for ideas. After his first suggestions, Zero and Thor, were shot down, Frank suggested the name which became mine.

Alexander comes from two people: Alexander the Great and Lex Luthor. Alexander the Great, as his name suggests, is one of the greatest leaders and military minds of history, and Lex (Alexander) Luthor is one of the most vile villains in the DC Universe.

How are these two people connected? Well, they’re not.

In fact, they land on complete opposite polar ends of the spectrum. In Frank’s mind, Alexander the Great and Lex Luthor represent one of the most foundational concepts in life: the choice between good and evil.

In life, decisions about how we interact, what we do and how we treat others boils down to two choices. What will you choose?

At school, will you motivate yourself to learn and work hard or do the bare minimum? Will you get involved or talk down on school activities? On the athletic field, will you demonstrate sportsmanship and go the extra mile or give up?

In life, decisions about how we interact, what we do and how we treat others boils down to two choices. What will you choose? — Alex Rurik

The way we treat others says an abundance about who we are. I encourage everyone to be mindful about each daily interaction that occurs. A smile or a comforting word may be the difference between someone feeling down, or actually being fine.

The list goes on, but the crucial part to remember is to be intentional about your actions and choices.

Phillipians 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

For last years presidential columns, read COLUMN: Roman Endicott says inspiring endeavors ahead and COLUMN: Roman Endicott reminds readers to ‘live in the present’.

For more by Rurik, read Kareem Abdul-Jabbar proves leadership on and off the court and COLUMN: Small school, big dreams.

Alexander Rurik can be reached via Twitter @alexrurik23, email and Instagram.