Ellie S: The Hardest Working Pep Band in All of College Athletics

There are so many clubs at Boston University, but only one has a title that is known throughout the college athletics world. I am of course talking about “The Hardest Working Pep Band in All of College Athletics”, or the BU Pep Band.

I never planned on joining any form of band when I came to Boston University. I was convinced that my senior year in high school would be my last time playing my clarinet. That was until I heard the Scarlet Band at summer orientation. I was so impressed by their song collection, no folk songs or classical compositions were being played, and I loved that. They were playing contemporary tunes, I distinctly remember hearing Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo and Holiday by Green Day. Those first few notes convinced me that I had to join the band in some capacity. I also thought it was neat that when representatives went around recruiting at orientation they made it clear that the Pep Band was open to any level of skill. Pep Band is one of the most diverse clubs you can be a part of, with all the colleges being included, with students from around the country and world, but somehow we can all come together to celebrate music and BU athletics.

There are so many other positives associated with being in the Pep Band. The first one is access to sporting events like the Bean Pot (a hockey tournament between all the Boston Schools), which is free and so are the Championship hockey games at TD Garden. The band also puts you in the middle of the game, we are the backing track to every sporting event. It allows us to create an amazing atmosphere to show our terrier pride. There are also so many connections that are made through the band. I have made so many close friendships and everyone becomes a family by the end of the school year. 

I hope more people consider joining the hardest-working pep band in all of college athletics. I think signing up was one of the best choices I made as a first year. Even if you don’t play an instrument, I suggest watching a pep band performance. Everyone involved in the program puts in much effort and strives to keep BU sporting events lively. The gameday atmosphere would change so much without the band. I hope you learn to love their quirky dances, wild chants, and amazing songs during your time at BU.

Diya S: Advice for First Years

Hi! I’m CA Diya Shah and I want to give some advice to any first years reading! Starting your journey as a first-year student at Boston University is an exciting and transformative experience. As you embark on this new chapter, make the most of your time at BU.

First and foremost, make it a priority to actively engage in the vibrant academic and social community at BU. Immerse yourself in campus life by joining student organizations, clubs, or sports teams that align with your interests and values. These extracurricular activities can foster meaningful connections, help you discover new passions, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Additionally, establish a healthy and balanced routine that prioritizes both academic excellence and personal well-being. Create a well-structured study plan that allows you to effectively manage your coursework while also making time for self-care, exercise, and social interactions. Remember that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success and overall well-being.

Take advantage of the vast array of academic resources and support services offered by BU. Make use of the libraries, tutoring centers, writing labs, and academic advisors to enhance your learning experience and academic performance. Seek guidance from professors and mentors, as they can provide valuable insights and advice to help you navigate your academic and career goals.

Embrace diversity and actively engage with the rich cultural and intellectual tapestry that BU offers. Explore various perspectives, cultures, and communities through campus events, seminars, and guest lectures. Cultivate an open-minded and inclusive approach to learning, fostering a deeper understanding of global issues and promoting a sense of empathy and interconnectedness.

Furthermore, prioritize building a strong professional network by attending career fairs, networking events, and alumni gatherings. Explore internship opportunities and seek practical experiences that align with your academic interests and career aspirations. These experiences will not only enhance your resume but also provide valuable insights into your chosen field of study.

Finally, remember to maintain a positive attitude, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and remain adaptable to change. Your time at BU is only so long, so approach each day with a sense of curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. Most importantly Have Fun!

GT N: Turn Your Life Upside Down

If you’re too comfortable, you’re doing it wrong. 

Don’t get me wrong; I think being in a state of comfort and stability is what everyone should strive to achieve, but it is not the state you should stay in, especially during this time of your life.

College is the only time where you can be immersed in a concentrated group of people that share relatable and different experiences as you, and it is so temporary. Now is the time to learn more about yourself, who you like to be around, what makes you happy, and where you want to go in life. I’m not saying you will know everything by the end of college or fully understand yourself by the time you graduate, but you should do your best to get as close as you can.

