Four years. 1460 days. 2,102,400 minutes. Four years ago, I came Fairfield not knowing what to expect. Now, I’ve found myself a second home, a place I’m still not quite ready to leave.

I’ve learned a lot about myself and others here at Fairfield. A number of opportunities and events await you, but you have to go out there and find them. There is no harm in trying something, at least once. It’s funny how you look back on something and could never expect how it would end up, but that’s life.

Think of the best class you took here – signing up, did you know it was going to be that great? Did you know you were going to find one of your future best friends sitting next to you the first day of class? Think about a club you’re now an integral part of – did you know that coming in?

My four years here were highlighted by this past year, serving in the position of FUSA President. Back in freshman year, I came to Fairfield with no hope or expectation of running for this position. When people started to sign up for various clubs in September of 2002, a friend of mine, Lou, asked me to go with him to the FUSA meeting. I completely forgot about it until he came and picked me up, and I only went because a sign had promised free pizza. I sat through the meeting and signed up to be on the General Committee of the Programming Board. I didn’t think it would be that time-consuming, and hey, I could make some friends.

Fast forward to two years. I’d gradually applied for various other director positions on FUSA and seen a few FUSA President’s come and go. I started to wonder if I could do it, and decided why not – and I was elected.

This past year has been a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, and self reflection, but it’s also been an honor. I’ve had the pleasure of working with dedicated, enthusiastic, and wonderful people. I’ve seen how much students do care about this place I now consider home. It’s been quite the journey, but it’s been worth it.

I realize I’m physically leaving Fairfield, but I’ll never forget it. Come May 22, I’ll wake up in another location, but in the years ahead I’ll take what I’ve learned and experienced here and apply it to what I will be doing. Countless episodes of uncontrollable laughter, friendships, and memories. Thank you for them all and best of luck to the Class of 2006.