With the countdown to graduation approaching single digits, the reality of the world is becoming very, well, real for many of our departing seniors. And while they have been an integral part of our community for their time here at Fordham, it is also important to say goodbye. But how?

We are going to have to say goodbye to our orientation leaders who were our first introduction to the Fordham community; that friendly USG president (here’s to you, Alexa!); that not-so-friendly person on the elevator that judges you for taking it to the third floor; that clan of smokers who congregate before their 8:30 class (and between their 1 and their 2:30 and their 5, too); our club leaders who inhabit the plaza and yell your name as you try to sneak by; our classmates who helped complain about unfair deadlines.

Our friends.

But while it’s easy to gloss over graduation and the excitement-tinged-with-fear of our seniors in our own frenzied end-of-the-year rush, as Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

And that’s the exact idea behind the Senior Leadership Awards, as outlined by Noha Mahmoud in “Seniors Awarded at Leadership Dinner” on page 1, to escape stress for just one night and thank those who made the most of Fordham not only for their own sake but for the sake of everyone in the Fordham community.

But with this ceremony comes the fear and anxiety for our own future: what we will do without these seniors? Who will lead our clubs? Who will look at us with disdain on the elevator? Who will welcome the freshman with those wide smiles and borderline-crazy eyes and a rendition of a popular song with lyrics changed to Fordham and rams and Magis?

Who will make Fordham a better place for everyone?

As our seniors depart, it’s not only time to reflect on our own experiences with them but also a time to consider our own relationship with Fordham. Are we doing what we can? Could we do more? Are we going to be remembered?

So, what’s the game plan?

First, thank a special soon-to-be-graduate in your life. Next, get ready to fill some big shoes, because from here on out, we are the leaders.