Lauren: The pros and cons of graduating early, according to a 20-year-old senior

People used to tell me that four years of college would fly by, but I hardly knew it would be this fast. Unless of course, you do it in two-and-a-half.
 
There was a period of time in my college career when I was unsure how to answer the question of my class year or class status, but as my “four-year” plan shifted and developed, it became clear that it was my best interest to walk the stage with the Class of 2019. While the time I spent on my undergraduate degree seems relatively short, I participated in much more than I thought, motivated by the fact that there was a deadline on my college career that was sooner than my peers.
I reported on legislative affairs in the Massachusetts Statehouse for a Boston-area newspaper; I was an editor for the Daily Free Press, the BU’s independent student newspaper; I was a production assistant and on-camera reporter for BUTV10’s award-winning show, On That Point; I interned with BU Today, BU’s campus news website and newsletter; I took a semester off to work full-time for Boston.com, the regional news and information website of the Boston Globe; I studied abroad in Australia and interned for NewsLocal, a localized branch of the Daily Telegraph; I helped out on the administrative team of the Department of Journalism; and of course, I was a COM Ambassador for two whole years of my college career.
That doesn’t mean that sacrifices weren’t made. I wasn’t able to join all of the on-campus organizations that I was interested in; I spent every summer taking at least one course as well as overloading during some semesters; and I missed out on making more memories with my college friends.
 
Despite my time at BU being cut short, I don’t regret it. The idea that, in just a few short months, I will be out in the field doing what I love professionally makes me excited for the future. Sure, I’m beyond terrified, but I know that BU has given me the foundation I needed to be able to pursue my dreams. Now more than ever, journalism is of paramount importance, and I believe that the landscape that I’m entering is simply a brand new phase of learning outside of the classroom.
 
No matter how many years you plan to spend in college, just make sure you are making the most of your education. If you’re considering graduating early and can handle the responsibilities that come with it, I highly encourage it. If you want to stay all four years, I’m sure you’ll still look back on them and have the same amount of satisfaction. Graduating college in general can be scary at times, but I think BU has done a pretty good job at making sure that you’re ready for the real world.

Emily: Here’s why it’s OK to take a break

At the end of the Spring 2018 semester, I broke my ankle. It was pretty severe; I had to have surgery and return home. As I healed over the summer, I was left with a big decision: was I going to return to school for the fall or stay at home? My whole heart wanted to return, but rationally, I knew that being on campus would be too difficult while I was relearning to walk (exclusively taking T up and down Comm Ave did not seem like a great solution). So, I decided to take a semester off.

Surprisingly, I ended up loving my time at home. I worked at two amazing internships in Philly, so I did not feel like I was falling behind professionally. I had time to fall in love all over again with Philadelphia. I spent extra time with my family (and pets). And, most importantly, I found an extra few months to focus on my health and happiness. It turns out, taking a little break was exactly what I needed.

I don’t recommend that everyone break their ankle. But, if you are thinking about taking time off, you don’t have to be afraid. I am still going to graduate on time. I am planning to study abroad. My friends stayed in touch the entire time I was away. Staying off campus gave me space and time I needed to physically and mentally recover, which set me up for a successful return. I came back to Boston feeling so refreshed and optimistic.

If there’s any lesson to gain from this experience, I think it’s to slow down and be honest with yourself – are you spending enough time on your health and happiness? If the answer is no, just know there are many on and off campus resources to help you. And if you’re like me and need a break, that is okay too! Take care of yourself <3

At the end of the Spring 2018 semester, I broke my ankle. It was pretty severe; I had to have surgery and return home. As I healed over the summer, I was left with a big decision: was I going to return to school for the fall or stay at home? My whole heart wanted to return, but rationally, I knew that being on campus would be too difficult while I was relearning to walk (exclusively taking T up and down Comm Ave did not seem like a great solution). So, I decided to take a semester off.

Surprisingly, I ended up loving my time at home. I worked at two amazing internships in Philly, so I did not feel like I was falling behind professionally. I had time to fall in love all over again with Philadelphia. I spent extra time with my family (and pets). And, most importantly, I found an extra few months to focus on my health and happiness. It turns out, taking a little break was exactly what I needed.

I don’t recommend that everyone break their ankle. But, if you are thinking about taking time off, you don’t have to be afraid. I am still going to graduate on time. I am planning to study abroad. My friends stayed in touch the entire time I was away. Staying off campus gave me space and time I needed to physically and mentally recover, which set me up for a successful return. I came back to Boston feeling so refreshed and optimistic.

If there’s any lesson to gain from this experience, I think it’s to slow down and be honest with yourself – are you spending enough time on your health and happiness? If the answer is no, just know there are many on and off campus resources to help you. And if you’re like me and need a break, that is okay too! Take care of yourself <3

BU Resources:

http://www.bu.edu/ombuds/

http://www.bu.edu/shs/behavioral-medicine/behavioral-resources/

http://www.bu.edu/scnc/all-services/

http://www.bu.edu/shs/wellness/general-health-programs/wellness-program-kits/

Carlee: Keeping Your Zen Through the Start of a New Semester

Jumping back in to a fast-paced, packed schedule after a relaxing four-week winter break is not exactly the easiest adjustment. We are so lucky that BU gives us a generous amount of time to recharge and do as we please; however, the lengthy break does make us miss our precious free time even more as we bid that freedom farewell and begin to face long syllabi, immediate assigned readings and projects, club meetings, and long to-do lists.

The start of a new semester is loads of fun, of course; you get to reunite with your friends and hear all about their adventures over break (or abroad, if they’re returning), and you get to say hello again to the place that pushes you to be the best, most hardworking version of yourself: COM! But, mixing the fun parts and the not-so-fun parts of the start of a new semester can lead to stress and feeling overwhelmed; you have to allow your body and mind to adjust to being in “work mode” again.

To destress, keep or find your Zen, and live your best life this semester, try practicing some of the following little tips!

Make time for yourself

See what it’s like to be a morning person for a day or two; sometimes the quiet hours of the morning can bring you the most positive thoughts, inspiration, and peace. Another thing you can try is simply taking a walk outside, and no, I don’t mean down Commonwealth Avenue. Travel off the beaten path; visit the Esplanade, the Boston Common, or the Public Garden. Try to be present in the moment as you walk, admire the little things around you, and kiss the Earth with your feet as you walk (as some wise man once said). It’s fun and rewarding!

Practice self-care

Try your best to maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and stay fit! (Something that I am seriously trying to work on this semester). