COM Ambassador Blog

Noah: Staying Sane in Unprecedented Times

Staying Sane in Unprecedented Times

If you haven’t already noticed, the past 365 days have not been so fine and dandy. And while we’ve all found ways to struggle through the mud of this year to some success, there are moments where we still feel stuck, moments where the dead-ends pile up. I’ve had my fair share of these moments, and today I’d love to share with you some things that I’ve found pull me through the thick of it.

Prioritizing things that bring delight

Over the winter break, like the east-cost-elitst-liberal I am, I got into listening to NPR, specifically Ira Glass’ This American Life. One fantastic episode explored people finding delight in their lives, things that made the scrum of daily existence a little bit more enjoyable. Prioritizing these things has made my days all the more tolerable, and they give me something to look forward to. Delight for me has come in numerous forms, from Errol Gardner’s rendition of “Misty” (2020 remastered version), to sitting down with a good book and a tea, to watching my sports teams that have miraculously decided to be good this year (go Sixers!, go Flyers! hang in there Red Sox..) delight is abundant and plenty. Making room in our schedules to do these things on a daily basis goes a long way, even if they’re little.

Slooowwwwinnggg Down

We live in a fast paced world. Especially living in the city, where the once-a-week trip outside is a flurry of activity and external stimuli, it can be easy to get caught up in all the busyness. It’s key to take a minute and just be in the moment with yourself. A saving grace for me recently has been the Headspace meditation app, which is provided to us for free from BU. They’ve got a ton of guided meditations and other calming media that have made a really tangible impact on my day to day moods. Go try it, it’s free!

Moderating Social Media Use

Here’s my bold take. Social media kind of isn’t good for us. Can you tell I watched The Social Dilemma? As much as our socials connect us to friends and family and drive social change and show us funny videos, there’s a lot of negatives that go very much under the radar. I can’t quite go into the psychological details, but I’ve found that spending more time off my phone and on other delight-filled things has been nothing but beneficial. (Don’t worry COM Ambassador team, I’ll be back on it for my Insta takeover :))

So there’s my advice! This is far from an exhaustive list, and even farther from a scientifically proven method, but I figured I would share some things that worked for me, and just maybe they’ll do some good for you. That’s all from me, so stay safe, mask up, and be well!

Anika: 5 Handy Zoom Interview Tips

5 Handy Zoom Interview Tips

It’s that time of year again…interview season! From midterms to student org commitments to the fact that we’re still not out of a pandemic, it’s totally normal if your stress levels are running high right now.

No need to stress if you haven’t had the perfect summer internship lined up for months! Keep putting yourself out there, and once you do, here are some of my tips for nailing that Zoom interview:

1) Wear something you feel confident in

Of course you should always dress professionally for an interview, but keep in mind that your interviewer can only see about an eighth of your outfit on Zoom. So, whatever you wear is really more for you than for them!

Have a favorite sweater that you always feel great in? Maybe there’s a way to style it into an interview-appropriate outfit. Unless the company has a super strict dress code, I think this is a great way to give yourself a little extra reassurance on a stressful day.

2) Practice on Zoom!

Even though it may feel silly, I recommend opening a Zoom meeting room by yourself for 10-15 minutes before your interview and practicing talking about things like your background and why you’re interested in the job. Then, when you log onto the actual Zoom call, there will barely be a difference!

Also, those awkward stumbles on basic questions will already have been worked through, which can settle your nerves. This is one huge plus of having interviews on Zoom -- there’s no way you’d be able to simulate the exact same interview room in person right before your interview!

3) Research the company beforehand

This is a no-brainer, but obviously you should know some basic info about the company you’re applying to! Don’t worry, they won’t expect you to know the ins-and-outs of their business, but if you have specific ideas or opinions about their work, you will stand out.

It also doesn’t hurt to know a little bit about your interviewer if possible. No need to spend hours stalking their LinkedIn, but just make sure you know their role at the company so you can get a sense of what types of questions to ask them at the end.

4) Have an answer for the dreaded “Any questions for me?”

This question can feel tough. I’ve found it’s good to go into the interview with at least one question I might ask, but that often gets answered during the interview and something else is discussed that I can ask about.

