On a morning far too cold and misty for the middle of May, Ken Burns reminded us frankly about the challenges we now face, along with the rest of the country. The U.S. and the world continue to reel from the largest economic crisis since the Great Depression. The U.S. faces some of its toughest foreign policy challenges since the two weeks America held its breath during the Cuban Missile Crisis. But, Burns reminded us that we do not go into this world alone. "Seek community," said Burns about what we should do.
I've taken the notion of community for granted during the last four years. Since Day 1, I was embraced by one of the many amazing communities on campus. When I walked out of my car on the first day of freshmen year, I met my roommate Huy Trinh. Since then, I've lived with Huy for three out of four years, and we have a friendship that I hope will last until the end of days. Along with Huy, I lived with 18 others in BC's Shaw House, an intimate community that always encouraged me to go beyond my expectations. Later, I would join the CCE Improv Comedy group, and also Now You Know (Television Variety Show). I'm thankful for all the friendships I've made in both groups during these last four years.
I've never believed in good byes, and senior week had one too many of them. I saw the look in many of my classmates faces, the same look I carried with me all week. It was a look that said, "Are we really leaving? Is this it? Am I really not going to see you again?" There is a lot to be said about the problems of our "virtual bubble." I agree with Burns that unless we can escape it, and form lasting friendships with communities outside our four walled homes, our democracy cannot be saved.
In the spirit of last years election, I have hope. For my class and I, I believe we have the "weapons" necessary for this "new fight." For the last four years, we've been told to serve others, not waste our surpluses, and find the vocation that will not only bring us joy but make us an asset to our community. We were given an education from Boston College, and now we must use what we've learned for the betterment of the communities we enter.
It's true that I may have said "good-bye" to some people for the final time last week, but our common membership in the BC community is a lifetime one. I am proud to be a BC alumnus, and I look forward to coming across other BC alumni in the communities I visit. I hope that all my classmates worried about what the future holds (like myself) take solace in the fact that we are taking this trip together, even though our destinations may not be the same.
Congratulations BC Class of 2009, set the world aflame.
From left: Myself, Yousef Mustafa '09, and Huy Trinh '09
