COM Ambassador Blog

Kenna: Why I Chose BU

By Kenna LaFitte

As I enter my last semester at Boston University, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on why I chose BU in the first place. At the end of every campus tour, we’re often asked to share why we chose our school, so it felt fitting to use that question as a way to commemorate my final article as a CA.

Choosing BU was no easy feat for me. It required stepping outside of my comfort zone in more ways than one, from academics and extracurriculars to acclimating to Boston weather after growing up in California. But looking back, that challenge was exactly what I needed.

Location

I went to high school with a strict closed-campus policy and limited access to nearby activities, so I knew I wanted a college experience that felt connected to a city. I’m a firm believer that BU has one of the best locations of any school in Boston. From the proximity to Back Bay to the charming streets of Brookline, you never run out of things to do. Being in a city that constantly offers events and opportunities has shaped my college experience in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

College of Communication (Obviously)

I was immediately drawn to the College of Communication from the start of my application process, and I’m proud to say I’ve had the same major since my first day at BU. The opportunities within COM, especially within the advertising program, stood out to me early on. From my very first COM classes, I felt encouraged to think creatively and explore ideas beyond the classroom. That environment influenced how I think and work today.

Culture

I vividly remember my admitted students day and noticing that even on a Saturday, the campus felt lively. There were students hanging out, heading to club meetings, or just enjoying the city. I was excited by the energy and the endless opportunities to get involved. What also really stood out to me was how BU felt both competitive and collaborative. People are driven here, but they’re also willing to help each other succeed, which I appreciate.

Student Organizations

I was also drawn to the number of student organizations at BU, and I think that number has only grown since I started. No matter your interests, there truly is a space for everyone. Getting involved on campus helped me find community, explore new hobbies, and make BU feel like home.

Overall, the reasons I chose BU have truly stood the test of time. As I reflect on my experience and prepare for what’s next, I’m grateful that the decision I made years ago continues to feel like the right one.

Chloe: Your Digital Tour Guide: Boston Bucketlist

By Chloe Huang

Fall Season: Fall in Boston is essentially your excuse to romanticize life like you’re in Gilmore Girls. Crisp air, fashionable peacoats, and walking through the city, hopping from one cafe to another. Since it’s the start of the academic year, take this season slow and treat yourself to a peaceful start of your journey at Boston University!

Walk along Beacon Hill
Salem day trip during Halloween time
Apple picking in North Shore
Thrift shopping in Cambridge
Cozy dinner in the North End

Winter Season: As someone from California, I won’t lie… Boston winters are pretty rough. But just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you should be stuck in your dorm all day. Winter in Boston is all about finding ways to explore the city (preferably indoors), whether that’s festive spots or even embracing the cold at areas like Snowport. This season’s itinerary is designed to make winter feel less intimidating and way more manageable.

Ice skate on Frog Pond
Visit Snowport in Seaport
Warm up with some hot pot (Shu Da Xia is right on BU Campus)
See a ballet at Citizens Opera House
Romanticize life at Boston Public Library

Spring Season: Congratulations, you’ve survived winter! Spring in Boston just hits different because it feels like you’ve genuinely earned it. After months of cold, the city finally thaws, and suddenly everyone’s outside again. The weather is just right, not too hot and not too cold. This is the perfect season for walking everywhere, spontaneous plans, and enjoying the city without freezing or sweating.

Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Walk the Esplanade when the cherry blossoms bloom
Visit the Public Garden & take pics
Browse SoWa Open Market when it reopens
Have a picnic on Boston Common

Summer Season: Although most students go home or travel somewhere else, Boston summers are too good to waste. With sunshine, longer days, and warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to be outside as much as possible—because we all know what comes next. If you’re here in Boston for summer classes or internships, this is your perfect chance to enjoy the city and soak up the sun without the usual craze of students.

Go to the Revere Beach
Day trip to Cape Cod
Walk around Seaport at golden hour
Get a refreshing treat at JP Licks
Go to a Red Sox Game at Fenway

Emily: Reflections From a Soon-To-Be COM Alumni

By Emily Wyrwa

I’m sitting in my Comm. Ave apartment, wondering where all the time went! This is my final semester at BU (and my final COM Ambassador blog post). Here are a couple of things I wish I had known when I first started at BU — and a couple of ways I’ve grown as a person and communicator throughout my time in COM.

1. Follow your interests

As a first-semester freshman, I remember many things that sparked my interest in COM 101. I loved the strategic aspects of advertising, I loved learning about film and entertainment, and I loved writing up a podcast pitch. I spent the next two years determined to love what I thought I would, only to end up producing podcasts, taking courses in advertising strategy, and aiming to work in entertainment! I wish I had realized a little sooner that those interests would guide me more than any path I had set out for myself in high school.

