Category: Elena

By Elena Pejic

It’s no secret that Boston University has a large campus with many spaces to study. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to know where they all are or find one that is best for you. I am no expert, but having been here over a year, I feel like I have a pretty good idea of the best spots for whatever kind of studying you need. Here are my top three:

1. The Yawkey Center
The Yawkey Center for Student Services is tucked away above Marciano Dining Hall. My freshman year writing professor’s office was located on the third floor, so I went to visit her and discuss my paper. I was pleasantly surprised to step off the shelter and see a bright, open space full of comfy chairs and tables, and after my office hours, I continued to work there for hours.

The top floors of the Yawkey Center have a beautiful view of the brownstones of Bay State Rd. complemented with a large array of seating, making it a great space for group projects or a calm study session, complete with a view.

2. College of General Studies Gilbane Study Lounge
On the bottom floor of the CGS building, there is a hidden study space with the comfiest chairs I have ever sat in. During my freshman year, I had a class in the CGS basement and got there a few minutes early one day. I found this lounge and sat in there doing some work, and it was one of the most successful study sessions I ever had.

This lounge is great for people who like to work in silence and comfort, as it is large, but never usually too busy, making it a calm and refreshing place to work.

3. The COM Lounge
This one is a classic but is necessary to include on this list. This lounge is located on the first floor of the College of Communication building and has comfy chairs, collaborative tables, and tons of natural lighting. I started sitting there waiting for classes to start or did not want to trek all the way back to my dorm during an hour break between classes. I found I was super productive being in a space where I was always seeing people I know, making me even more motivated.

This spot is great for collaborative work, but also to work on any editing or software intensive projects, as there are plenty of computer chargers and a printer for whatever you may need.

By: Elena Pejic

When I was applying to BU, I selected Journalism as my major, but I had never done an interview. I had never given a pitch. I never even wrote an article. I applied out of respect for the profession and a passion for learning the truth.

So, unsurprisingly, when I started writing for The Daily Free Press and took COM 101, I was overwhelmed to say the least. However, looking back, I am beyond thankful for that experience, as there is truly no better way to learn than to do.

As I approach the end of my freshman year, I want to offer some advice to anyone considering or transferring into a major they are passionate about but not very knowledgeable about.

1. Don’t compare yourself.

When I went to my first pitch meeting for The Daily Free Press I began to doubt my abilities not based on what I knew, but what others did. I sat next to girls who were Editor-in-Cheifs at their high school and who had already conducted countless interviews and pitch meetings before stepping foot on campus. Now, I work alongside these girls as we write articles together and they have even become some of my great friends here.

2. Don’t fear criticism (too much).

As I got the edits back on my first article, the whole thing was rearranged and rewritten. I was shocked when I opened the document, but as I began reading the final version, I realized I could have done at least five things better immediately. This is to say that in any academic field, you will fail, yet it is what you do with that failure that matters. Now, I get slightly fewer edits on my article, and while I am no expert yet, I feel much more confident in my abilities only because there were people to tell me how I messed up.

3. Ask for help.

While writing my first article, I was so overwhelmed by the deadline and the pressure to “get it right” that I forgot about all the resources out there to help. It wasn’t until after that that I thought to go look at other articles on The Daily Free Press’s website or text my editor for a guide on how to write a title. It is never embarrassing to ask for help, especially when you are new to something, because it often makes it easier for both parties. You will understand the task at hand much more quickly if it is straight from the source, and the person you are asking will save time later by cleaning up your mistakes.

All in all, if you are passionate about something, pursue it. It doesn’t matter if someone else has more experience or more connections. What will really matter is who works harder, and passion is arguably one of the most important factors in motivating that success.