Congratulations on becoming Student Government Association president, Bill Durkin.

Now it’s time to get down to business.

Since the suspension of Andres Vargas a month ago left SGA without a leader, the organization has come under a lot of criticism. The year has, in essence, been pushed back almost two months. And since most SGA presidents get several months to prepare for their term, Durkin is facing a huge disadvantage because he was thrust into the position immediately after he was elected.

Speculation has it that Durkin won the SGA election primarily based on his people skills — people like him, and in turn, he cares about making other people happy. This is good. This is what he’s supposed to do.

Durkin plans to lead by example and by action, and the former is just as important as the latter. SGA and the Northeastern student body desperately need a leader who is going to be a positive and likeable influence on the student body. As for the action — you don’t get a free ride for nothing. Please try and follow in the footsteps of former SGA presidents, like Michael Romano, and leave a visible imprint on the student body.

Students are frustrated by a lot of things: financial aid, classes, the NU shuffle, etc. In order to gain the respect of the students you need to listen to their problems and, although you won’t be able to find a solution for all of them, you should do your best to try.

As for the students of Northeastern, we know many of you probably will never meet the SGA president in his entire term, but it will not be his fault. He has put himself out there by pasting his e-mail address on these pages (One more time, it’s [email protected]).

While you might not consider him your leader, you should consider taking your complaints to him and the other members of SGA. If anyone on campus has the ability and the connections to make change, it is Durkin. You owe it to yourself and him to call or send an e-mail if there is anything you think needs to be changed.

We know Northeastern students are capable of more than the media and the neighbors expect of them. Two major events (the Red Sox winning Game 7 of the ALCS and then winning the World Series) have come and gone without Northeastern in the spotlight for something negative. Maybe it is time to turn over a new leaf.

So, Bill, we’re giving you that fresh start, and hopefully the student body will do the same.

Good luck.