Amanda C: Learn How to BeU in COM: From Uncertainty to Opportunity

By Amanda Ciminello

All my life, everything I’ve done has been driven by one goal: To become a sports broadcaster or work in the sports media field. Shoutout to the New York Giants, Eli Manning and Mark Herzlich for instilling that passion in me. 

In high school, it felt easy to find opportunities that gave me experience. Coming from an all-girls school with a graduating class of just 75 students–where I had been since kindergarten–I felt comfortable stepping into leadership roles. I wasn’t afraid to lead the Sportscasting Club or push for something as simple as starting an Instagram account for us to showcase our work. 

As you can imagine, going from that small graduating class to a huge college campus was intimidating. But that didn’t stop me from holding onto my values: trying everything and building connections with my professors. 

Pro Tip #1: Especially as a COM student, connect with your professors. Many are still working in the field and can help you find valuable internship opportunities. 

When I was making my college decision and toured Boston University, I remember hearing about all the opportunities to get involved in sports media. To be honest, it felt overwhelming at first. But I also knew it would be silly to not choose a school that offered so many hands-on experiences as a Division 1 program in the heart of a city.  

I came into my freshman year at BU with a very simple mindset: Just say yes.

I was nervous. Should I really be joining all these clubs? Did I have enough experience to contribute compared to everyone else? But I quickly realized something important: it doesn’t matter what experience you have. If something interests you, just go for it. There is nothing to lose. The only thing that could hold you back is saying no. You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take. 

During the fall of my freshman year, I attended BUTV’s general interest meeting, and three shows immediately caught my attention: Live with Ty, Offsides, and Terrier Nation. All of them centered around sports, whether it was BU athletics or professional leagues. After figuring out the time commitments, I joined Live with Ty and Offsides while balancing classes, adjusting to college life, and being on BU’s Club Squash Team. 

Pro Tip #2: You do have time for what matters and your interests. Everyone understands how demanding college is, so don’t let that stop you from getting involved. 

Even though I had experience in my high school’s film program, working in a studio was completely different. I was used to filming on handheld cameras and editing on my laptop, so working in Studio West was a whole new environment. 

At my first Offsides pre-production meeting, I volunteered to work on a segment. New members were encouraged to start small by writing scripts, helping in the studio, or simply doing the open/close for the episode. But I pushed past my nerves and said yes to both writing and being on-camera for a segment. 

The segment focused on the NFL pre-season with roster cuts, injuries, and what they could mean for the 2024-25 season. I thought to myself, Who am I to just jump into this? But I’m so glad I did. 

Here’s a little secret that always shocks people: public speaking has never been my favorite thing. It makes me nervous every single time, even though it gives me an immense sense of accomplishment. But because of my passion for sports media, I’ve learned to push past that fear and embrace the uncomfortable. 

Saying “yes” is what helped me find my place here. 

At the same time, I was working on Live with Ty as a part of the in-studio crew, learning how to operate cameras, audio, and the teleprompter. When asked what team I was interested in, I chose social media. After meeting with the student running it, she constantly encouraged me and helped build my confidence. Soon, I was helping brainstorm content ideas for each guest we had on the show. 

By second semester, everything changed. The social media manager was studying abroad, and Tyler, the host and producer, asked me to step in as associate producer while continuing to manage the Instagram account. Suddenly, I was coordinating props, taking photos, approving content, and even organizing team bonding events. 

I never expected to become an associate producer in just my second semester of freshman year–especially without prior studio experience. 

And that’s exactly the point! 

Pro Tip #3: No matter what experience you have (or don’t have), get involved! 

If you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone, opportunities will find you. And when you start to doubt yourself, trust the people around you who believe in you. My friends constantly reminded me that I was in each position for a reason. 

Anytime I heard someone say, “The best thing you can do in college is get involved,” I used to brush it off. It sounded obvious. But it’s true. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just start somewhere by getting involved. While this looks different for everyone, even joining one extracurricular is a step in the right direction. 

I can’t tell you how many times my friends have told me they feel disconnected because they haven’t even joined anything. 

Getting involved didn’t just give me hands-on experience–it helped me see how what I was learning in the classroom actually applied to real-world media and communication. 

More importantly, I found my people. 

I mean, it makes sense. When you surround yourself with people who share your passions, you’re bound to form meaningful connections. Some of my closest friends now are from Live with Ty and the Club Squash Team. I almost didn’t even try out for squash, but thanks to a friend encouraging me and reminding me how much I loved the sport, I went for it. 

I always think about what if I never had taken that chance? 

So what if you fail? So what if you mess up a segment and stumble through your lines? So what if you aren’t perfect? No one is! It’s all part of the process. What matters is your effort, your intention, and your passion. 

Pro Tip #4: No one will ever fault you for trying your best. 

And don’t forget to always Be U! 

