Dear Villanovans,

While it is not technically March yet, the feeling of luck has already begun. For those of you who do not know me, my freckles can speak for themself when I share that I have Irish heritage, making St. Patrick’s Day one of my favorite holidays for many reasons. This year, I want to focus on what has made Villanova so special and lucky over the past four years.

Friendship

While this may appear obvious, there are levels to the different friendships I have made over the past years. There are a few friends who I have been lucky enough to have in my life since freshman year. They have seen the good and the bad. I am also grateful for those I continue to meet. One of my favorite things about Villanova is that even though I know many seniors and classmates, there is still the opportunity to meet new people, gain new friendships and create lasting memories.

Academics

Yes, college is meant to be fun, but at the end of the day, we are here to get our degrees. One of the aspects of college I am the luckiest for has been my academic journey. And a journey it has been. I came to college thinking I would be a doctor, but am now focusing on journalism, communication and public administration. The faculty at Villanova has helped shape these decisions and supported me every step of the way.

Involvement

I would not be who I am today without the organizations on campus that have shaped my college experience. Of course, The Villanovan comes in at number one. From writing and editing for the paper throughout college, I have gained experiences I would have never had otherwise. Getting to interview Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Warren in the same week was a pretty cool experience. I am lucky to have been involved with many organizations on campus that aim to make others’ lives better. Being involved in Orientation, NOVAdance, The Bandana Project, or The Villanovan has been rewarding, since this work can change someone else’s experience.

Housing

This may be less of a universal experience, but I have gotten really lucky with housing at Villanova. Not just the physical spaces, but how each year and chapter taught me something new about myself and those around me. From learning how to share a room and living space the first time as a freshman, to senior year knowing my roommates’ schedules like the back of my hand, knowing who needs the sink area when and what days we will all be home to chat and debrief, living with my best friends has taught me to become a more thoughtful (and less messy) person.

Not Wanting To Leave

After having one of those weekends where everything was perfect, it truly hit me that I am lucky to have had such an amazing college experience that makes thinking about the end so horribly sickening. Going into spring break, I am aware that the final stretch is coming soon, and while I want to hold on a little bit longer, there is bittersweetness in knowing that with the class of 2026 saying goodbye, the class of 2030 will get to experience the luck and love of Villanova for the first time. I just hope they are as lucky to have as amazing a four years as we did.

With love always,

Lauren