Leah H: One of the Most Impactful Courses I’ve Taken at BU – CM211 Professional Presentation

If you’re interested in developing your presentation skills in class, keep reading below!

This is (sadly) my last semester at BU. Looking back on all of the amazing courses I’ve taken over the years, one stands out as a true favorite: CM211 Professional Presentations with Professor Dodge.​ The class is designed to help students with presentation skills, preparation, audience analysis, and more. Throughout the semester, we did presentations and public speaking assignments ranging from TED Talks to elevator pitches, interview questions, and podcasts. I enjoyed the range of projects and the work that went into presenting them. Every week we recorded ourselves giving the speech, and every few weeks, a handful of students presented live in class. At first, recording myself was embarrassing and awkward, and analyzing and reflecting on it was unbearable. But each week, I gained confidence and comfort watching myself on camera. My public speaking skills have drastically improved!

Another reason why I enjoyed CM211 so much is because of the awesome professor. Professor Dodge is a very down-to-earth, genuine person who really cares about his students. He always shared life stories as examples for whatever assignment we had coming up next. On top of that, he explained each element of the presentation from delivery tactics to the end goal. Professor Dodge also gave the most in-depth and personal feedback of any professor I’ve ever had. Not only did he take the time to provide feedback about good things I did and the places where I could improve, but he also wrote down the exact times in my video for the feedback so I could go back and watch from his point of view.

In my final semester, I can say that I’m more confident in both my speaking and writing skills. I learned that pauses are normal and necessary, it’s okay to slow down, and I have to be the expert at whatever I’m talking about. It’s especially important to have good speaking skills going into the workforce and I’m glad I learned them before I graduated. I took CM211 as an elective course for major credit and I’m really happy I did. I recommend it to anyone who needs another class for a future semester, and you should definitely take it with Professor Dodge!

Miya F: Dealing with Sunday Scaries

As an anxious person and planner, I dread Sundays. It is the end of the weekend and the start of a new week so I often feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I am far from the only one who deals with the Sunday Scaries. I have found ways to cope with this feeling of existential dread and hope they can help one (or many) of you!

1. Spend time with friends!

As an extrovert (96% extroverted according to the Meyers Briggs personality test), spending time with friends gives me energy and instantly improves my mood. I always try to plan something with friends every Sunday so I walk into the day with something to look forward to. I also try to switch it up so sometimes we get dinner, shop on Newbury, or even do homework together. Keeping busy and having people who love you around makes the Sunday Scaries a whole lot more manageable!

2. Eat your favorite food

Sometimes all I need to comfort me is my favorite foods. I normally go for a big bowl of ramen or pho (can you tell I am half Japanese and half Vietnamese)! I have made an entire blog post about my

favorite places to eat at in Boston. If you are looking for something within walking distance of campus check out Nud Pob, Pho Viet, or Cafe Landwer! If you want an excuse to leave the BU bubble and venture further into the city check out Joe’s on Newbury, Buttermilk and Bourbon, or Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Back Bay.

3. Watch your comfort show

I am a tv show lover and admittedly an iPad kid. For some reason, I can never sit through a whole movie but I can binge 5 hours of a tv show straight. Some of my favorite comfort shows are New Girl, Friends, Arrested Development, and Emily in Paris. I also always need a snack to eat while watching. My snack of choice is always chips!

4. Be productive!

Like I said earlier, staying busy always makes the day feel better and go by quicker. I normally catch up on homework all day so I have something to do and feel productive. I like to go to the GSU or Mugar with friends and do work for a large chunk of the day. We take breaks to get coffee or snacks so there is an incentive to do work.

5. Get a good night’s sleep

This is the perfect end to Sundays. I try to sleep before midnight so I can feel well rested and ready to start the week!

James M: My Weekends at BU

Hey guys! I wanted to take the time to write about one of my favorite weekend experiences this semester! It started last Thursday night with some really awesome live music from BU alumni artists.  I saw a flyer for this night of free live music in the GSU basement, and I decided to go on a whim! It was so awesome!! The artists are all on Spotify (and BU alumni) and I recommend listening to them (Main Era, Zaya Marz, and Cameron lane)! The event reminded me of how BU does such a good job of giving students the ability to display their art, and that still stands true after you graduate. The George Sherman Basement is commonplace for student shows, so I would recommend keeping an eye on posters put around campus for events there. 

On Friday, a group of my friends and I checked out a restaurant called Beijing Cafe on BU Campus, which we all really enjoyed. I walk by it every day getting to classes, and the photos of the dishes they make always looked really good. It is not associated with the university, but it’s a super convenient spot that has not too expensive really good-tasting food. One of the best things about our campus is the selection of BU dining halls, restaurants that take dining points, and independent places to eat.