I moved to Boston from Southern California alone. I got a random roommate. I went to concerts alone. I rushed for a business fraternity without understanding Greek culture. 

It was hard. It was really hard, and sometimes, I just wanted everything to stop. However, looking back, I am so grateful I took so many leaps of faith because it made me who I am today. I am more in touch with myself. I know I want to continue living in a city, how to use the T, coexist with my roommate, how to enjoy my own company, and realizing Greek life is not for me.

Maximize your growth as a young individual in this safe environment to test your limits! Never put yourself in a position where you feel unsafe, but know that the highest mountains come after the lowest valleys. You will truly never know until you try. I know how it feels to want security and belonging, but I encourage you to embrace uncomfort. 

Do something alone. Join a club you never saw yourself joining. Go to networking events when you don’t know anyone. Do things outside of your daily routine. 

Embrace college and discomfort. You will only know your limits when you test them. Turn your life upside down so you won’t have to turn it around in the future.

Emily F: A Shoutout to BUTV

When I first came to BU, I was super excited to get involved in as many clubs as I could, and that’s what I did. I tried out lots of different clubs, and I’m still in some of them, but there’s one I want to highlight in this blog post: BUTV, the student operated TV channel.

I knew I wanted to be involved in a dance club and a theater group, but something I was really excited about was joining one of the shows on BUTV. There were so many to choose from, but one really stuck out to me- COED, the comedy mockumentary. So, I emailed the producers and signed up! I was assigned the role of a production assistant, more commonly known as a PA, and we started out shoots for the new season. I’ll admit, I was really nervous to get started. Even though I am a Film & TV major, I had never been involved with any type of production before. I was worried I would be too inexperienced, and have no clue what I was doing on set. I couldn’t have been more wrong. From the moment I arrived at our first shoot, I immediately felt welcomed on set. Everyone was super nice, and I instantly felt as though I had been in this club before. Within the first two weekends of shooting, I was already learning how to use the audio recording equipment, and recording scenes to be used in the final product. This meant that when I started my first film course my second semester, I already knew how to use the equipment we were talking about in class.

Something else special about this club is that it’s really easy to gain experience, and take on new roles in the show. For example, I started as a PA, and after the first semester the producers offered the role of Script Supervisor to me. This meant that at every shoot for the next season, I would take notes about the scenes to send to the editors, as well as make sure continuity was kept in every take. Then, when this next semester came around, I applied for the role of Head of
Marketing. I wasn’t sure that I would get it, but I figured I would at least try. And, I got it! Now I make fliers and run the social media page to help increase interest in our show, and it’s been such a great experience. Also, I run our Instagram account- @coedbutv. You should follow it.

The main takeaway from this is that it’s really easy to gain experience in BUTV, as well as having a bigger role on set. If you are a Film & TV major, or even just interested in working on a show, BUTV is one of the best clubs to join. It is a great opportunity, and even if you’re not sure if you’ll like it, just try it! Trust me, you’ll love it.

Mia C: 5 Tips for Internship Application Season

Internships are a great building block to gain experience and discover if a particular industry or organization is the right fit for you. Read on for 5 tips to obtain that dream internship and survive intern application season!  

Create a Tracker:

Stay organized by creating a tracker to manage and keep track of internships you want to apply to. You should capture important information such as the organization’s name and industry, position title and description, internship and/or application link, recruiter or hiring manager name and contact information, status of application and due date. Keep in mind that different industries have different timelines for when they accept applications. 

Research Your Dream Companies:

You can supplement your internship search by doing your own research in addition to LinkedIn or Handshake. Look up organizations you are interested in working for and go to their internal website for internship opportunities. You can also conduct research in industries or sectors you have a passion for. As Mark Twain said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Polish your LinkedIn and Handshake Profiles:

Spend time on polishing and making your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles not only professional but have it tell something special and unique about you. 

