Other than voting, it’s difficult to think of an easier way to make a difference than to participate in the census.

Federal law mandating participation in the census gives significant power to citizens and non-citizens, who are also counted in the census. To put it in context, students’ decision whether to take the 10 minutes it takes to fill out the 10-item questionnaire may result in the gain or loss of thousands, if not, millions of dollars of federal funding for Fort Worth – funding destined to key services such as public safety, medical care, transportation and road repairs. Further, underrepresentation in the city will also translate to underrepresentation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Why should you care? If you’re a freshman, you will be spending the next three or four years in Fort Worth, and chances are you want access to services that are on par or better than those currently offered in the city. If you’re a graduating senior, job or family prospects may keep you in Fort Worth. If your bags are packed for another destination, then consider how your participation in the census constitutes a legacy for future generations of TCU students, so they may enjoy the same benefits you did.

You don’t need a multimillion-dollar building named after your family or an engraved brick to leave a mark on campus.

Editor-in-chief Julieta Chiquillo for the editorial board.