In a few short weeks, I will watch my best friends graduate from a place that we have all grown to call home. I’ve had the privilege to get to know some beautiful people in my three years here at SJU, many of which are in this year’s graduating class. I have learned so much from my older peers, and have always found a sense of comfort in my “olders.” However, as the days of this semester dwindle down, I am realizing something. Very soon, I will technically become the oldest – the senior. As frightening as this realization may be, I can honestly say that I feel ready. It’s because of my “olders” that I have become who I am today. Your wisdom, patience, kindness, and humor have shaped me, have helped me, and so many others, become better forms of ourselves. So, here’s to you, seniors.
You were there as we exited our cars at orientation and parted with our parents. You laughed with us as we nervous giggled at your attempts to make us comfortable. You helped us wear just the right outfit for our BLD and you stood with us awkwardly in a corner.
You were there for us as we left home for the first time and became freshmen. You helped us move one too many Target dorm items into Lafarge, Villager, Sourin, and McShain. You were our PSIP, Koinonia, Magis, Ignite, and APEX leaders. You were the text we sent when we couldn’t figure out where Post Hall was, and you were the Math Beauty tutor we so desperately needed.
You were there for us as we transitioned into sophomores. You introduced us to our fraternities, sororities, and favorite organizations. You helped us through our first heartbreak, a major/minor change, and roommate problems. Even though you were juniors, you still came to Campion brunch and ate 3+ waffles with us.
And as some of us have reached the Holy Land (junior year), you planned our 21st birthdays for us at Kildares. You dragged us to Landmark on a Monday even when we had an eight page paper due Tuesday, because come on, the Margs. You helped us become campus leaders. You helped us find ourselves.
For these reasons, and so many more, we thank you:
“Doug Becker, thanks for being weird for the past 15 years of school together… It’s made me seem normal.” – Lauren Eccleston ’16
“My APEX Seniors: Caroline, Mike, Roberto and Rosie. You are all fantastic people who have had such an amazing impact on myself and the SJU community. I know you will do some incredible things in life!” – Dan Soucy ‘17
“I want to thank the Orientation seniors from the 2018 team for teaching us to fall in love with everything around us. Your hearts and sunshine will take you wherever you wish to be.” – Natalie Roche ’17
“I would like to thank Megan Thompson for always being there to give me a recharge. SJU won’t be the same without you! #BLT” – Lizzy Ginsberg ‘16
“To our senior Deltasigs, thank you for being the greatest role models, the most wonderful supports, and the best friends and brothers, our chapter could imagine.” – Alli DelGrippo ‘17
“I would like to thank Cailinn O’Callaghan for teaching me the importance of love and laughter.” – Becca Wheeler ‘16
“To my cousin Jackie Ricciardi, congrats on graduating and thank you for being an inspiration to all during your time here. SJU won’t be the same without you!” – Annie Riccardi ‘16
“To the wonderful seniors of the Hawk Host Organization: thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being so dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic about walking backwards, making corny jokes, waking up early, waving flags, and answering some crazy questions. I have no doubt that you will all succeed wherever your backwards walk takes you, and I wish you nothing but the absolute best.” – Kelsey Lazicki ‘16
“I’d like to thank Erin Monahan for being the perfect college role model. She’s taught me how to work hard, be a leader, be a friend and sister, and to never forget to have fun.” – Sara Scott ‘16
“Hey Rosie DeFilippo, thanks for being the best PSIP mama a girl could ask for, and smothering me with ceaseless love every time I see you. Thank you for introducing me to the magic of SJU, and for always radiating that spark outwards to me and to so many others on this campus. For me, it all started with you. I love ya!” – Lindsey Hueston ‘16
“Thank you to all the seniors for being such a big part of why I love this school, and thanks to Mike McCahil for sharing and creating some of my greatest memories!” – Francesco Folino ‘17
“I’d like to thank all of the seniors in Phi Sigma Pi for being my friends, mentors, and of course, my brothers.” – Greg Ferroni ‘16
“Lex, thank you for always being my dance partner and for never saying no to Margarita Monday or snacks, but mostly for the endless love and support you have given to me. I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes you. ILY5ever.” – Emily Pinto ‘16
“I want to say thank you to the seniors of Phi Sigma Pi for being some of the greatest role models and best friends someone could ask for. Without all of you, my college career would’ve had much less laughter and fun.” – Ben Chapman ‘16
“Steph Rescigno, thanks for being there since the beginning and helping me grow in more ways than you know. #NOKE” – Tom O’Hara ‘16
“Thank You to the APEX Senior Leaders of 2015 for being the greatest role models I could ever ask for. Thank you for showing me endless amounts of compassion, love, and laughter and for making my junior year the best year of my life. #blessed” – Brittany Lawrence ‘16
“Caitlin Lavorgna, thank you for being a source of constant, selfless love and sincere advice, a shoulder to cry on, and my biggest role model. You’ve taught me to think a little harder, love a little more deeply, and be a little better each and every day and I will never be able to thank you enough for the impact you’ve made on my life.” – Kathy McGee ‘16
“Koko aka Taylor Rizzolino, few people in this world are able to bring such a light into everyone’s lives they touch, you are one of the few. Thank you for being an inspiration and true friend. Can’t wait to see the great things future holds for you.” – Kelly Wallace ‘16
“Ange Rocco, thank you for inspiring me to never stop smiling, and for showing me that it is possible to do it all, and to do all of it well. The impact you’ve had on my time here, and that of countless others, is astounding in the best way possible. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being the best role model I could ask for.” – Nick Fortunato ‘16
“To the orientation team seniors and the OML seniors, thanks for your love, guidance, and friendship. May your best days lie ahead of you.” – Kobi Amissah ‘16
“Alyssa Beck, you will always be my appalachianship.” – Annalisa Syzmanski ‘16
“Madeleine Keogh, thank you for always listening to me talk about nothing and never failing to make me laugh about everything.” – Maddy Cunningham ‘`17
“Matt Lantieri, thank you for keeping me calm when I am stressed; for saving our van after sinking in Tennessee woods; for your endless rants; for causing scenes in Campion; for teaching me humble confidence; for showing me what it means to be passionate about something; for being the best friend/co/life coach I could have asked for; for being there every step of the way; and most of all, thank you for being you.” – Nicole Scalfaro ‘16
“Thank you Liv, for paving the way for me to love SJU and introducing me to the two best parts of my college career: Sigma and City Belles. You’ve been my role model and one of my best friends and I can’t thank you enough!” – Dani London ‘16
“Thank you, Tony, for continually crashing at my place last summer, buying me Chipotle or Landmark when my wallet isn’t the fullest, and being the person without whom I cannot imagine next year.” – Luigi Nunez ‘17
“Eric Jablonski, you have been the perfect role model who truly shaped my path here on Hawk Hill. It set me up to have an incredible college experience. Thank you.” – Andrew Wyschynsyj ‘16
“To the lovely ladies of CB Palace, thank you for continuously opening your hearts and your home to me. Thank you for always being down to eat Larry’s and egg rolls at 2 A.M. Thank you for being the greatest friends and role models anyone could ask for.” – Sam DiGiuseppe ’16
We love you, seniors!
Writers Note: Multiple packets of tissues were used in the writing of this article.