Make sure your relevant work and volunteer experiences are current and up to date. You can also enhance your profile by having a great summary or “about” section in LinkedIn. The space can be used to highlight something about you, describe what you are passionate about or just express your personality. It is an undervalued way to make a strong first impression. 

Connect with people and expand your network. Do not be afraid to reach out to people at your dream job. You can set up a coffee chat, virtual or in person.

BU Career Center:

The BU Center for Career Development (CCD) is a great resource and BU’s colleges also have their own career center including the College of Communication (COM). They offer personalized feedback for resumes and cover letters, host workshops and events, and provide career guides, interview tips and advice. If you go in for a resume review, make sure you have proofread and double checked for all spelling and grammatical mistakes.

The CDC has developed internship and experiential programs. One program is the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program which gives students a living allowance stipend for unpaid internships at nonprofit organizations. 

In addition, COM has specific internship funds such as the COM Fellows Fund that supports students in media and communication related internships at places such as America’s Test Kitchen and Boston 25. There are also fellowships and scholarships specifically for diverse students.

Be Patient:

Finding an internship can be stressful. Be kind to yourself and break down the process so it is not too daunting and overwhelming. Strive to apply to two internships a week, it adds up!

Jess S: How to handle THAT time of the semester

It’s finally midterm season. Boston’s hot summer days are beginning to trickle behind us, and the dry leaves of autumn are starting to make their way up the trees. The fresh school year rolls around and as people’s routines settle in, the dreaded weeks of exams and presentations become the prominent event in almost everyone’s schedules. Right before the week of Halloween costume parties and the annual spring of frat flu, we must first overcome the dreaded midterm season. College is finally collegeing, so here are a few tips to get through the first patch of the school year grind.

1. Don’t Panic

Tests, readings, and stress are all part of the College experience. Believe me, if you think you have a lot of assignments to do, there will always be someone on campus with double the work you have. In other words, look at the bright side – you don’t have it the worst. Almost everyone around you will be feeling the weight of this time of the year, so don’t be afraid to vent about it to your friends.

2. Resources, resources, resources

If you’re struggling with a class, you need to take advantage of the resources at BU. All professors hold office hours, which is a great way to get yourself settled into a topic you’re unsure about. Office hours are a time when you can sit with your professor (or a teaching assistant) and discuss ANYTHING you need help with in class. If office hours aren’t your vibe, reach out to your friends in class. The educational resource center at BU offers free tutoring for certain classes, and booking an appointment would only take 5 minutes of your time. There are so many places you can get help in the weeks leading up to it. Don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help, because at the end of the day, your grade is on the line.

3. Take breaks

The days leading up to midterm season can seem overwhelming, and at times the built-up pressure will compel you to study for hours on end. It’s never a good idea to pull an all-nighter, regardless of how difficult the class may be. If you don’t procrastinate, you won’t have to cram a large chunk of information into a full day of revising. Doing up to an hour of studying every day a week or two before a midterm will help you immensely. I’ve tried both routes and the latter has always proved more successful.

4. Balance your social life

It’s never a good idea to completely cut out any form of human interaction during a stressful week. Your friends will be your support system, so don’t forget to take study breaks and
actually TALK to people during the week. Your emotional and mental health are just as important as a good grade. That being said, try to skimp out on the frat parties and late-night
rendezvous. Instead, go on study dates or lunch breaks to stay in full study mode.

5. After…

Skipping class the next day may seem like the way to go the night after a big test. However, believe me when I say once you start skipping lectures you cannot, and may never, stop. We’re not halfway through the semester yet, so the grind is far from over. A few weeks will go by before it gets to THAT point again. The best thing to do would be to reward yourself a bit outside of class. Go to a nice dinner place, spend the weekend sleeping in, or explore the city with some friends.

The college experience wouldn’t be complete without the haunting weeks of deadlines, exams, and endless assignments. This time of the year may seem like the worst part of being in university, but at the end of the day, everyone comes here to learn. Regardless of what grade you get, or how difficult your classes are, there will always be something to learn out of every experience. That being said, the ideal outcome would be for you to succeed while doing so. Post midterm season, you’ll finally have time again to live a little outside of those textbooks and office hours, so take advantage of that. Before you know it, the second set of midterms will show itself without warning. Except this time, you’ll know how to handle it.

