As I sit here reflecting on my first year at Bucknell, there’s a strange mix of pride and bittersweet nostalgia that fills me. On one hand, I’m thrilled to have made it through the whirlwind of freshman year—the ups and downs, the late-night study sessions, the unforgettable moments. But on the other, there’s this ache that lingers when I think about the seniors who are about to leave. It’s hard to imagine Bucknell without them, those upperclassmen who’ve not only been part of my journey but have shaped it in ways I didn’t fully realize at the time. Their departure marks the end of an era, and while it’s just the beginning for us, it’s a transition that feels heavy.
When we first stepped onto campus as first years, the seniors were already fixtures of Bucknell’s rhythm. They weren’t just faces we saw passing by; they were guides, mentors and role models. They were there to help us navigate the chaos that comes with adjusting to college life. From the first club meeting we attended to those awkward moments when we had no idea where we were going, the seniors were the ones who made us feel like we belonged. They weren’t just part of our college experience— they shaped it, turning what could have been a lonely or overwhelming time into something manageable and, dare I say, fun.
I remember the first week of college, when everything felt new, exciting and utterly confusing. I wasn’t sure where anything was and, honestly, I wasn’t sure who I was supposed to be. My head was down as I walked into the caf, feeling a little lost in my own thoughts, unsure how to juggle everything. It wasn’t just homesickness or the overwhelming number of new faces— it was the realization that college was a lot more than I expected. I was figuring out how to exist in a new space, and it felt overwhelming. That’s when a senior sat down across from me. They didn’t say anything at first, just quietly sipped their coffee and then casually mentioned how their first week had been a blur, too, how they’d spent more time staring at their phone than actually engaging. And then, with a reassuring smile, they shared their advice: “Take it one step at a time. It gets better, trust me.”
That conversation changed everything. It wasn’t advice coming from someone who had everything figured out, but rather from someone who understood exactly how disorienting the beginning of this journey could be. In that moment, I wasn’t alone anymore. It was as if the confusion I felt was shared, and that made all the difference. That’s what seniors do— they meet you where you are, offering not just wisdom but comfort, letting you know that it’s okay not to have it all together. They don’t just offer advice from a distance; they walk alongside you, letting you figure things out at your own pace while knowing they’ve been there before.
What’s even more remarkable is how the seniors leave an impression that extends far beyond advice. They’re the ones who inspire us to be better, not just in our academic pursuits but in how we show up for each other. Their dedication, their drive and their unwavering commitment to their passions leave us with a legacy to follow. You can’t help but watch them with awe— how they balance their studies, extracurriculars and social life with such grace. Their ability to juggle it all while still making time to give back to the community is something we all strive for. They set the bar high, and we’re lucky enough to be around to watch them do it.
As our first year draws to a close, the idea that these seniors will soon be leaving campus feels surreal. It’s almost as if our paths have overlapped at the perfect moment: for them, it’s their last year, and for us, it’s our first. There’s something deeply meaningful about that. They’re among the first characters we meet on this journey; for them, we’re among the last faces they’ll guide. It’s a connection that’s hard to put into words but easy to feel.
And yet, as much as it stings to see them go, I feel incredibly grateful. The seniors have been more than just upperclassmen— they’ve been an integral part of my Bucknell story. They’ve taught me things I didn’t even know I needed to learn. They’ve shown me the importance of community, of collaboration and of making every moment count. They’ve made this place feel like home in a way that words can’t capture.
Especially for me, an only child, the seniors have taken on a unique role in my college experience. They’ve become like older brothers and sisters to me— offering their wisdom, their guidance and their friendship. More than that, they’ve shown me what it means to be part of a larger community, to be generous with your time and to uplift others as you rise. Their impact on my first year has been immeasurable, and I know that the lessons they’ve taught me will stay with me long after they’ve graduated.
So, to all the seniors reading this, thank you. Thank you for being the heart of our campus, for setting the example and for making us feel like we belong here. Your legacy is not just in the work you’ve done but in the lives you’ve touched along the way. As you head into this next chapter, know that your impact on us will never fade. You’ve made us better— better students, better friends and better people. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on in every corner of this campus and in the hearts of those you’ve mentored along the way.
With love, admiration and immense gratitude. You’ll always be a part of this journey.