2. You have time

I was so panicked about getting my math class done, and yet I’m electing to take a class that gives me a math HUB requirement in my final semester of school. It’s not a race to finish the hub, the degree, or the internship application. Four years is plenty of time; you have plenty of room to have fun and explore!

3. Campus isn’t so huge

It’s funny how massive Comm. Ave. felt when I first arrived. You’ll get the lay of the land quickly, but that first class schedule walk-through with a friend will serve you well. I’ve come to love my neighborhood in Boston and have found all the great coffee shops and study spots (and even pizza places, coming from a Jersey girl!).

4. Learn to meal prep a little sooner — and take care of you!

It sounds silly, but learning how to cook (at least a few recipes) and eating well each day has made the biggest difference in my life since I got here. I wish I had known that using the dorm kitchens isn’t so awkward, and making time to eat well, exercise, and take care of myself would not only help me sleep but would make me far more productive. Seriously, block out meals and workouts in your calendar if you have to!

5. It really is about the friends you make along the way

Saying hi to a girl who looked familiar in my freshman-year writing seminar gave me my roommate and my family for life. Joining BU on Broadway introduced me to two of the smartest people I know, who I can’t wait to take on the entertainment industry with when we graduate. Getting lunch with my editor at the Daily Free Press turned into dinner every single time we are both in New York (which, hopefully, will be all the time, very soon!). The people I’ve met through COM are some of the most ambitious and inspiring in the world, and they push me to be better every day.

GT: I’m Graduating… What’s Next?

By GT Nguyen

A BU Senior’s Guide on How to Navigate Post-Grad Life

Somewhere between enrolling for classes and walking on campus, it hit me that college is ending. No more living within a block radius of my friends or trying to find the free version of a textbook online. After graduation, it’s just real life.

Even though I knew it was coming, and you could even say I saw it coming, nothing could ever prepare me for this. I feel anxiety, fear, excitement, and they all come in waves. One moment, I’ll believe that I can do it, and next thing you know, I’m on the verge of tears thinking about it. It’s change, and change is scary, but here’s what I’m learning as I try to figure it out in real time.

1. You Don't Need to Have it All Figured Out

If I got a dollar whenever someone asked me what I wanted to do after college, I would probably have enough money to not have to work. I’m kidding, but the truth is, you don’t have to have your 20’s all mapped out. From now to 25 to 28 and so on, you will grow and blossom in ways you never knew you could. Your career might not be linear, so don’t fixate on something so far into the future. Focus on these next few months or maybe the year. Your first job is not the end all be all, it's a starting point.

2. You are on Your Own Timeline. It is NOT a Race!

Which brings me to my next point: live your life on your own terms. I don’t blame you. I am a victim of doomscrolling on LinkedIn and of comparing myself to people who seem to have it better than me. Your wealth and joy are not measurable by your salary or job title. You have to carve your own path, and it won’t look like anyone else’s. Everyone is going in a different direction, so acknowledge that and focus on yourself. There’s a quote that goes, “Don’t look back; you’re not going there,” which, in a way, is applicable to this topic. You are not living out anyone else’s lives, so don’t waste your time comparing yourself to them.

3. You Will Need to Hold Yourself Accountable

You’ve worked hard and made it so far; you should be proud of yourself and give yourself some grace. That being said, don’t take the easy way out. Just because you are not obligated to go to 8AM’s, and your grade doesn’t depend on it, that doesn’t mean you should be unproductive, sleep in, or lose yourself. It’ll be uncomfortable, but it will be worth it. Create small healthy habits and a productive routine. You don’t have to change your lifestyle overnight, but you do need some structure.

4. It's Okay to Grieve College and Be Ready To Leave

This is a bittersweet time. You can be excited to graduate and sad to close this chapter of your life. Both can be true. College was a huge part of your life, and I can’t imagine all the memories you’ve made in the past four years. That said, it won’t be the best part of your life, because you'll make new memories and have great experiences in the years to come. Don’t think for a second that your life will be mundane after graduation. It will take a little more effort, but the possibilities are endless.

If you’re feeling lost or behind, you are not alone. Post-grad life is not about having it all figured out; it’s about learning how to navigate the uncertainty. You should be proud of yourself for accomplishing college, and I believe you will be the best version of yourself. Good luck!

Delia: A Student’s Guide to 5 Must-See Boston Events This Spring

By Delia Rune

From Patriots’ Day to the Beanpot – Boston offers dozens of iconic spring semester events. Read on to learn more about the most popular events to get students off campus and into the greater city of Boston during the second semester.

