COM Ambassador Blog

Anna – Post-Spring Break (Online) Tips

When I packed my luggage for an abroad spring break adventure and said goodbye to my apartment at BU, little did I know that it’d be a while until I would see my friends and BU again. In the midst of this world-wide pandemic, Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has impacted everyone in one way or another.

With that being said, below are four tips to help with this unique time:

It is possible to make new friends online

(Many of us are Generation Z after all…) Students are already connected on various social media but now is the time to connect even more. With social distancing, it is hard to receive that human connection we all crave. As a result, don’t be afraid to reach out to your classmates — whether that be connecting with a classmate on Zoom, making new friends on Facebook, or joining an online community. Staying connected (especially as a COM student) is important!

Call your loved ones

Whether you are away from home or at home, remember to call those that you love! Social media has made it very easy to send a heart emoji or see a loved one’s face, but a phone call or video chat goes a long way 🙂

Stay up-to-date with news

Beware of fake news and double-check your sources! BU COM gives students access to the Boston Globe and NYTimes for FREE! Click the links below to subscribe digitally:

Boston Globe, New York Times

Take a deep breath and remember everything will be okay

One thing for sure is that this pandemic was unexpected. No one expected that we’d be where we are today.

This might be your first semester at BU or this may be your last… but whatever happens, remember to take a deep breath, wash your hands, and get adequate sleep. Stressing out will do you no good. Take this as an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. You may even be a little bored (and that’s okay!).

Everyone’s a little lost, confused, or even scared right now; it has brought uncertainty and some fear. However, for the first time in a while, our world is connected, trying to combat this virus, together. We’re each trying to pitch in, wash our hands, and uplift each other in whatever way we can.

CA Steven: How to Dress like a “COM Kid”

When you picture a COM student, many staple items probably come to mind: a jean jacket, a Fjallraven backpack, or even a pair of Doc Martens. COM students have a specific style, and often, COM students eventually adopt this style as their own whether they realize it or not. For this post, I wanted to explore COM fashion and the items you’ll need to fully embrace your inner COM kid.

1) Jean Jacket

Jean Jackets — they’re a COM must-have. Perfect for the Boston cold, jean jackets are great to layer with. A T-shirt, jean jacket, and coat will leave you well equipped for any temperature situation, whether you’re in an uncomfortably warm lecture hall or shivering on the esplanade (bonus points if you have an unnecessary number of patches and pins).

2) Fjallraven backpack

I’ve personally never owned a Fjallraven backpack, but more likely than not you can spot an army of them when walking through the halls of COM. These little backpacks are portable and are the perfect size to carry all the things a COM student needs: an external hard drive, a DSLR camera, and maybe a notebook for class.

3) Doc Martens

Doctor Marten would be proud of the cultural influence he’s had on COM. These shoes are durable, grungy, and show everyone you’re not the typical student —you’re a COM student.

4) Turtleneck with band/film t-shirt

Never underestimate the power of layering. This combo lets you rock your favorite T-shirt while still being dressed for the elements. Use this look to showcase your favorite band or movie and prepare for an onslaught of compliments about your great taste.

5) Dyed Hair/Piercings

When I came to COM, I had no interest in dyed hair or piercings. In fact, my Mom had asked when I was younger if I wanted to pierce my ears or have my hair dyed and I declined. Now, just one and a half years into college, I have an ear piercing and pink (yes, pink) hair.

While all of these items help, the most important part of dressing like a COM student is finding your style and owning it. Growing up I was never the most confident kid, and the majority of my clothes were what my Mom picked out for me at Target or Kohls. Once I came to COM, I was able to express myself in my own way and discover my style for the first time. As a result, I’ve grown substantially more confident and have found that fashion can be a great creative outlet to express yourself. COM is the most accepting community I’ve ever been a part of, and everyone welcomes you regardless of what you’re wearing.

So, take risks. Rock those 80s windbreakers and chunky Filas. Find your brand and become it. Use your time in COM to discover your style, because there’s nothing cooler than being uniquely you.

Malaika – My Current Obsession, The Masked Singer

With my increasingly busy schedule, it’s rare I find time to sit down, grab a snack and watch actual TV (sans Netflix or Hulu). But every Wednesday night, I rush home to catch the latest episode of The Masked Singer, a “who-sung-it” competition show where celebrities anonymously battle each other by singing. It’s my new favorite show, and here’s why I’m so obsessed with it:

It’s FUN!

At first glance, The Masked Singer is car crash tv: “so disturbing, you can’t look away.” Liken this up to a bunch of unknowns in over-the-top costumes, hopping around on stage. Your first time watching the show you have no clue what’s happening. All you know is that there’s a celebrity under the mask, an all-star panel of judges, and oh - Nick Cannon is hosting again. But what’s better than your favorite stars American-Idoling in elaborate Halloween costumes? It’s a sight to see.

