Senior sentiments

By Michelle Murphy and Margaret Murray

What's the sum of four years? What is the value of an education? What is the price of college friends? Even more important, what the hell are we going to do next? The road ahead is long and uncertain. In fact, for the first time in our lives, it's not a road at all, and there's nothing like a lack of direction to spur contemplation.

The void that lies before us is daunting, but not insurmountable. Though our gripes were numerous, and we often cursed the hefty workloads on ethnic holidays (St. Patrick's Day for example) we have gained an invaluable skill: not what to think, but how.

We will succeed. We will triumph. As Santa Clara drops us graduates from huge heights, we will not make Icarus's mistake. Rather, we will quite handily deploy our intelligently packed parachutes.

In the spirit of no regrets, we'd like to use our clairvoyance benevolently. Being that we are older, and subsequently ever wiser, we'll be the first to tell you not to take these four years for granted â€" they'll seriously blow past you. As our idol Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once and a while, you could miss it." Thus, some learned words of wisdom to help you on your way -

If you wish to be inspired, entertained, motivated and truly proud of a grade, try your best to take at least one class with Barbara Kelley (Communication Department) and one with Eileen Razzari-Elrod (English Department). You'll know what we mean the first day of class.

While you're at it, make friends with them, or at least another professor along the way. They can provide great guidance, advice, clever complementary e-mails and, if you're lucky, a meal or two. Not to mention that unlike senseless career banter with your parents, who don't even know what a literary theorist is, their expertise in your field can be quite illuminating.

Even more nerve-wracking perhaps then a midterm, is the frighteningly exhilarating experience of being on stage. Take one acting class to seriously boost your self-esteem and provide your balls with girth.

And speaking of large balls, go watch the real deal more often. Theatre is under appreciated on this campus, which is brimming with true talents. It's cheap, it's great and it's right here - take advantage.

Since we're on the subject of campus talent and it's lack of recognition, in case you missed the memo, we have a division one sports program here. That generally means high attendance and higher enthusiasm. However, that is not the case here. What is everyone's problem? Are you opposed to gorgeous men chasing a black and white ball or fit chicks in pleated skirts? These people are gifted and they work their asses off. Support them, and have fun doing it.

On the topic of fun â€" who knew we could have it on the quarter system â€" try to enjoy yourself off campus more often. This means hopping in a car, or onto the Caltrain, and heading out of the bubble. Yes, this can be scary, but there are many exciting places outside of our campus, and they do not involve a trip to Valley Fair or Santana Row. Unbeknownst to many, San Francisco is merely 49 miles away, and is arguably quite interesting. The drive along I 280 is scenic and even a wrong exit off the slightly confusing city entry highway system can lead you to something exciting, or, if worst comes to worst, a McDonald's (you know, the Chicken McNuggets are all white meat now). Pop up to the city for lunch, for dinner, for shopping, for concerts, for ballgames, for sightseeing, for the ballet, for the Bay to Breakers for -

A date. For a change. People rarely date at this school. Mistake this suggestion not for bitterness. As attractive and witty females, we have had no problems reeling in the men (or at least the neighboring Bellarmine boys, at this point we're hardly even recognized as outsiders at their Friday night dances), but we would not have to resort to such drastic measures if the males here would realize that a date doesn't mean a ring. Rather, if you take her out for a sausage, she might warm up to yours.

Speaking of sausages, go abroad. Oktoberfest has some great ones (though they call them wursts). But beer festivals aside, immersing yourself in another culture can be exhilarating, enriching and gives you a chance to observe your own culture from the outside. Our world is brimming with places to go and people to see. Kiss the Blarney stone, swim in Lochness, get lost in the Vatican, see a concentration camp and sun yourself in the gardens of Kensington Palace. You might never want to come back.

But you will, if only to see your friends. Best friends are hard to come by, and those who fall into that category have seen you at your best and your worst, and still love you. Naked together in a shower on a 21st birthday anyone? Riiight - Work hard to make them and even if you aren't next door to them in the coming years, don't let them slip away. You could end up with nine girls from your freshman year floor senior year in a Park Avenue penthouse, oops, a Locust Street rental, laughing about broken toilets and bed bug infestations.

The best way to find these true friends is to just be yourself. As cliche as this advice may be, there is nothing more demoralizing than realizing your friends do not even know who you really are. Let go, be weird, dance around, laugh hysterically at yourself, whine, hold court in the kitchen, rant, rave and people will love you ever more for it.

And if all else fails, learn another language. While you're traveling, people will be incredibly appreciative of your knowledge, and maybe your accent will woo and win the hearts of foreign countrymen and women. We hear sexy Frenchies dig an American accent.

While you're expanding your brain, stretch it in wild directions. Read at least one pleasure book a quarter, stay up on the news, and expand your vocabulary by signing up for the word of the day (at www.m-w.com ). There's nothing sexier or more marketable than an intelligent, informed and well-spoken individual.

And in the name of making yourself more marketable, don't forget that college isn't just all about the fun. As corporate as it sounds, build up your resume. Do an internship, find opportunities on campus that relate to your vocational goals, learn some computer skills - and when you're all done, run your resume by the experts at the career center. There's nothing worse than realizing you're graduating with only a GPA, a perpetual hangover, and a smile.

Although a beautiful smile can get you far, being a good chef can take you further. Learning to cook is a skill that you'll be extremely glad to have. Not only are your meals better, and healthier, they are also cheaper and can be an excellent opportunity for a stellar date. Take a hint from the Naked Chef and prepare an amazing meal in the buff - alone or with friends.

And finally, don't forget that life is supposed to be fun. Choose a career you truly love and that you can see yourself doing in 25 years. Don't take your place at Santa Clara for granted. You're lucky, so stop complaining about the fact that you don't have an iPod to take to the gym. Life is too short to obsess over small details and frivolous products that will be obsolete next year. Better yourself. Be kind to others. Tip 20 percent. Call your family. Have a sense of humor. These things matter and are what will make you truly successful.

As for us seniors, we are the epitome of tabula rasa. Our life is now a blank slate. The world is ahead of us and our parachutes are ready. But, the million dollar question is, will we succeed? The great Dr. Suess said it best. "Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) Kid, you'll move mountains!" Whether we become Wall Street brokers, CEOs, Jesuit volunteers, third grade teachers, bird watchers for the Audobon society, culinary masters, fashion designers, air traffic controllers, or journalists, we will lead full, fruitful lives, influenced by these enlightening guidelines. In time, you will too.

Good luck to you all. It's been real. Have fun, and don't forget to fasten your seatbelts. â-