As the academic year is rapidly coming to a close, senior Gaels are cramming for finals, getting their last papers (ever) done and handed in and are planning their last days at Iona College.

Leaving Iona may be bittersweet for some because while there’s the excitement of being done with assignments, but there will also be nostalgia of leaving college life. If you’re fall under that category, use this time to make a two week bucket list –if you haven’t already –and do everything you want to do before leaving Iona for good.

The Ionian interviewed senior Gaels and discovered what these soon-to-be grads will miss the most and what they’ll never forget.

“I loved that during my freshman year in Loftus, anyone could go out into the hall and hang out with whomever. The ninth floor was extremely close, and we did everything together.” –Christine Mortise, English

“I’m going to miss Gemelli’s and Beechmont’s ‘Sangria Saturdays.’” –Abigail O’Connor, Marketing

“During my freshman year of basketball, I’ll never forget meeting my European teammates and considering them my older sisters. We became so close and I still keep in touch with them.” –Jackie Marshall, Broadcast

“My favorite memory was uploading my certification test, edTPA, because I worked so hard on it for three months. It was a big accomplishment and most of my workload decreased after that.” –Jaclyn Martinetion, Education

“I’ll miss IC Green because they gave me a whole new perspective, and introduced me to new fields of study.”

–Christine Samwaroo, History & Environmental Studies

“I’ll miss the Eastchester 30 apartments because they are so clean and accommodating.” –Matthew Joy, Criminal Justice

“I will miss going to and will never forget Tropicana my freshman year.” –Brooke Marro, Speech Pathology

“I’m going to miss the friendly environment. A lot of people consider New Rochelle to be within the ‘city,’ and people from the real city are kind of rude. It’s nice to always be in a welcoming environment.” –Kimberly Wittaker, Psychology

“During freshman year, my roommates and I got VIP passes to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting. We got to see Josh Groban!” –Holly Adinolfi, Biology

“I’ll never forget singing in front of all of my friends in LaPenta.” –Brenna Lade, Criminal Justice

“I’ll always remember the first time I saw Iona –it instantly felt like home. It was something to look forward to after graduating high school.” –Kester Guischard, Computer Science

“I’ll miss being on the Lacrosse team. It was hard work, but a lot of fun and great friends came out of it.” –Bridget Sickles, Education

“I will miss recognizing familiar faces around Iona and being part of such a close community.” –Nicole Sawin, Journalism

“My favorite memory from Iona was the opportunity they gave me to study abroad in Ireland with my best friend.” –Allison O’Connor, Journalism

“I’ll miss my freshman year –it was probably the craziest year because everyone hung out together. It was great getting to know so many people.” –Christine Labbe, Criminal Justice

“Shaving my head at the St. Baldrick’s event my junior year.” –Jenna Stone, Public Relations

“Iona has offered an amazing college experience -with the small community of feeling at home, but also with the great big excitement of our students. I’ve always been and will continue to be proud to be a Gael!” –Alexa Serrecchia, Public Relations

Do anything that you used to call corny or thought was a waste of your time because once you graduate, the real world will be waiting and there’ll be no room for the silly things you could get away with in college.

No matter how bad you want to be finished with school, make sure to always remember the good times you had and how those moments and people you’ve encountered have shaped you into the person you are today.