Celebrities show their true selves (without actually showing their true selves)!

The point of the show is that celebrities have a chance to reinvent themselves. In an industry where you can easily be typecast, “canceled,” or become irrelevant, many stars feel as though they’re misunderstood. When they come on the show, they have a chance to explain their story - and they do, tears and all. Every single person who has been voted out has said it’s the “best experience ever,” and has allowed for them to show their talent without their name preceding them. I’m not going to spoil the Season 1 and Season 2 winners, but if you ever watch - they will make you a bit teary-eyed. For once, celebrities are relatable.

You’re the detective!

A huge part of the show is guessing who the celebrity under the mask is. Every week, they give you a clue package - full of mysterious, little known or well-hidden facts about the singer. By doing so, the audience gets as involved as the judges. When I watch with my friends, we pull out little clues here and there to make our guesses. That being said, it’s easy to find a spoiler. If you don’t know who the celebrity is, everything seems cryptic. If you do know the celebrity under the mask, it’s glaringly obvious once you see their clue packages and everyone wants you to know what they know. The fun is in the guessing process for me, so this season I’ve decided to be spoiler-free. I don’t want anybody watching with me to google anything, and if I ever see a Masked Singer headline, I cover my screen immediately!

Aside from all the fun of the show, what I love most about it is that it forces me to take time for myself. With homework, projects, and internships, an hour spent watching TV can seem wasteful. But in my commitment to have a spoiler-free season, I’m dedicated to watching each episode’s premieres so that the surprise isn’t ruined for me the next day. It’s a little time I take for myself to have fun - my Wednesday nights now belong to The Masked Singer.

Watch it, you’ll be obsessed too!

Laura: How I Started A Podcast With WTBU

I have wanted to start a podcast for so long, probably since I learned how to talk even though podcasts weren't a thing yet then. I did have one of those cassette recorder machines - it was Barbie-themed might I add - and I would record myself talking and singing and make cassette tapes of that, so that's basically a podcast in the 90s.

I listen to podcasts all day long whether I am walking to class, getting on the T, hanging out in my room, or studying in the library. They are great background noise and keep me awake and energized throughout my day! I love hearing a new perspective on various topics and felt that I could offer a fresh perspective on college life as well.

WTBU: the beat of Boston University, our student-run radio station, made it extremely easy for me to make all of my podcasting dreams come true.

I applied to have my own podcast by writing a show description, outlining an example episode, and sending over sample promotional materials. Within a week I was set - I would be getting my own podcast through the WTBU network.

WTBU has its very own podcasting studio, which is extremely professional and detailed. Additionally, every student has free access to the editing software Adobe Audition.

I have already put out two episodes with more on the way! Having my own podcast in my last semester at BU has been a great way to reflect on these past four years and end off my Senior year perfectly. I am also able to utilize the podcast platform on my own once I graduate which will be such a fun activity to document post-grad life and help out my listeners.

If you’d like to check out my podcast, you can listen to the first few episodes on Spotify by clicking here.

Or to listen on anchor, click here.

And follow along on Instagram @Okayguyspod.

If you would like to check out all of the other WTBU podcasts you can find a list of them by clicking here.

Happy listening!

Joe: Looking to explore the city? Check out the Freedom Trail

Anytime students head off-campus, the Boston Common, Newbury Street and Fenway Park are all popular destinations. However, if you’re interested in learning more about the city’s past, in addition to how it is today, grab some friends and spend a couple hours walking along the city’s Freedom Trail.

Starting in the Boston Common (between the Boylston and Park Street T stops), the 2.5-mile trail loops through 16 historical stops in downtown Boston, ending all the way up at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.

Amongst the stops along the way are the Massachusetts State House, the site of the Boston Massacre and the Paul Revere House. In a city so important to America’s establishment, the trail serves as a fantastic opportunity to walk through history.

Not a history buff? The trail brings you straight through the heart of downtown, so you can enjoy the contemporary sights of the city as you take in the fresh air. The back half of the trail takes you through some beautiful neighborhoods in the North End, and plenty of restaurants that serve delicious food and provide an incredible atmosphere if you’re looking to make a stop along the way. Or you could just grab Chipotle that stands on the site of the Old Corner Bookstore, if that better fits your style (or budget).

Another cool part of the trail is toward the tail end. To get to the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument, you cross the North Washington Street bridge. With East Boston on one side and TD Garden and the Charles River to the other, you can get stellar views of a different part of the city. If you’re a photographer looking for a new spot to take photos, this part of the trail is calling your name.

And really, any part of the trail has great photo opportunities. Whether it’s the bustling squares surrounding Faneuil Hall or the cozy brick neighborhoods in the North End, there are countless places that you can document forever.