1. Boston Marathon & Patriots’ Day
Since 1897, Boston residents and people from across the globe have come to observe this time-honored tradition of runners completing a 26.2-mile route across the city of Boston. And, even better, all Boston students get the day off for Patriots’ Day, making this one of the most convenient holidays for BU students to attend. Students have the opportunity to watch the marathon from any point along the route, but Boston University organizes a watch party at the corner of Beacon Street and Park Street!

2. St. Patrick’s Day
Each year, the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade brings together locals and visitors to celebrate this iconic holiday with floats, music, and a lively crowd. The parade starts at the Broadway T Station and ends at Andrew Square – anywhere along Broadway is a great place to stand and watch this exciting tradition!

3. Boston Ballet: Spring Experience
Every spring, the Boston Ballet presents a multi-act showcase of some of its best choreographers and performers. The performance is a cultural experience completely unique to the city of Boston and offers students the opportunity to experience new styles of dance and choreography, ranging from classic to modern. BU students can purchase discounted student tickets, as well as day-of rush tickets, to make this unique experience more affordable and accessible.

4. Red Sox Opening Day
Red Sox opening day marks the start of Boston’s baseball season, and students from across the city buy tickets to celebrate the kickoff – as well as the beginning of warmer temperatures and spring weather. Opening day – as well as all the games that follow in the spring baseball season – is a great way for students to enjoy the warmer weather, grab a hot dog, and engage with Boston's sports culture.

5. Beanpot
Each February, four of Boston’s best collegiate hockey teams gather at TD Garden to compete in the Beanpot championship. The four colleges represented are Boston University, Northeastern, Harvard, and Boston College, and students from each school come to TD Garden to cheer their team on in the final game. This year, the men’s Beanpot will be held on February 2, 2026.

Madeleine: What Film From my Letterbox Should YOU Watch Based on Your COM Major ?

By Madeleine M.

Film and Television – The best major there is (yes, I’m biased). Film and Television opens the door to careers in directing, producing, and screenwriting. If you can visualize ideas and bring them to life in a way that heightens emotion, this major is for you. A must-watch from my Letterboxd is Buffalo ’66 (1998). While the concept itself isn’t wildly complex, the cinematography and directorial choices make it memorable and set it apart.

Public Relations – A Public Relations degree allows students to help companies and brands build and protect a positive public image. PR students learn crisis management and develop strong rhetorical skills to maintain a brand’s image. The film PR students should watch is Chicago (2002). Beyond being a flashy musical, it highlights just how easily public perception can be manipulated.

Journalism – If there’s a story in your heart that needs to be told, journalism might be the major for you. Journalism students tackle news writing, interviewing, and media ethics, all while carrying the responsibility of accuracy and integrity. A film journalism student should watch is The Long Walk (2025), which follows teenage boys in a brutal competition and reveals layers of personal stories and exploitation worth investigating.

Media Studies – Media Studies explores what media is made of and the impact it has on society. Students analyze trends, study analytics, and learn how messages are created and received. A fitting watch is Hollywood Shuffle (1987), a film that comments on industry trends, stereotypes, and the messages films send to audiences.

Advertising – Advertising focuses on planning and executing campaigns that motivate consumers to engage and consume. Advertising students value visual design, consumer behavior, and brand management. A film advertising students should watch is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). Beyond its emotional core, the film showcases how a company markets its services and the tactics it uses to sell an idea.

James: The Case for Jefferies Point

By James Mcintyre

Look, I understand as well as anyone that leaving BU Campus can be hard, especially during a busy week! From BU alone, you get the joys of the GSU food court, BU Beach, COM Lawn, Agganis Arena, and so on! If you need a short trip out, Brookline and Allston are great changes of pace that are easy walks from any point on campus. A step further, the T can take you downtown in 20 minutes. Who’d need anything else?

That’s why I want to take time and make a point of Jefferies Point! It was the first place I had gone to when I visited BU, and since then, it has held a special place in my memories. Piers Park holds one of the best views across the water of Boston from any point in the city. Gorgeous in the summer and tolerable in winter for the view, the park stands out with its proximity to the water. After a quick walk, head to one of Boston’s best chains in Smoke Shop BBQ. Well, it has sibling restaurants in Cambridge and central Boston, neither quite offers the view of the “Eastie” location. If you eat wings, it is a must stop. Going further in unlocks a plethora of restaurants any Bostonian could happily eat before going to Logan, only a few T stops away! Once home to the East Boston immigration station, the region houses a diverse food scene.