James M: Is the T that bad?

By James McIntyre

In all honesty, I’m the last kind of person who should write anything about the T. In my life, I live by the idea that if I can walk there, I should. You add in access to headphones and a great new playlist, and the world becomes my oyster. That being said, Boston does have a tendency to become very very cold to the point that walking becomes substantially less desirable. That’s when the T becomes your best friend. 

I won’t sugarcoat it. Is the T late sometimes? Can it get packed? Can it be somewhat confusing, especially when using it the first few times? All true. Don’t even get me started on how going from West Campus to Cambridge looks like on the Green/Red Line. But I argue that the fact we are lucky enough to have something be late at all is a great privilege! 

A safe and consistent form of transportation, the T can be the gateway to any great night and the under appreciated hero to the end of any great day. As someone who grew up in a car-dependent California, I give a double thumbs up to Boston Public Transportation. I would be remiss to not mention that the Amtrak is also great (if not a little too expensive). 

However, to all BU students who get a chance to go to London….everything feels lesser than the double decker red buses. 

That’s all for now. 

Cheers! 

Willem: Being Performative at Boston University

By Willem Schiener

Salutations to whomever this blog post may find. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Willem Schiener; I hail from a small town in upstate New York called Geneseo. I’m studying public relations and film/television here at BU's College of Communication.

Now, you may be thinking, “Oh boy, another performative male," and while yes, sometimes I can have a flair for the dramatic, this blog post is for current or prospective students looking to find a place in which they can express themselves through different kinds of performances. 

Here at Boston University, there are many different ways one can perform. The most obvious place to start is the many theater organizations. There are four main theater groups here at BU: Stage Troupe, BU on Broadway, Wandering Minds, and BU Shakespeare Society. Each of these groups performs multiple shows throughout the semester and gives us non-acting majors a chance to grace the stage again.

Perhaps you’re looking for somewhere to make people laugh. Well, don’t fret. BU also has multiple comedy groups. If you are interested in sketch comedy, then look no further than Slippery When Wet, the sketch comedy team. If it's improv comedy, then Liquid Fun would be more your speed. For any film/television majors wanting some experience in filmed comedic content, BUTV10 has two comedy programs, Terrier Tonight (live sketch comedy) and Pals and Friends (pre-recorded sketch comedy).

For those of you more musically inclined, BU also has many different choirs, bands, and a cappella groups. The best part of all these groups is that you don’t need a major in the CFA to join them. We all have passions outside of our respective majors, and here at Boston University those passions don't need to be shelved or forgotten. The world is a stage, and BU is no different, so keep being performative.

Olivia: Say Yes

By Olivia Fletcher

Speaking from personal experience, starting college can feel overwhelming, especially at BU. Though BU provides a cache of resources, as a freshman, certain spaces and rooms can feel untouchable. If I could give one piece of advice to freshmen, it would be this: say yes. I know it sounds cliché, but it genuinely makes all the difference, especially in those first few weeks. 

My first semester at BU was honestly really hard, and most of the time I felt lost and unsure of where I fit in. But the reason I wasn’t completely miserable was that I pushed myself to say yes, even when it felt uncomfortable or spontaneous, two emotions I had famously steered clear of before college.

One of those moments actually came from my COM ambassador (funny enough), who suggested I check out a film club info session happening in 20 minutes. I had no plans, no expectations, I just went. I physically ran there, joined the club, and ended up getting involved in ways I never imagined. Through that experience, I held positions, met incredible people, and learned something really important about myself: my passions actually extend outside of film. I don’t think I would have figured that out so quickly, or had the confidence to pivot, if I hadn’t taken that initial risk.

More importantly, that one ‘yes’ led me to some of my closest friends, people I still have in my life today. That’s the thing about college: everything is a domino effect. One decision leads to another opportunity, another connection, another path you didn’t even know existed.

So go to the club meeting. Introduce yourself to someone new. Try something that might not seem like “your thing.” You’re not wasting your time. You’re building experiences, learning about yourself, and creating the foundation for your college life. The more you show up, the more you’ll get out of it. 

Ellie: How To Get Around BU (and Boston) To A T!

By Ellie Posen

Growing up in a city with a mediocre transportation system, I found Boston terrifying when I first arrived. Although I have mastered driving in Los Angeles traffic, I have yet to learn how to navigate a subway or city bus system. 

Another shock when I got to BU was how crucial my daytime hours were. Sometimes I have over an hour between classes to eat a meal in a dining hall or study in a library, though I often find myself and other students racing across the nearly two-mile campus to get to my next class or destination.

Using a bus or the T was a life-changing skill that made navigating campus just that much easier.

Keeping all this in mind, here are my personal biggest tips for navigating BU and Boston:

When you’re on the BU Campus, and you either don’t have time to walk or you begrudgingly have to get from East to West Campus in 15 degree weather, knowing all your transportation opinions is easily the most important part.