With the usual weather in Boston, it’s important to take advantage of the nicer days. The next time we get some nice weather, and you and your friends have a few hours to kill, try taking a walk down the Freedom Trail to learn more about this great city we live in.

Brady: BU’s secondary winter sport you need to follow

There’s no doubt about the sports hierarchy at Boston University. Hockey reigns supreme, with the five-time national champion men’s team bringing thousands of fans to Agganis Arena on weekends throughout the winter and the women’s team consistently ranking among the top ten teams in the country.

Amidst the popularity of the school’s hockey teams, the Boston University men’s and women’s basketball teams have taken an undeserved back seat among BU’s winter sports. Nearing the end of their 2019-20 regular seasons, both squads currently sit among the top three teams in their respective Patriot League divisions.

The major differentiating factor BU hockey holds over BU basketball is its history, which leads to its superior attendance and increased interest. Will BU basketball ever make as much national noise as BU hockey has? Probably not. However, the more humble background brings more reasonable expectations, and that’s where BU basketball becomes appealing.

The Terriers will never be expected to go to the Final Four on the court the same way they’re asked to reach the Frozen Four on the ice. The bar is lower for BU basketball, but that means their goals are more attainable. Winning a Patriot League basketball championship would huge for the Terriers, and this season, that result could be a legitimate possibility.

BU’s basketball teams don’t carry the most prominent reputations or the most lofty expectations, but they’re as easy to root for as it gets. They have heart, they’re underdogs, and they’re fun teams to watch regardless of the outcome. In fact, more than half of BU’s 61 basketball games thus far this season have been decided by less than ten points, with BU victorious in 17 of those 31 games.

Both teams feature an effective mix of bruising power forwards, sharpshooting wings and crafty ball-handlers, ranging from potent youngsters to veteran leaders. They’re both poised to make a run in the Patriot League this postseason, so if you’re looking for an entertaining event and a high-quality product, get down to the hardwood.

BU basketball is making a playoff push, so get on board.

Stephen: Seeing the Old in the New

This past semester I was assigned a vocational project while I was studying abroad in London. The purpose of the project was to challenge our creative knowledge in a new way in the hopes that we would attain or appreciate a new skill set. At first, I jumped at the idea of creating a unique short film that focused on the creative use of time-lapses. However, as the weeks progressed I realized I had neither the time or the right drive to make that a reality. After postponing my time-lapse project for another time, I had to find a new focus for what I would do. Very quickly I arrived back at photography, which is where I tend to drift towards in many situations. In the end, I decided on creating my own “vintage” photos. Here is the before and after of one of these photos I did below:

If you do not have the time to read on or have a short attention span like myself, I’ll break it down for you real quick and direct you to a video showing my process. Essentially what I did was take old photos I had captured before and utilized both Lightroom and Photoshop in an attempt to make them appear “old”. I flattened the images out (crushed blacks and muted highlights) to remove some modern depth/contrast from digital cameras and I applied a black and white filter to the photo. There are some other meticulous edits I took care of as well but they are not as important. I then simply brought the image into Photoshop and messed around with sepia color filters as well as “photo grunge” until I achieved the desired look. Here is a video I recorded showing myself undergoing this editing process. Thanks for reading this far and I hope you enjoy it!

Now on to a bit of self-reflection:

I have very little experience with film. Throughout the entirety of my time taking photos I have essentially only used digital cameras. I did receive an old Pentax ME Super that I should probably fix up and buy some film rolls for, but I have yet to do this. So, yeah, basically zero experience with film photography which is something that I definitely want to change sometime soon. I’m a digital photographer and my vocational project favored that heavily. However, the project did provide a unique opportunity to reach towards film without leaving the comfort of digital photography. As the above paragraph explains, I was essentially able to create fake film photos that had an aged appearance which was certainly a lot of fun. Here are the other two images I edited below:

At this point, this entire project has acted as a motivator for me to look into film and expand upon my photography knowledge. I definitely must practice film photography and become familiar with the medium in order to become a more well-rounded photographer. Regardless of what I am currently pursuing, becoming more well-rounded/versatile is always a goal in my mind. Once I become comfortable with the craft I have to find new ways to push it forward so that I may learn and grow. This project was a good step forward and I am eager to encounter the next.

Noah: My Favorite Asian Food Joints

Much ink has been spilled over the various eateries this great city has to offer. There is no doubt a wide variety of different options for us college students to reluctantly and guiltily spend our money on, but what I want to focus on is what I think is some of Boston’s best cuisine: Asian food. The city environment I’m familiar with, the great city of Philadelphia, provided me with wonderful, authentic options that never ceased to please and never failed to take money from my wallet. And when I came to Boston, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to find that same level of authenticity and plain goodness that I valued so dearly back home. Boy was I wrong. Here are a few of my favorite Asian food joints that every BU student should experience.