Aidan W: Life Lessons in College

I met my best friend at my worst moment. It was raining. It was cold. And I was surrounded by my fellow "sisters." And let me explain.

I joined a sorority sophomore year to make new friends and be a part of a community. I did the whole rush process. I practiced my elevator pitch for all the interviews. Practice smiling. I did the entire process as best I could, scared I wouldn't get it, but more scared I would and not make friends. The whole process, in fact, I thought about dropping out.

And when I finally got in, I realized it was not for me. But let's go back to the cold rainy night.

I was chatting with a group when my name floated across the conversation. Meanwhile, in my head, all I could think about was whether I would stay in the sorority or not. All of a sudden, somebody says, "Aidan Walsh?" I turn around, and there's my future best friend. We hit it off immediately. 

She is my best friend to this day. And I only met her if I joined that sorority. So the next time you feel like quitting, it may be scary and unknown, but you only know how good your life will get if you try. 

There will always be points in our lives where we want to quit. It may seem like the easy way out. Or you may want to quit but are scared of the aftermath and how others will judge you. But think about every other moment you felt that way. It may be hard to recount a moment because we always seem to get through those tough times. And each time, we get stronger and learn something new. We become more confident in ourselves and our decisions. Think about life if you have yet to try new things. 

If we always do what is comfortable, how will we grow? Trying new things is worthy of the prize of what is to come. And if the results still weren't favorable, you walk away with a great story and still have learned something new. If we always assume it's a negative outcome, we will never experience some of the best while unexpected things. 

And to wrap this up, I actually did drop the sorority, and with no shame because I got my best friend out of it.

Mia P: How to Survive the Boston Winter, From a California

“How bad is the cold?” 

“How should I prepare for the weather?”

“Are the winters in Boston really THAT bad?”

As a COM Ambassador, these are probably the most frequently asked questions I get from potential or incoming students — and it’s a valid question. Boston winters are no joke. 

Coming from sunny Southern California, I was also uneasy moving to the Northeast as someone who had never experienced a real winter. Now that I’m in my senior year at BU, it’s safe to say that I’m used to it by now. I don’t actually find the winter to be THAT intolerable, but it can definitely be hard for others come November through January. So, here are my tips for making the winters better at BU! 

  1. INVEST IN A WARM COAT

This sounds pretty self-explanatory and maybe obvious, but investing in a solid, warm winter coat is everything. I’m not saying that you need to drop hundreds of dollars on the latest Canada Goose jacket, but in this case quality really is key. Definitely check out brands like The North Face, Columbia, or Uniqlo. 

  1. ACCESSORIZE 

Beanies, scarves, and mittens will save you. I’m a huge fan of beanies myself because no one tells you the pain of your ears freezing. Also, these things make a winter outfit complete! 

  1. ENJOY WINTER ACTIVITIES

There are some facets of winter that don’t involve the weather. One of my favorite memories at BU was the first time it snowed freshman year and everyone left their dorms to go play outside! There are also lots of opportunities to go ice skating and do other holiday activities, like the Snowport market downtown. 

  1. DON’T LET WINTER STOP YOUR HOBBIES

Something I was really worried about was if the cold would stop me from doing the things I love. I love to be outside and workout outside — and while a Noreaster may not make an outdoor run doable, buying some warm workout gear has helped me keep up with my hobbies despite the cold. It’s really important that you keep up with the things you enjoy and not let winter kill your whole vibe!

Amanda W: Senior year what’s between classes and coffee breaks

My senior year so far has been truly rewarding. Each day, I wake up with different challenges and opportunities. My internship and on-campus engagement, such as serving as the Conference Coordinator at BU Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), have brought me some of the most exciting professional experience of the year. 