It’s hard to think on your feet in a nerve wracking environment, but if you have some initial ideas it’ll be easier to adapt them in the moment than to come up with something completely.

Another tip: if the interview format is more casual, (i.e. more of a back-and-forth conversation), you can also ask questions as you go along. Then, if your mind goes blank at the end, it’s okay because you’ve already shown how curious and insightful you are!

5) As best you can, relax

I know, I know, it’s way easier said than done.

But I think one plus of the Zoom interview environment is that it’s way less nerve-wracking. You don’t have to wait outside an ominous room in an unfamiliar hallway, nervously make small talk with other candidates, and sit down in a foreign seat pretending you feel right at home. I think the weird feeling of “surrealness” that Zoom often gives us is, in this case, an asset.

And lastly,

if you feel physical symptoms of stress, you might use it to your advantage by thinking of it as a sign of how invested and excited you are about this opportunity -- and that’s a positive thing! Telling yourself to stop freaking out will likely not work, so just take some deep breaths, know you’re prepared, and go kill it! 😉

Meredith: Senior’s Advice to Freshman

A letter to the freshman from a soon to be BU COM graduate

Dear incoming students and current freshman,

Cherish this time in college because one day you are going to wake up a second-semester senior with only a few months until graduation. I know everyone warns you how fast college will go and they all tell you to enjoy it, but I am saying it to you again because as I reflect on my last four years here at BU, I enjoyed every second of the crazy ride.

There were so many ups and downs and some days were longer than others, but it made me into the person I am today! It seems so cliche to say, but I found who I am and what I am passionate about in these past four years.

I came into my first year as a pretty scared freshman with no idea of what the future would hold. I was scared of fitting in, making friends, excelling in classes, and I felt like I was not as smart or talented as many of the other students at BU. I had some serious imposter syndrome going on and I was not sure of my path at all.

While some of that stuff never truly goes away, I found my confidence and figured out what I loved to do. I realized I had a passion for communications and marketing research; I learned that I can be a natural leader and possess the skills to be president of a club; I learned how to stand up for myself and what I believe in; I learned to push myself and that I am capable of anything.

My four years here were spent learning and growing in more ways than I would have ever imagined as an incoming freshman. My future path may never be clear, and sometimes I will doubt myself, I can say with absolute certainty that I grew into the woman I was meant to be.

My best advice to you is to be daring and try new things. Try and push yourself to do something outside of your comfort zone that might scare you a little bit. Also, take advantage of all the amazing opportunities offered here at BU, like clubs, academic resources, and your professor’s office hours. There are so many ways you can grow and learn during college and just trying a few new things could change your entire trajectory.

If I could do it all over again, I would, but I would not have changed a thing. I am ready now to take on whatever the future holds for me, but I will always be a Terrier at heart.

Sophie J: Surviving 1st Semester

Tips and bits of Advice to survive the first semester at BU

The first semester of college can be overwhelming and thrilling at the same time. Similarly, from my experience, I was anxious and excited as I imagined how my college life would be, yet, I was looking forward to meeting new people. These are a couple of advice and tips to know to make your college experience fantastic:

Don’t hesitate to reach out and talk to people!

At first, it can be overwhelming to meet new people, especially in a new environment you just moved in. On my first week at Boston University, I met friends just by talking to them at the lobby of Warren Towers and got to know my floor friends by knocking on all of their doors. Similarly, there were some students on my floor that knocked on my door and we were able to get to know each other through this way. Amid the current pandemic, it can be harder to meet new friends or people in general; however, there are still ways to get to know people through social media, online events, or people in your classes such as GroupMe.

Join clubs!

Join clubs that really interest you! There so many clubs at BU, ranging from photograph clubs to Student Government. There are a variety of clubs you can join, whether or not it relates to what you are majoring in. Clubs are a great way to meet new people and explore your interests. In addition, they are an amazing opportunity to have hands-on experiences. For me, as a Broadcast Journalism major, I had the opportunity to be a part of WTBU and BUTV10. In these clubs, I met many people that have similar appeals as me and I got to experience “life as a broadcaster.” I highly recommend joining clubs during your time at BU!