Gourmet Dumpling House

Located in the heart of Boston’s vibrant Chinatown, Gourmet Dumpling House was my first look into the amazing Asian food Boston has to offer. A relatively small restaurant with limited seating and a cramped waiting area, it was here where I had some of the best Shanghai dumplings of my life. The menu, which contains hundreds of different options (this is no exaggeration, the menu is literally massive), has anything and everything you could ever want from a Chinese restaurant. It’s a relatively cheap option (compared to some of the more boujee joints closer to campus) and the food is fantastic. I highly recommend the lo mein or the fried rice.

Super 88

Now this one might come as a bit of a surprise. The Super 88 Asian supermarket in Allston is phenomenal. Though its appearance may be somewhat unsettling, the food here is surprisingly delightful. Part food court, part supermarket, Super 88 has a wide variety of dining options, from boba tea to Vietnamese food. My absolute favorite is the banh mi sandwich from the Vietnamese stand. I thought I had my favorite banh mi back home in Philly, but the one at Super 88 trumps any I’ve had before.

Love Art Udon

Looking for a warm, hearty meal to combat the Boston winters? Look no further than Allston’s Love Art Udon, located two doors down from T Anthony’s. This noodle joint opened its doors just a few years ago, made clear by the vibrant, hip decor on the interior. While certainly a little pricier compared to Super 88, Love Art Udon is a great choice if you’re looking for a nice, fulfilling meal during the sad cold of Boston winters. Like all of my suggestions, options are plentiful here, and there truly is something for everyone.

Now, these obviously are not the only amazing Asian eateries in Boston. There are hundreds of spots to get your Asian fix, and I am certainly no expert on all of them. But if you’re feeling like it’s time to treat yourself, you’re tired of that Asian station at Warren, or Panda Express just isn’t hitting like it used to, these three restaurants are always a solid choice.

Emily: My Senior Year Bucket List

Throughout my time at BU, I’ve written multiple versions of my Boston Bucket List and worked through most of the items. Entering senior year, I was pretty confident there wasn’t much left for me in Boston. However, as graduation events and invitations started popping up in my inbox and notification feeds, I thought it would be a good time to rewrite my final bucket list for college. Warning: some of these things you have probably done before (I’m working on it).

Step on the BU Seal

I’m too superstitious to have ever tried this yet, but I can’t wait to jump right on to that seal (and get a picture doing it).

2) Go to Veggie Galaxy 🙂

Veggie Galaxy is undoubtedly my favorite veggie haven in Boston, so I’m adding this to my bucket list. Now when I go, it’s for ~official business~.

3) Actually watch the Boston Marathon

Like most BU students, on MarMon I don’t often see the race (truthfully I don’t think I’ve seen it since freshman year). This year, I’d like to give it a shot. If you get up early enough, you can watch the para-athletes, which is amazing!

Go to a Red Sox Game

This is where my warning kicks in. I’ve never actually gone to a Red Sox game, and besides a lack of interest in baseball, I have no good excuse not to go. So this is the big-ticket item on my bucket list (doing it for big papi).

Colbi: Get out of the BU bubble and go see the city!

BU’s campus has pretty much all that you could need: the gym, Target, Chipotle, and most importantly Einstein Bros. Bagels. So, I find myself not leaving campus as often as I should and getting stuck in the “BU bubble.” But, Boston is an amazing city with so many incredible places to explore! One of my favorite places is Boston’s North End.

The North End is also known as Little Italy, and has a fantastic selection of Italian food, pastries, and desserts. My go-to restaurant is Scopa. It’s a small, intimate restaurant with a great atmosphere. The menu has all your favorite classics like gnocchi, pizza, calamari, and spaghetti and meatballs. Plus, their complimentary bread is delicious.

If you’re looking to have some dessert afterwards, head over to Caffé Paradiso. I had my first ever cannoli at this cafe, and it was life-changing to say the least. I also got nutella gelato and which was PHENOMENAL. I’m still not over it! The staff is so sweet here, and you will often catch them watching a soccer game or two on the televisions.

Now, if you want to walk off some of those calories, there is so much to see! You can walk over to the wharf to get a breathtaking view of the ocean. You can also see some historical sights such as Paul Revere’s house and The Freedom Trail. You are also a short walk from the Haymarket where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you keep going, you can end up at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. There are great stores to shop at, and perfect places for an Instagram photoshoot. And, you can actually go to the spot of the Boston Massacre, another historical sight.

Boston is a great city with so much history and culture to explore! Don’t get caught up in your dorm every weekend, go out and do some sightseeing. I can guarantee that it will make your college experience so much better.