The real world is a joke. How could it get any realer than this? At Tufts, we have grown as both a community and individuals by developing a core commitment to active citizenship and curiosity. At Tufts, we have been challenged both intellectually and personally by studying some of the world's most pressing problems. At Tufts, we have contributed as both students and the Class of 2010 by leaving a legacy of leadership and activism in activities throughout the school.
The idea that upon graduation, we will be thrust into "a real world" devoid of youth and freedom is nonsensical. Four years at one of our nation's best higher-education institutions has granted Jumbos the perspective to know that life is more than a segmented linearity of fun and hard experiences; it's a constantly evolving series of relationships and developments. The real world only becomes this dreaded prison if we let it, and I am confident that Tufts students will continue to find ways to make their lives interesting and valuable. It's about doing everything we can to get the most out of our new lives, while having the appreciative eye to always understand the past that helped us along the way.
The Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate has tried to keep this in mind, tackling a wide range of issues throughout the school in order to contribute as much as possible. Without any scandals, recovered funds or other crisis to manage, the Senate was able to get back to working for the students this academic year. From serious reforms in the school's alcohol and judicial policies to helping crystallize the sexual assault policy, Senate took on some of the toughest policy issues at the school and helped usher in improvements that will make our campus safer and more accountable. New outreach methods, from a school-wide leadership dinner to the formation of the Diversity Task Force, helped Senate reach out to other campus leaders. Including other students in important Senate conversations helped bring about a desperately needed new community representative system, which will be finalized in the fall. Tons of new projects and initiatives were completed this year, and I would like to thank the Senate's members for all of their work. I can sincerely say that at the end of my term, I believe that the Senate did all it could. We left all of our effort and passion on the table, and I am content walking away from my presidency knowing that we did as much as we possibly could have.
More importantly, I am glad that so many of the seniors graduating today can also leave Tufts content and satisfied, knowing that they did everything they could to maximize their experience. Most students here at Tufts made every moment count. We dealt with real issues, made real change, had real fun and learned real lessons. With this in mind, I know that we cannot find a world any realer than the one we leave behind in Medford. The Class of 2010 will look at this supposed "real world" in front of us with enthusiastic and eager eyes, ready and willing to overcome the next set of hurdles they face.
To the friends that remain here at Tufts, please continue to take advantage of the school we seniors will miss so dearly. Continue to lead the organizations that better the lives of students, continue to strengthen the academic reputation of this university and continue to have a great time at Tufts. I was once told that we should spend every moment of our lives trying to make ourselves as interesting as possible, and I know that the resources Tufts has ensure everyone the opportunity to engage in valuable and meaningful experiences.
And to the Class of 2010 that leaves the Hill, remember that the "real world" is a joke. We must maintain our youthful energy and optimism, laughing at the joke in front of us. We must never lose the friends that we met here at Tufts, smiling and sharing the joke that all of us will be living. We must never get scared or timid in the face of a new challenge, retelling the joke again and again. I am so excited to see where we all end up in a few years, and more than anything, I want to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be your president and your friend. Serving as the TCU president has been the greatest honor of my entire life, and this student body will always remain the greatest in the world.
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Brandon Rattiner graduates today with degrees in political science and philosophy. He is the outgoing president of the Tufts Community Union Senate.