Manage your Time well

It is very important to make sure you are scheduling your time very well. With classes during the day, clubs, or other activities, you should write down what you need to complete and when they are due. Personally, I keep a notebook or planner with me that has all my assignment due dates and what I need to accomplish for the day. It can be a little confusing at first, but you will get the hang of managing your time once you get used to it. Try not to finalize your assignments on the day of or late at night, as it can be arduous. You will need that sleep!

Late Night

It is likely that you will spend an all-nighter or at least have a day where you will be studying until very late at night. For me, there were times in the middle of the night where I would get hungry or was craving a snack. When I first found out about Late Night dining, I was very delighted that I was able to get a variety of delicious foods no matter how late it was while studying. You can use your dining points through GrubHub to get anything at Late Night. Trust me, getting late-night dining really helps 🙂

These are just a few tips to remember when going through your first semester at BU. As a current freshman, I think that college is the best time to reach out and explore your interest. Most importantly, have fun! Do what you really are passionate about and broaden your horizons. After all, isn’t that what college is all about? 🙂

Sarah: How to de-stress as a college student

25 Ways to Destress for Broke College Students Who Barely Have 5 Minutes

Puzzle. Try and distract your brain from everything else it has to keep track of
Coloring
Origami (be careful, this activity can sometimes bring added frustration!)
Get outside! Go for a walk, run, or just stand and breathe in the fresh air.
Hug a tree! It’s good for you, I promise! If you don’t believe me, check out this site!
Swing (The motion is soothing and releases adrenaline which helps ease stress (you also feel fantastic and free)
Remember these things?? WELL, they are extremely relaxing when you submerge your hands into them and immensely satisfying to squeeze until they break (particularly after an annoying class or receiving a not-so-great grade).
Go pick some flowers, grab a lemon, cucumber, fruit or whatever your heart desires and sniff them up real good for some destressing aromatherapy!
Listen to relaxing sounds
Sip your favorite warm drink while watching your favorite childhood shows or movies
Write down everything that’s stressing you out to clear your head
Bee breathing. Take a deep inhale and as you exhale through your nose, make a humming sound. Focus on the vibration you are creating and how it drowns out your worries. For a more intense experience, cover both of your ears while you hum. Here’s a more in-depth look at this powerful tool: https://www.outofstress.com/bee-breathing-technique/
Exercise
Sing/dance. Remember how distressed Elsa was when she ran away? Remember what made her calm down and find peace? That’s right, she sang and danced! So, take it from her, LET IT GOOOOOOO (your stress, that is)
Buy something recently? Go to town on the bubble wrap! *Not advised if you have an easily annoyed roommate
Hula hoop! *Also not advised if you have an easily annoyed roommate
Stretch
Progressive muscle relaxation (stress balls also accomplish this!)
Watch satisfying art videos
Daydream. You can be anything you want, anywhere you want, doing anything you want, escape your worries and have fun with it.
Self-hypnosis or guided meditation
Keep a gratitude journal or any type of journal
Put different textures against your skin, like a soft blanket or your spiral notebook coil, and focus on the way it feels
Organize/rearrange your room and watch how you become a whole new person
Think and Reflect. Take a minute to really think about how important it is to be stressed right now. Is it something that will matter in the long run? It’s okay to be stressed, but sometimes we obsess over things that are out of our control. If you received a bad grade, for example, it’s okay. Turn around and focus on studying differently for the next assignment. Don’t let things drag you down for too long.

The most important thing is to just free your mind from your stressors. So even if nothing on this list sounded interesting, hopefully, at least reading through it provided you with a few moments of peace.

Mira: Guide for Remote Learning

Hey everyone!! CA Mira here! Now that we are almost a month into the spring semester, I wanted to check in with y’all! Online classes and remote learning can be HARD, but I am PROUD OF YOU for getting through it!!

In case any of you lovely people are struggling a bit with your classes this semester, here are four tips that I have picked up over the last few months that have really helped me to succeed while studying remotely!

DESIGNATE ONE SPACE FOR ZOOM CLASSES

Since you’re at home, it’s more important than ever to categorize your spaces, otherwise your entire house will feel like a place to do work- and you don’t want that. I always do my zoom classes in my room (at my desk) and that way I feel like I’m able to separate school and work! What’s nice about doing all your classes in one place is that if there is ever a day where you feel really restless, you can do your zoom classes somewhere else for just that one day, and it kind of tricks you into thinking that you’re doing something new!

