Category: Teagan

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.

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.

By: Teagan Keane

Boston University’s Charles River Campus is big—like, really big. If you’ve ever found yourself speed-walking down Comm Ave, trying to make it to class on time, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a freshman still figuring out the BU Bus or a senior who somehow still gets lost in CAS, here are some tips to make getting around campus a little easier.

1. The BU Bus is a Lifesaver… Sometimes 

The BU Shuttle is amazing when it shows up on time, but if you’re cutting it close, don’t rely on it. Download the BU Mobile app to track the shuttle in real-time so you’re not left waiting in the cold (or worse, watching it drive away while you’re still a block away).

2. The T is Faster Than You Think 

If you’re heading from East to West Campus and the BU Bus isn’t an option, the Green Line’s B branch is a solid backup. Sure, it’s not the fastest train in the world, but hopping on for a few stops can save your legs—especially in the winter.

3. Find the Secret Shortcuts 

BU’s campus is full of little pathways and cut-throughs that can save you time. Walking from CAS to COM? Skip the crowds and cut through the GSU. Need to get to FitRec? Take the alley behind Sleeper Hall instead of dodging bikers and skateboards on Comm Ave.

4. Best Study Spots on the Go 

If you’ve got time to kill between classes, knowing where to study makes a huge difference. In East Campus? Head to the top floor of Mugar for quiet study vibes. Central Campus? The COM Lounge is perfect for a quick work session. West Campus? The Kilachand Common Room is a hidden gem.

5. Sometimes, Walking is the Best Option 

During peak hours, Comm Ave traffic is a nightmare. If you’re only going a few stops, walking is often faster than waiting for the BU Bus or the T. Plus, you can grab a coffee at Pavement or Tatte on the way—win-win.

BU’s campus might feel overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be moving like a pro.