Finally, on Saturday, I had to go out and explore Charlestown through photography for a COM class project. It is such an awesome town and a gem within the Boston area that has really beautiful neighborhoods and a long history. For a lot of parts of Boston, it feels like a city within a city, and Charlestown is a great example of that. I think the need to stop and take photos was such a pleasant task because it really let me take the time to look at my surroundings and the history of Boston’s oldest neighborhood. 

Of course, not every weekend is like this, and I will often stay in playing Madden or watching La La Land for the thousandth time but I want this to be a reminder to incoming students you will rarely regret exploring Boston!

Analise B: If You Have to Read One Book Before You Die, Let It Be The Book Thief

I normally find myself getting tripped up and lost in a sea of potential choices when someone asks me what my favorite film or song is, and how can you blame me? There are so many good contenders out there. However, the one consistent and solid answer I can give for an icebreaker or a curious inquirer is my favorite book.

In 8th grade, I was assigned what I now consider to be the best piece of literature I have ever laid my eyes upon: Mark Zusak’s “The Book Thief.” The book takes place during the onset of World War II where the protagonist, Liesel Meminger, is taken in by a foster family who finds themselves at the center of Germany’s political turmoil as air raids and the loss of Jewish friends plague their lives.

Whether or not you know a lot about wars, the book finds its true value in the way that it can emphasize the true brute strength of words. Conflicts in history, especially on levels as devastating as the Holocaust, are presumably fought with fancy weapons and guns. While that may be true to an extent, the story proposes the idea that words could be a force equally as destructive. Zusak makes mention of the fact that Hitler was never one to raise a gun in this war, he merely planted the seeds of his hateful, intolerant words until they grew into a nation of farmed thought.

The first time I read it, I felt more sadness than anything, but what drew me back in was the opposing consideration. While it is true that words have the power to destroy, and that's exactly what Hitler used them to do, they can also be used to create change. Liesel Meminger is a book thief, she saves a great deal of people with the words off pages of a story she stole from an old woman. Later, she begins to write her own words and thoughts amid the ugliness of the world around her to preserve her own life.

I don’t like to claim that this book is what pushed me to become a journalism major because there certainly was an array of confounding factors that inspired me to enter the world of COM. However, what this book did give me was my love for words. At 14, I learned a rather harsh way, the weight that words carry. These little semantics can both tear something down, and build it right back up. Words can disband, they can unify, they can strengthen, they can kill. What changes the outcome of how words impact us is how they are used.

Zusak closes the book with this eloquent quote: “I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I made them right.” Words are difficult to articulate, verbalize, and compose, but when they do arrive, we get to witness in real-time the influence they possess.

Morgan M: The Benefits of Office Hours

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but if you want to build a strong, professional relationship with your professors, there is no better way than to go to office hours! As a freshman I would hear this word of advice all the time and be intimidated by the prospect of spending one-on-one time with someone I thought I was supposed to fear. However, once I started to go, I realized how much this time was helping me as a student and a professional (and how friendly the professors really are).

Help on assignments

One way you can utilize office hours to your advantage is asking your professor for guidance or assistance on a certain assignment. Sure, you may have a good idea of the subject matter and feel like you’d be able to complete it on your own, but I have found that it is incredibly valuable to approach a professor and ask them what they expect and hope to see out of the assignment. This eliminates any confusion and allows you to cater your work to the specific preferences of the professor

Shows dedication as a student

Most professors love to see students at office hours because it proves that those students are thinking about that class outside of the allotted time. It may seem mundane to pop into a professor’s office to ask a question, but it really shows that you care about your success in that class and as a student.

Professional guidance

By going to office hours, you are allowing your professor to get to know you on a personal level. They will be able to better understand your strengths and weaknesses as a student, your work ethic, and your personality overall. In my case, showing my professors who I was as a student and a person led me to create really strong academic and personal relationships with them. When I started applying for internships and other opportunities, I had faculty I could turn to to ask to use as references or letters of recommendation.

Colbi E: A Senior’s Top Moments at BU

I’m now a second-semester senior, and graduation is approaching faster than I would like to accept. I’ve had the most wonderful four years at Boston University, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had. So, I would like to list out some of my most memorable moments — in no particular order — at BU to give you some inspiration on clubs to join, classes to take and opportunities to gain professional experience.

Interviewing Mayor Michelle Wu for a class

I was taking a class on TV reporting the fall of my junior year when I went downtown to make a video package on the Veteran’s Day Parade. Several local politicians were in attendance, and as the parade made its way to Government Center, my class partner and I spotted Mayor Michelle Wu. I was the one doing interviews for this particular package, and I knew I wanted to speak with her. So, despite some nerves, I went up and asked her questions. She probably doesn’t remember that moment, but it’s something I think about often.