Everyone will walk away from their time in Boston with their own slice of memory. Their own favorite park. Favorite restaurants. For the sake of experience, give the one that overlooks the waterfront of Boston a shot!

Teagan: Why COM 101 Is the Class That Helps You Find Your Path at BU

By Teagan Keane

Every COM student starts in the same place: COM 101. It is the kind of class you hear about long before your first semester begins, usually described as “the intro class everyone takes.” What you do not hear as often is how grounding and surprisingly motivating it can be, especially when you are still figuring out what you want to study.

COM 101 combines a large weekly lecture with a smaller discussion section, which creates a useful balance. In lecture, you are introduced to the broad landscape of communication fields. One week, you might learn about journalism’s responsibility to the public, the next week you might explore how public relations shapes brand reputation, and another week you might dive
into media production or advertising strategy. Even if you arrive on campus already confident in your major, the class invites you to understand how all of COM’s disciplines connect and overlap.

The discussion section is where things become personal. This smaller setting gives you space to ask questions, hear perspectives from other majors, and talk through what parts of the field excite you most. Many students say this is where they first realized what they actually want to pursue. It is also where you start meeting people who may become future group-project partners, internship tip-sharers, or close friends.

What makes COM 101 especially helpful is that it offers a low-pressure way to explore. You are not expected to know everything. Instead, you are given a chance to test your curiosity and see which topics spark something. By the end of the semester, you gain both a clear overview of the communication world and a better sense of where you want to fit within it.

If you are heading into COM 101 soon, keep an open mind and pay attention to what interests you most. This class may be your first step at BU, but it is also the one that helps you picture the path ahead.

Diya: A Reflection On My Senior Year

By Diya Shah

As a senior this year, I want my blog post to reflect on the past few years here at Boston University. Since my first semester, I have added two minors in Journalism as well as Entrepreneurship. I have joined and left several clubs. I will be completing all of my Hub requirements this semester. I went abroad to London last fall and lived there for 4 months while pursuing an internship. I joined a dance team and am now the senior advisor of the team, where I am able to coach and support the team in a unique way. I have met hundreds of people since freshman year. I have also not seen some people since freshman year. These past years have been all about reform, change, and growth. I am excited to continue doing so even afterwards as well. Good luck to all the freshmen this year. Just know that by senior year, you will be a whole new person.

Kyla: Being a Boston Tourist (The Correct Way)

By Kyla Foreman-Andrade

I spent this past summer in Boston. Without school and film shoots, I had a lot of free time and I realized that I have never done a lot of touristy things. I made it my personal mission to explore as much of Boston as possible. Here are the places that I think you should find to be the ultimate Boston tourist.

Harvard Square

Although Harvard Square is not in Boston, it is only a bus or T ride away. Obviously, you can see the amazing Harvard, but if you stop for a second and actually soak in the square, you can see some amazing historic buildings as well as eat some amazing food (I would personally recommend the new Popup Bagels). The area is pretty walkable and is the perfect place to people watch.

2. North End

I have to admit, I had been to the North End before. But after talking to my friend from Charleston, I realized that I had never truly taken in the sites. This is the most historical place in Boston; it truly feels like a different world as soon as you enter the neighborhood.. You can walk the freedom trail and see where Paul Revere took his historic ride. All the buildings still have their historic charm. Some of the oldest bakeries and Italian restaurants are in the North End. While you’re there, you need to stop by Bova’s, a 24 hour Italian bakery. Their pastries are actually to die for and they are my pick in the cannoli war over Mike’s Pastry and Modern Bakery.

3. Esplanade

As a BU student, I am very familiar with the esplanade and it wasn’t a summer discovery. However, I still think it reigns as a top tier place to visit as a tourist. There is something so calming and beautiful about walking along the Charles River. It’s the perfect mix between city and nature. Whether you’re taking a midday stroll or a late night walk, your mind is guaranteed to be calmed and you will feel revived. Bonus points if you go at night, sit on the dock, and look at the stars plus the lights from Cambridge.

4. Take the T

I’ll admit, this doesn’t sound touristy at all. What is there to see by taking an underground train? I’d argue that is where you see the city’s real charm. Yes, it’s hot, crowded, and somehow always delayed, but the view you get of the Charles River when you take the red line is unbeatable. The feeling of listening to music while you people watch on a long T ride is fantastic. The history showcased at Park Street station is unmatched. It may not be the most luxurious, but it is technically a historic landmark as it’s the first subway system in the United States. Bonus: If you can balance on a moving T, you know that you were truly built for the city.