I am writing this letter in response to an OpEd piece about the date change of the Senior Dinner Dance. Because I am alum and only receive the online version, I am not sure who the author is.

In any case, my heart goes out to the seniors; the dance really should be held during senior week. The author of the piece also raised several good points, regarding the fact that the timing is particularly terrible because of finals, senior projects, etc.

However, I would like to offer a few words of optimism to the senior class of 2005:

First of all, it is worth whatever price to have the dance in Atlantic City. It is a terrific location. After 4 years on the mainline, it’s nice to have a dance somewhere besides “The Barn,” or some random club in Philadelphia. Between shows, the boardwalk, shopping, and the many casinos, there is something for everyone. No matter what, it is a wonderful night because of the friends with whom you are sharing it. Time and place should not REALLY matter.Also:The author of the piece said, “After all, it may be the last time the senior class gathers together for a Saturday night.”

Be grateful the dance is on a Saturday this year – there’s your silver lining, the trade-off. Our Senior Dinner Dance last year was on a Monday night, which presented the typical senior with several problems. For one thing, it was the BEGINNING of senior week; we all would have preferred it to be scheduled at the END, the capstone event immediately preceding graduation; but we dealt with it. Also, for anyone wanting to take a date who was not a Villanova senior, it was next to impossible: other schools had classes, or finals, and those of us who had dates who were in “the Real World” and had to work, for many, they either could not attend, had to arrive late, and/or had to leave that night and could not stay over.

So, while you have every right to vent and be frustrated with the situation, especially after 4 years of beauracracy at ‘Nova – it’s almost over. Enjoy this. You are REALLY going to miss it when you’re gone. And a decade from now, you probably won’t remember the date or the latest “controversy” surrounding the date: you’ll just remember the amazing night you had with friends, dressed in beautiful gowns and tuxedos, with music music and laughter abounding. Deal with it – it’s worth it. Carpe Diem.

~Kelly Serrian Class of 2004