Sometimes I wonder about the picture of YU painted in the pages of this paper. I search for the words to describe this complex enclave of idealism and cynicism, populated by 1100 of the greatest guys I know. Well, this is the last time I get to talk to all of you and I want to make it count.

My last and most important message to the students of YU is take advantage of all this place offers. As a lowly FTOC, I adjusted quickly thanks to an unbelievable group of friends who had taken the early admissions route. Once you get adjusted, look around, you will see all the possibilities. For the talmid who wants to spend most of his time in the B.M., the Rebbeim here are among the most diverse, learned and open people in the Yeshiva world. Learn from all of them, as you watch how they conduct themselves, whether they are teaching in shiur, handling a delicate question, or addressing a secular audience. Your learning can’t only be from seforim, their experiences have much to offer.

For the student more interested in academics or grad school, if you are motivated enough, you can get into any school in the country. Find the professors here who enjoy teaching and are at the forefront of their fields. The small size of your classes makes it easy for you to get to know any professor you choose. Again, your learning won’t only be from books, but from people who involve themselves in research or outside work. If the course you want does not exist at YU, design it and ask for it. Find a professor to help. I did it and so can you.

Finally, for those interested in more of an academic or extra-curricular life on campus, the administration and student council are the most accessible of any college I have seen. Walk in to Dean Adler’s office and tell him want or what you think this place needs; talk to Dror, describe the club or event you want, and you will be surprised at the ease of which you can get things done with just a little effort.

Whatever success I’ve had here is due to many people. First, a thank you to Dr. Barry Potvin who taught me most of what I know about the latest research and techniques in the field of genetics. He saw the need for an advanced course and took it upon himself to give his time to ensure that it happened.

A special thank-you to my Rebbe, Rav Tendler. He has taught me over these past three years both how to learn and how to teach. Rav Tendler put up with all my "outside" activities and was always quick to set me straight. Thanks for taking me to all those lectures and shiurim. I’ve tried to learn what must be said and the way to say it.

I couldn’t end this column without mentioning someone whom I deeply admire and respect. Dean Hecht was one of the first people I met at YU. Over the years I have watched the menschlach way he treats students and faculty. Ask any student who they’d want to deal with, I bet they say Dean Hecht. By learning from him and talking to him, and in others ways, he has probably done more to get me into my law school than I’ll ever know. For that and everything else I thank you Rabbi.

Finally, a thank you to my friends, roommates, and family who supported me and put up with all my crazy hours, hectic schedule, and minute attention-span. I would mention all of you but I know I’ll leave someone out. Instead, I just want to mention my parents whose love and support I cannot describe in the confines of this paper, and my co-editor Noah. Noah, what we’ve been through, I couldn’t have survived without you.