Interning at places like NBC and The Dallas Morning News

I’ve had five internships throughout my time at BU, and they have all been amazing learning opportunities. I’m a double major in political science and journalism, with a minor in African American studies, but journalism is what I want to do as a career. In addition to my internships, I’ve also taken The Boston Globe reporting class where I covered the city of Newton for a semester and am currently reporting for The Worcester Telegram & Gazette through the BU Statehouse Program. The College of Communication has amazing courses that offer professional experiences, which will prepare you well for internships.

Studying Abroad in London

Yes, I went abroad and never stopped talking about it. I studied in London for the spring semester of my junior year and got to truly travel the world for the first time in my life. I interned with a local company, studied British politics and media, and explored not only the UK but several other countries in Europe! It was the most amazing experience and I would do it over and over again if I could.

Being Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Free Press

The Daily Free Press is Boston University’s independent, student-run newspaper. If you’re interested in journalism, photography, graphic design, podcasting or opinion writing, I would highly recommend joining. I know I said there was no ranking of my experiences, but this one may just be the most important. It set me up for success in my career, and I learned so much about journalism while being EIC. I love the FreeP and everyone who works there — we would love to have you if you’re interested!

Honorable mentions not related to academics or career

Hockey games, riding a BlueBike on the Esplanade, sitting in the sun on the COM Lawn, Warren Dining Hall’s stir fry, Marciano Common’s pasta, Nud Pob and kayaking on the Charles River.

I miss you already Boston!

Irene J: Opportunities at COM – BUTV10 & WTBU

Boston University's College of Communication student body has a huge range of extracurricular activities - entertaining but also highly professional! I would love to share my experience and the opportunities you can get with the COM. 

BUTV10 is a student-operated media production and distribution service, offering a variety of programs ranging from news, comedy, and drama, to variety shows. It is open to all BU students regardless of their majors and provides professional experience at the studio, with cameras, and working as a crew behind the scenes. 

I have been involved in The Wire, a daily news program in BUTV10 as a videographer and an anchor for a year. Starting as a camera operator in my sophomore year, I learned the work behind the scene and how the show is crafted with the collaboration of the crew. Then I switched my interest to on-camera talent to report a health and science feature every other week. Yes, it is hard to get up at 7 am in the morning and get ready for your story the night before the show, but nothing is more worthy than to see your show after THE busy morning! 

WTBU, the college's longest-running radio station, is another great opportunity you can have. We broadcast live 20 hours a day and all our shows are run by students! It is the perfect ground for creative content creation where you can pitch your ideas, DJ, and make the show go live on 89.3 FM. All DJs are trained as an intern on the station for a semester. 

I have been on the team of WTBU News, airing on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 PM-8 PM. You can be a reporter, a director, or an anchor for a show with amazing crew members. Again, the majors don’t matter as long as you are passionate about news reporting, which gave me a great opportunity to be involved on campus.  

Much more COM clubs and activities are here waiting for you! Feel free to reach out for any questions to the COM ambassador.

Suzanne C: 4 Pieces Of Advice To My Freshman Self (And Current Freshmen)

The first year of college can be hard at times. You’re away from home for the first time, taking hard classes, and trying to make friends. It can sometimes be discouraging — but take it from this senior — it gets better. Here are some pieces of advice I would give to my freshman-year self that, hopefully, you will benefit from too.

Get Involved

Getting involved in extracurriculars is one of the best ways to make friends and make the most out of your time at BU. One of my favorite things about BU is they have a club or group for almost everything — so if you haven’t already, take advantage of this! I am now involved in six extracurriculars (I did not join them all at the same time), and I can honestly say my BU experience would not be the same without them. I also think it’s important to join clubs because you’re interested in them, not because you think they’ll look good on your resume. If you’re involved in things you’re interested in, you’ll enjoy them more, and they’ll probably end up looking good on your resume anyway.

It’s Okay To Be Homesick

It’s 100% normal to be homesick during your first year of college. And probably almost everyone is, whether they say it or not. It’s not easy to be away from your family, home friends, and hometown for the first time. But it does get better. I’m not going to promise it will completely go away because, as a senior, I still get homesick occasionally, but you will start feeling homesick less and less. If you don’t already, make a habit of calling your family. It will make you feel closer to home, and I’m sure they would love to hear from you.

School Is Hard

BU is very academically hard. When I first got here, I was blown away by how much harder it was than my high school. I got a couple of ugly scores on the first midterms I took, and there were moments when I really doubted myself. However, I was quickly able to adapt and even excel in school here, and if you’re feeling the same way, you will too. Keep working hard, and it will pay off!