GO TAKE A WALK

Being at your desk for a long time can really hurt your body and strain your eyes! Go outside and get some fresh air between your classes! It’s such a game changer and will really boost your mood! Even when I’m not feeling it, I’ll still drag myself outside before or after class (even for a minute) and I’ll be really happy I did!

REACH OUT TO YOUR CLASSMATES ON ZOOM

Zoom has a private chat feature- USE IT! Trust me- you’re going to regret not befriending your classmates when you have an assignment due at midnight and you have no idea what on earth the prompt is asking you to do. It’s a lot harder to make acquaintances over zoom, but it’s important to have a friend in class that you can reach out to if you need help!

WAKE UP AT THE SAME TIME EVERYDAY

I know that when you have a class that starts at 2pm, it’s easy to want to sleep in for a couple more hours, but hear me out on this! I have found that it really helps me to wake up every single day at the same time AND to wake up at least half an hour before my classes start. Don’t get me wrong, I have most definitely had days when I simply rolled out of bed at 8:59AM to get to my 9AM class, but every time I did that, I found myself feeling groggy and zoned out during the lecture. Not fun, and not productive. Do yourself a favor and make sure your body is on a sleep schedule that gets you up out of bed and TRULY ready for your day!

Anyway, that’s all for now but I hope you find these tips helpful and that you use them to make online classes a little more bearable! YOU GOT THIS and good luck this semester!!

Katherine: Back to the Basics! Childhood Activities to Combat Anxiety

Back to the Basics: Childhood Activities to Combat Anxiety

BY: Katherine Gotard

I have personally experienced the stress that social isolation has inflicted upon students in 2021 alone. It has become a default to worry myself over the future when I don’t have a clear picture of what’s to come for my friends and me. And when I was put into quarantine for 10 days at the start of this semester, I felt the effects of this anxiety the strongest. However, these moments of stress and boredom forced me to return to tried-and-true solutions, even though I was previously convinced I had outgrown them.

As an artist, my mind is often filled with creative ideas that I am itching to put on paper. Instead of just committing to these concepts, I allow them to fall to the waste side, determining that I’m too busy to start the project or that I won’t be able to properly execute my vision. While in the quarantine dorms, I could no longer produce a reason why I shouldn’t just go for it. So, I dusted off my set of Prismacolor pencils, drew what I wanted, and forced myself to finish what I started.

It felt incredible to throw myself into a piece of art again, letting all my anxious thoughts slip away as I completely focused on choosing the right color or final touches. I was reminded of how much I used to love just sketching whatever thought popped into my head. My advice - prioritize yourself and your personal goals, no matter how lofty or pointless they seem. Allow yourself to find joy in these hobbies and passions that you had when you were younger and undoubtedly less busy. You won’t regret it.

When the last major snowstorm of the season hit Boston, I decided that I was going to go sledding. No matter if I had to use a plastic tray, piece of cardboard, or concede to purchasing a sled from Target - I was going to take advantage of the powder covering the Commons. Yes, I could have gotten ahead on assignments or finished more work instead of playing in the snow, but all I could think of was how much I wanted to be in the present, to feel the cold snow beyond my dorm room window.

I got to go sledding that night on a pool floaty that took about 20 minutes to blow up in the middle of the park. The Commons were empty except for a few Emerson students who had the same idea as me. We all enjoyed the moment together and allowed our inner kids to flourish on that rather short downward slope. While it may seem like it’s impossible to create those quintessential college memories during this LFA semester, there are plenty of opportunities to do so - you just have to seize them.

You may think you’ve outgrown the simple joys we had during your childhood, like coloring or playing outside, but this is the time to return to them. Right now we’re living in that bittersweet spot between childhood and adulthood. Remember to ease your stress with nostalgia, taking advantage of this transitory phase in a semester defined by uncertainty.

Colbi: Why I recommend a social media detox

Why I recommend a social media detox

By Colbi Edmonds

At the beginning of the new year, I decided to challenge myself and my usage of social media. I deleted Instagram off of my phone, turned off the notifications for any other platforms I have and do my best to limit my screen time.