While on campus, the BU bus can be your best friend, if you learn how to time it right. Just make sure you leave early because it is not always perfectly on time… Using the Transloc website or Terrier Transit App allows you to track the BU buses. 

The city buses are helpful on campus, and especially when going off campus. Buses are underrated and WAY more affordable than an Uber.

Now, my personal favorite, the MBTA, also known as the T. 

Many hate the T, though I have grown to love it. It isn’t always the fastest or most reliable, but it can’t get stuck in traffic like a car, and it is an inexpensive option. The different lines of the T can take you to all the incredible places that you should explore in Boston.

For buses and the T, using your go-to navigation app, like Google Maps or Apple Maps, is pretty useful for finding out what route to take, though the MBTA or ProximiT app is more accurate for tracking times. Use these apps to make sure you get on the right train. I’m guilty of accidentally going the wrong direction when first arriving in Boston. 

Although there are many hacks and tips to share, the most important is to remember to stay safe when navigating the city. Always be aware of your surroundings and extra careful at night. 

Boston is a wonderful city with a transportation system that can be incredibly helpful, if used properly.

Zoe R: 3-Step Survival Guide For Surviving Freshman Year

By Zoe Rahaim

I’m about to graduate from BU this May, and as much as people like to remind me I’m a senior, my first semester at BU still feels fairly recent. In my first semester, I was prepared for the shock of starting at a big school, but I picked up other tips that helped me stay afloat. Reflecting on my own start, I was leaving a high school class I had attended for most of my life and had grown up in a small town. When it came to tackling a larger school in a much larger city, this advice truly helped me.

  1. When you’re a freshman, everyone is just as eager to meet new people, so don’t hesitate to reach out! Building a community from scratch can feel daunting, but everyone is in the same boat. During my first week, I aimed to have a conversation with at least one person in each of my classes. I turned towards the people on my floor and used platforms like GroupMe to reach out and grab dinner. A simple "hello" is often all you need.

  2. You can’t skip out on Splash! Join clubs that genuinely ignite your curiosity. BU offers a wide variety of organizations, and if you’re looking for like-minded people, COM hosts clubs that cater to journalism, advertising, PR, and FTV. These groups are a great low-stakes environment to explore interests outside of your classes. I found WTBU during my first Splash visit, and after taking a chance at their interested member meeting, I ended up falling in love with college radio and built a show with fellow WTBU members. Whether you consider clubs useful for your career path or purely for fun, getting involved is a great way to meet new people.

  3. Time management and establishing a routine were my best friends when I started college. I realized that it was up to me to track my obligations between my courses and extracurriculars. I turned to tools like Google Calendar to track my classes, and I relied on a physical planner to visualize deadlines and my daily to-do lists.

College is your time to explore, grow, and have fun. BU offers countless opportunities to meet new people and try new things.  As I’m coming up on my last few months as a student, I realized how BU allowed me to explore my passions and broaden my horizons.

Chase: 3 Ways to Cruise Through Midterm Season

By Chase Pasekoff

As BU students return from spring break, midterm season is still in full swing. With exams, papers, and projects all piling up, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are three ways to keep midterm season low-stress: 

1. Find a study spot that works for you

Establishing a good study environment is your key to success. Last year, I spent most of my time studying on the 4th floor of Mugar because I needed an isolated, silent environment with limited distractions. Last semester, however, I found myself studying mostly in study lounges, like the top floors of the Kilachand Honors College and Stuvi 2. It was more enjoyable to study when I could sit with my friends and admire the city view at the same time. This semester, my main study spot has been the common room of my suite. With most of my midterms being group projects, I haven’t needed to separate my living and work space to get everything done. So, whether it’s Mugar, a study lounge, your room, or anywhere else, make sure to find a study spot where you can focus while feeling comfortable!

2. Create a study plan you can stick to

Every midterm is different. Some require dozens of flashcards, while others are less memorization-based. Either way, making a day-to-day study plan is essential to cover all of the content you need before exam day. For my recent psychology midterm, for example, I labeled each day I wanted to study each chapter on my Google Calendar. This kept me organized, on top of my work, and most importantly, prevented me from cramming all six chapters the night before the test. 

3. Take advantage of office hours

Although it can feel awkward or uncomfortable, going to your professor or TA’s office hours can be super helpful, especially right before an exam. One tip I have is to write down the questions you have as you’re studying, so you can refer back to them when you go to office hours. Some professors require an appointment for office hours, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to figure out whether or not you’ll need to go. Either way, it’s a great resource that you should definitely take advantage of if you think it could help you out. 

As long as you keep these three things in mind (and remember to prioritize yourself), your midterms will go off without a hitch! 