Enjoy It

I know everyone says this, but college really does go by so fast — so try to enjoy it while it lasts! You also never know when something like a pandemic could send you home from college and put you on Zoom. But seriously, the pandemic made me more grateful for things I took for granted before — in-person classes, being able to hang out with friends, and in-person extracurriculars. So, enjoy all of these things! Because before you know it, you’ll be a senior too.

GT: You are right where you are supposed to be.

I am here to validate your feelings and remind you everything will be okay.

College is a beautiful place and time for us to learn and become the best version of ourselves. I must admit, however, it can be intimidating and overwhelming especially when everyone around you is moving at a different pace. 

I left the suburbs of southern California to experience the pace of the city and east coast culture. The transition and adjustment for my first semester was beyond difficult because I felt so lost and lonely. I was the only one to go far from my high school, and it felt like everyone else knew what they were doing and were able to make friends and enjoy BU just fine. This caused me to go into an emotional spiral because I kept asking myself: what am I doing wrong?

Well, the answer is nothing. I am right where I’m supposed to be. I’d like to share some quotes and sayings that helped keep me grounded in my college journey, and hopefully they will help you too. Wherever you are on your college journey whether it be your freshman year, last semester and job searching, or somewhere in between, I would like to offer some wise words and reassurance. 

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”: Whenever I see someone the same age with me partying a little harder or doing a little better, I begin to feel sad for myself and wonder why my life isn’t as great. However, I have to remember that everyone has a life of their own and there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Comparing my experiences with others will not make my life any better. As a COM major, there’s no way to exile social media from our lives, but rather learn how to live with it in a healthy way.

“Everything is temporary.”: This is very bittersweet. Time will pass and you will finish that class you dreaded so much or that fun event will come to an end. Nothing lasts forever except the constant changes, so appreciate the good times and endure the bad. Great things are ahead of you.

“Find out what you like, figure out why you like it, and just be bold after that.”: Our student body is such a diverse group and there are many influences around us that can be overwhelming. Trends go in and out and what’s socially acceptable can change overnight. It is important to not get lost in the sauce, and remember you are your own person and you are in control of your life. Stay true to yourself, always.

In the end, we are very small specks on a spinning rock. Nothing really matters except how you choose to go about your life. You will go through some valleys physically, mentally, emotionally, and that is completely okay. You will make it. You will be okay. Trust the process, and more importantly trust in yourself.

Evan B: A Love Letter To My Office Job

When the Office Manager at COM Undergraduate Affairs first reached out to me at the end of my Sophomore year asking if I would be interested in working as an office assistant, I had no clue what to expect. I never exactly thought an office job would be my thing. For starters, copy machines can get really confusing, really quick. But, since I first took a seat in our super tall rolly chair at the front desk of Undergraduate Affairs, I’ve never looked back!

I quickly mastered the copy machine– the office is passionate about a good coloring page– but have also found that there’s so much more to do when I’m working in the office. Picking up the phone is always a fun surprise, and there is definitely no shortage of emails to answer, especially during registration season 😉

At Undergraduate Affairs, we take our snacks super seriously, too. Any day can be made better with a little help from our candy drawer, and all of the other Office Assistants and Advisors are super passionate about trying all of the Pringle flavors that exist around the world (and yes, there is a running ranking sheet of all the flavors we’ve tried). There is no shortage of baked goods in the office– with gluten- and dairy-free options too– and sometimes we even get lucky if there are extra snacks from an event around COM, too.

Most importantly, though, working in the office has meant so much more to me than all of the fun we have every day, like when our WB Mason office supply deliveries arrive or we decorate to celebrate the next upcoming holiday. Not only have I been able to learn super important skills that will help me in any role I take on in the future, like how to reply to emails, help a student at the front desk, or what to do when I don’t know the answer to a question, but I’ve also found a diverse support system through working in the office, too. Many of the other office assistants are in the same classes as I am, and we always help each other with coursework and networking, too. Getting to know each of the advisors has shown me that there is always someone there to support you in your academic, professional, and personal life; so much can happen in your four years of undergraduate school, and each and every one of our advisors is so knowledgeable and is there to support you at every moment along the way. Additionally, I’ve gotten to know the faculty and staff of the different COM departments, Dean’s Office, and Career Services, which has helped me feel more confident in myself as a student and my ability to get a full-time job once I graduate.

COM Undergraduate Affairs is just one more example of the COMmunity I’ve found here at BU, and I know for a fact that my time in Boston would not have been the same if I had let my fears of the copy machine stop me from taking on this position 🙂