Social media is a great tool for connecting with friends and family, keeping up to date on current events and having a laugh every once in a while when you come across a funny video.

But, for me, social media has also turned into a really toxic environment, one where I constantly compare myself to what everyone around me is doing. I’m also prone to doom scrolling — when you just keep scrolling and scrolling through bad news — which isn’t great for my mental health.

So, in an effort to prioritize the things that make me happy and are productive for my well-being, I knew taking a serious detox from social media is what I needed. And it’s already been so amazing.

You don’t realize how easy it is to mindlessly scroll on Instagram or TikTok for hours taking in everyone’s picture-perfect photo ops, everyone else’s amazing successes on LinkedIn and the awful news of yet another unprecedented event on Twitter.

I think you will find that it’s much easier to focus on your work and stay present in the moment when you don’t have the urge to constantly check your phone. I also just feel so much more intentional with the things I do. Have you ever found yourself doing an activity just to post about it? I know I definitely have. I want to have fun and see people because I genuinely want to — not because I need a new photo to post.

It’s definitely a difficult task, especially for certain professions. As a journalist, I need Twitter and Instagram for reporting and crowdsourcing. It’s something that will definitely be in my life forever but I am slowly learning how to create those work life balances.

I would rather nurture the relationships in my life than feed photos to a 1,000 people on Instagram who I haven’t talked to since high school. So, if you have this mindset as well or just need a break from all of the current chaos, I recommend stepping back from social media for a bit.

Photo by dole777 on Unsplash

Megan: You Can Do It! Mid-semester Tips

Merry Midterms! I hope you’re staying warm and keeping it cool as we approach the middle of the semester.

New Year’s Resolutions great, but I find myself a less “put together” towards the middle of the semester. During the pandemic, it’s easy for even the most organized students to find themselves in a pit of unfinished assignments, unresponded to text messages, and undesirable sleep schedules.

So with that in mind, here are a few ways you can nudge yourself back on track.

Get a Not-So-Scary Planner

My biggest grievances with planners is the dates. If I forget to use it, I feel bad that I’ve bought something that’s going to waste. When I’m in the paper pressure cooker of January 2021 - December 2021, I feel bad on my messier days.

However, I’ve found a solution - get an undated planner! I didn’t know these existed until recently but now that I have mine, I’ll never turn back. For example, this one from ban.do.

You add in the date you want, fill it out the night before, and use it the next day. If you forget to plan a day or even a week, no worries! It’s your schedule, not the planner’s.

Get Some Sleepy Headspace

I know, every COM newsletter and that one kid in your psychology class told you to use Headspace. But I’m here to talk about the best part of Headspace: the sleepy part.

With every passing day, my sleep schedule gets crazier. Sometimes I go to bed at 6 am and sleep until noon. Other time I fall asleep on my desk at 8 pm. But a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for a healthy lifestyle.

However, if you’re a real insomniac like myself, falling asleep is easier said than done. Headspace’s sleepcasts and music are the perfect way to lull yourself to sleep and as someone who’s tried most other sleep methods, I can guarantee a wind down playlist will help you reset your sleep schedule.

Schedule Weekly Friend Hangouts

During the pandemic, it’s become increasingly difficult to respond to texts and make plans. Having people in your life is important, but remembering that isn’t always easy.

Instead of worrying about constantly scheduling, schedule it once and call it done. Pick a day when you and your friend/significant other are free, make a plan, and pop it in your Google calender. Then you don’t have to worry about those pesky text messages, because you know every Tuesday night you’re going to Netflix party with your pals and every Friday afternoon you’re going to suburb walk with your buddies.

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These tips are good, bu above all else, remember YOU are your top priority. Self-care comes in all forms. Sometimes that means cooking a healthy meal. Sometimes it means laying on the couch all day eating and listening to Driver’s License by Olivia Rodrigo on loop. You are unquestionably the most important thing in your life, so remember that when the going gets rough.

Take care of yourself,

CA Megan

Anna: Senior’s guide to the best classes at BU

As I reflect on my experiences at BU, I think back to the classes that had the greatest impact on my BU career. Here’s my list of the “best” classes I’ve taken at BU and what I got from each class (in no particular order):

My favorite COM Classes:

Design and Interactive Experiences (CM523)

This changed my outlook on websites, the web development process, research, prototypes, and more! In this class, I went through the design process and created a website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It was phenomenal—I felt like I was learning a new program or platform every week!