My fall internship as a Corporate Communications Intern at Dassault Systèmes has been an ground-breaking experience. I found myself submerged in the most innovative facets of communications. One project that I have been working on is using Lumen5 to turn corporate blog posts into engaging videos. This gave me the opportunity to bring in my creativity while leveraging one of the most advanced AI tools in our age. My role also extends to supporting team endeavors, such as working on corporate reports, editing back-end website and blog materials, and improving SEO settings. 

This weekend, I, alongside our best PRSSA eboard members, flied to Nashville to attend the Annual PRSSA National Conference. At the conference, we gained some truly inspiring insights from the professionals, met the champions who are so excited to connect with students and help, and spent a fabulous time with each other. One of the sessions that inspired me is on social media campaigns. The speaker shared her experience running some successful campaigns and went over impressive campaign cases from Barbie to the The Eras Tour. 

After the national conference, our very own 2024 PRSSA Northeast District Conference will take place this coming February. I’m so excited to lead the conference planning committee to work on the conference, titled “PR Advanced: See Through Boundaries and Unlock Potential.” In an age defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting societal dynamics, our profession has undergone some remarkable changes. From integrating communication functions and increasing purpose-driven and employee communications to leveraging emerging technologies, we are excited to learn about career choices and turning points while witnessing the industry redefine its boundaries and introduce new possibilities. 

I’m so excited to kick off my senior year with all these exciting opportunities. With my other commitments in PRLab and, of course, as a COM Ambassador, I cannot wait to explore more that are yet to come.

Chloe P: Three ways to stay organized as the semester kicks into full gear

Just around three weeks of the Fall 2023 semester have gone by — in a flash. Classes are picking up, extra-curricular activities are in full swing, and work schedules are finalized. Everyone stays organized in different ways, but here are three ways that help keep me prepared:

  • Google Calendar

I am a huge advocate for Google Calendar. As August winds down and the Fall semester approaches, I am adding my classes, work schedules, and e-board meetings into my Google Calendar so that once the semester starts, I pretty much know when I’ll have time for other stuff — like eating, doing homework, and office hours when I inevitably need help in one of my classes. GCal has features to add events, but you can also add things like “focus time” or “tasks.” Tasks benefit me, especially during syllabus week, for big-ticket items like midterm exams, significant papers, and final projects. Focus time can help build time into your schedule when you can do work or be productive in another way. Whether it’s exercising, doodling, or painting, finding time for de-stressing is key when the semester is busy! Google Calendar lets you do all of that!

  • A handy-dandy notebook

Have you ever been in a big lecture hall when a professor is explaining an upcoming exam? Everyone is trying to get every word down about the exam format, but because of the volume of students, the wifi goes out! There is nothing more frustrating.

Another way I stay organized is by keeping a small notebook — mine’s actually a reporter’s notebook — on hand to write down quick notes. In class, I’ll have it open to write down reminders to myself if an assignment deadline is changing or the professor mentions something I want to remember. The equivalent of this is using the Notes app on your phone, but I love writing things down. Not only is it easier to remember the things you write, but sometimes you can’t always have your phone out in class.

The small notebooks are also helpful for the other random things that come up during the day, like tasks you remember you have to do, grocery lists, and more. 

  • Writing to-do lists daily

The third way I stay organized is by writing to-do lists for the next day, every night. You could splurge on the fancy to-do lists you find walking around stores like The Paper Source and Target, but I prefer to use my notebook (a multi-talented queen!) to write my list. I start by writing down my schedule for the following day, which includes class, work, and any other meetings or events that may have popped up. Then, I’ll write down any assignments or discussion points I have due. Finally, I write down anything I should do to get ahead of the syllabus if I have any gaps in my schedule. I also write down if I have any errands, like a grocery list or picking up textbooks. This keeps me organized during the day, especially as the chaos of being a student is distracting!

With all sorts of things going on, staying organized is the key to success for your grades, but, more importantly, for your mental health. As my dad (and Taylor Swift) says, “Failure to prepare is preparation for failure.”