Finding community at Columbia University is something that is not without challenge. I very fondly remember my first experience with SEBS; having been on campus for just not even a week, I approached Hamilton Hall, dressed in semi-formal attire, prepared to get ask questions like, “describe your biggest achievement” or “how have you failed in the past.” Instead, Chandler, previous president of SEBS, opened by asking what my favorite spirit animal was. This is something I’m fortunate to know about all of you, too!

Being President of SEBS has, without a doubt, been the best experience I could have asked for at my time at Columbia. Finding a community where that shared my passions was something I never imagined I’d be able to do, let alone finding something as special as SEBS. I’ve said it a million times, and I’ll say it again: we are a congregation of go-getters, who are passionate about creating a better future for us all.

Whenever I get asked about SEBS, or what our cause is, I’m always reminded that there isn’t a label or subset for this club to fit into. I can go on and on about isn’t as arbitrary as a binary; we're not just activists, and we're not just scientists. One thing I seemingly always forget to mention, however, is how we are all friends. Leading you through the year we’ve shared together has proven this to me; it’s safe to say that almost every meeting brought out the best in me, but that isn’t to say you haven’t seen me at my worst, either, because, let’s be honest, my darkest moments have happened in the presence of you all (I’ve written into the constitution, by the way, that glitter is to be permanently banned from all SEBS affiliated events).

This is the last time I’ll have the honor to stand in front of you on Monday, from 9-10pm, in Hamilton. It’s hard to remember that this isn’t the end: it’s simply a new beginning. We’re here to turn the page on SEBS for a new year, full of new challenges, new surprises, and if I’ll have anything to do with it, more free succ (and hopefully fewer bottle rockets on the roof of Lerner). This all would not have been possible without an amazing E-Board that was behind us every step of the way. I really cannot take any of the credit for the success of this year; without them, nothing would have been accomplished. I’m especially excited to see what our New E-Board is going to accomplish, too. If I could give any advice, it would be don’t underestimate what you’re able to accomplish; we are a truly special group. Definitely take time to cherish the moment, too. A final goodbye to the graduating seniors and Chandler, who has served as a mentor, peer, and best friend to me. You are all ready to change the world; you’ve truly, truly changed mine.