Design Strategy and Software (CM501)

Are you a newbie to the Adobe Suite? This class is a great introduction to Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The programs may be intimidating at first but my favorite part was having someone walk with you as you learn tricks and shortcuts! With every project draft, there’s a critique—that was my favorite part because you got to hear what other people thought about your design.

Non-Profit Public Relations (CM345)

This class taught me the fundamentals of what went behind operating a non-profit. I learned the efforts it took to fundraise, find volunteers, and lead a non-profit.The summer after taking this class, I started a non-profit project, @RyannaShirts!

Media Strategies and Management (CM441)

From pitching, pretending to be a spokesperson, to speaking 1:1 with a real journalist, this class taught me so much. I looked forward to attending and learning about the ways PR practitioners play a role in everyday news and corporations.

Writing for COM (CM331)

If there’s one word to describe this class, it’s “brevity.” I learned the foundation of writing cover letters, press releases, and summaries. Most importantly, this class taught me to be an active newsreader!

Media Business Entrepreneurship (FT591)

If you have a passion project or idea, this class will help you chase it! There’s no better way to learn about how startups work than to read case studies about disruptors, fast-followers, and failed ventures. At the end of the class, we also got to pitch and work on our own passion projects.

Communication Research methods (CM321)

They say data is what will drive the future of the world… and it’s true! This class ignited a new interest in me for data and research. It taught me what it was like to delve into survey results and analyze them using SPSS. We learned to capture, describe, and predict variation. Whether you’re pursuing the communications industry or not, this class will give you a fundamental understanding of analytics and research, which is helpful in the “real world!”

My favorite “Around BU” Classes:

Your education is not complete without other classes beyond just COM. Here are my top classes I’ve taken outside of COM throughout my time at BU:

Philosophy of Happiness (CAS PH485)

This class changed my life and gave me a refreshing perspective on happiness, friendship, and love! It is a discussion-focused class meaning you’d read several pieces then spend the class discussing it and how it plays in your life. It taught me to be a better communicator and more introspective on my life’s journey.

Positive Psychology (SED ED212)

If you’re looking for ways to be a more “positive” person or learn about what it takes to be positive, this is the class to take! My biggest takeaway from this class was the weekly meditation challenges and learning about what my strengths were as an individual and leader. It’s a very self-reflective class.

Improvisation Dance (PDP DA138)

This is the most rejuvenating and stress-relieving class I ever took at BU. Whether you’re a dancer or not, this class is perfect for you. This class is the definition of “dance like no one’s watching.” You’ll learn techniques for individual and group improvisation.

Ice Skating (PDP SK)

I felt like this was the most “BU class” I could ever take. I ended up taking this class for two semesters because I loved it so much (I’m not a pro ice skater now). If you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone and do something that scares you, this ice skating class might be it!

Healthy Cooking on a Budget (PDP NT104)

Want to learn how to eat out less, set better portion controls, or stop setting your kitchen on fire? Follow along with cooking demos and learn some life skills such as dieting, budgeting, and nutrition labels! This class changed the way I look at food and how I prep my meals.

Intro to Adulting (CAS SY101)

I’m sure you’ve learned parents say “they should’ve taught you that in school.” Well, this is that class. In this class, you’ll learn about finances, career development, retirement, finding an apartment, and how to “Splash and Marciano’s” post-grad. Note: this class is only open to seniors.

Not a class, but study abroad if you can!

I recommend the Madrid Study Abroad Program. I learned so much from my time there and still keep in touch with my host-family to this day!

Anna Pham_Balloons

As my time at BU comes to an end, I realized that it’s the classes and amazing people that have made the greatest impact on my education. Remember to pick your classes and spend your time wisely (but don’t fret about it if things don’t go your way)... everything happens for a reason! My undergraduate experience was truly a rollercoaster ride but in hindsight, I wouldn’t have changed anything about it!

Once a terrier, always a terrier,

Anna Pham (annapham@bu.edu)

Major: Public Relations | Minors: Philosophy and Innovation & Entrepreneurship