The class of 2010 is off to a strong start. After selling more than 600 senior cards at our first event and breaking a new record for the most participation in the senior class gift vote, the class of 2010 is paving the path to leave its legacy on Ithaca College.

 Most of us came to South Hill three years ago: young, fresh out of high school, somewhat intimidated but ready to take on Ithaca and all it had to offer. Now as seniors, we have found our niche; we feel secure and confident as we stroll through campus, knowing the ins and outs of this place that has become our home. In some cases, we may be a bit too comfortable. Maybe it’s time we break out of our comfort zone and try something new, something we’ve always wanted to do but never had enough time or money for. The days are limited, so move quickly.

The senior class cabinet and executive board want to provide seniors with a number of resources as we begin preparing for the next phase of our life journey that will be here sooner than most seniors realize. We hope seniors will end their time at the college with fond memories, ones that will stand out for years to come. So start those senior-year bucket lists now and use the next nine months to check off as many items as possible.

Plans are currently under way for a number of senior class events throughout the year. In September, the class of 2010 has teamed up with Career Services to encourage more seniors to attend the Job, Internship and Volunteer Fair, as well as the Graduate and Professional Fair. We hope seniors will take advantage of these events and be better prepared for the future after Commencement.

With all the hard work and preparation going on, seniors need to play too. So, a couple of specially themed happy hours will be announced soon.

December will be here in no time, which is when the go-to event of the semester, the Black and White formal, will take place. Looking into next semester, we will be hosting the Mr. and Ms. Ithaca Pageant, creating a Relay for Life team and finding other ways to give back to the college and larger community. Though it seems like Senior Week 2009 just ended, the senior week crew is already back to the drawing board making plans for Senior Week 2010.

An important initiative the senior class does collectively each year is raising funds for the senior class gift. This year 47 percent of seniors voted for the class gift, nearly doubling the previously held record. Hopefully this is an indicator for how much senior support we will receive for the gift this year. There are more than 1,500 students in our class, so if everyone gives even a small amount, it would add up fast. Seniors should challenge themselves and see if they can give $20.10, in honor of our class year. They may feel like they’ve already given enough money to this institution, but giving to the class gift is important and will have a lasting impact. On Oct. 9 the senior class gift committee will be hosting a Homecoming Happy Hour from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in IC Square to officially announce the gift for the first time.

Being a senior is unlike any other year at college. We now are recognized as an actual group, labeled as one for the rest of the college to see. We have events, merchandise and traditions that will be exclusively for us — the class of 2010. There is a bond among us, stronger now than any other year we have been here. We are able to empathize with one another, as individuals, acknowledging and making peace with the fact that we are now at the beginning of an ending. Throughout the year, seniors should wear the label proudly. Seniors should meet new friends they have yet to; unite together; and be a class other classes will remember, look up to and strive to be like when they’re seniors.

Kylie Burnside is president of the senior class cabinet. E-mail her at kburnsi1@ithaca.edu.