Raahi: Red Flags of COM—But There’s a “But”

By Raahi Mehta

Every college has its pros and cons, its green flags and red flags, if you will. From someone who lives and breathes inside 640 Commonwealth Avenue—and during finals, practically sleeps there too—here’s the insider intel of BU COM.

🔴It’s not the grandest, flashiest building on campus. It also doesn’t help that it sits in the shadow of BU’s most iconic structure: CDS—or as some people call it, the Jenga building. BU COM is planted at 640 Commonwealth Avenue, with three floors, a basement, and the COM lawn, which is currently hidden beneath a blanket of snow—BUT it’s got everything a COM major could ever need. Take a step inside, and you’ll find more than just classrooms: innovation labs, field production services, a production studio, editing rooms, career and writing centers, a screening room, a study lounge, and much more. It’s a place where any idea, any vision can be brought to life. 

🔴The wind tunnels surrounding the building can be intense. I’ve lost count of how many times my eyes have teared from trekking past COM—BUT the building has good heating, which is great during Boston winters. Although, it complicates picking an outfit since it’s freezing outside and warm inside. 

🔴The closest dining hall is Warren Dining—for those who don’t know what that is, it’s not the most favored eatery on campus—BUT Starbucks and Saxby’s are a 2-minute walk, AND they take dining points! This is a lifesaver when you have a busy schedule because you can quickly place an order and pick it up within minutes. 

🔴You can’t escape. Forget a bad hair day going unnoticed because you’re guaranteed to run into a familiar face in this building—BUT that also means you’re bound to see a friend everywhere you go! Oftentimes, the best part of my day is rushing into the building for an AdClub meeting or late nights in the study lounge, and turning around to find a fellow COM friend there too. I never feel alone because there’s always someone there who’s happy to see me. A long, stressful day easily turns into the perfect mix of productivity and fun. 

BU COM goes beyond just this rectangular building. It’s made vibrant by the people who pass through its door every day. My coworkers in the Undergraduate Affairs office, my friends from class, my academic advisors, my professors, and even the janitors who I’ve befriended from how often they see me in the building—they remind me that BU COM is more than just a place, it’s the people. At the end of the day, the red flags of COM fade when you look at everything else it has to offer. 

Teagan: How to Turn College Opportunities Into Real Experience

By Teagan Keane

When I first came to COM, I thought experience would come later, maybe in junior year or during internship season. I assumed I needed to feel ready before raising my hand. What I’ve learned is that readiness does not come first. Action does.

One of the biggest advantages of being at COM is that opportunity is everywhere. But being surrounded by it is not enough. You have to choose to step into it. I learned quickly that getting involved earlier than you think you should makes all the difference. It is easy to believe you need more classes or more confidence before applying to programs or joining organizations. In reality, those experiences are what build your confidence. Growth happens when you allow yourself to be a beginner.

Another lesson is that office hours are one of the most underrated career tools in college. Professors are not just instructors. They are professionals with years of industry experience. Some of the most valuable conversations I have had did not happen during class, but in office hours. Asking thoughtful questions, seeking feedback beyond the assignment, and showing genuine interest can turn a class into mentorship. Those relationships often lead to guidance, recommendations, and unexpected opportunities.

I have also learned the importance of saying yes to things that feel uncomfortable. Whether it is presenting in front of a room, taking on leadership within a team, or stepping outside your comfort zone, those moments stretch you. The first time feels intimidating. The second time feels manageable. By the third time, it feels natural. That is how real experience is built.

Finally, turning opportunity into experience requires initiative. No one hands you a perfectly mapped path. You have to introduce yourself, send the email, apply for the role, and ask the question. The students who grow the most are not always the most experienced at the start. They are the ones willing to try.

COM offers an incredible foundation. The moment you stop waiting to feel ready and start taking action is the moment your college experience becomes real professional growth.

Derek: Time Goes Fast In College

By Derek Olson

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog!  To quickly introduce myself, my name is Derek Olson.  I hail from Hanson, MA, and I study journalism and public relations with a minor in business administration and management.

This is the third blog I’m writing as a COM ambassador, and I feel like the time between semesters is only getting shorter.  If you’re a senior in college, you may be saying, “Duh, enjoy it while you still can,” but I want to address this to freshmen and those who may not be aware: College goes by fast.

It’s something I always heard from the adults in my life, but this past year is the first time I’ve truly experienced it.  Semester falls into semester, and before I knew it, I’m almost halfway through college.

So what?  My advice: do everything.  Say yes to that hangout with friends, try out that club, passion or activity you’ve always wanted to do and don’t be afraid to stay out a little later than you’d thought.  These four years are our foolproof time to try, to fail and to learn.

Don’t be stupid, but be ambitious.  Don’t be ignorant, but be happy.

These may be cliche words of wisdom, but do heed them and enjoy this time we all get the opportunity to have.  Nothing gold can stay.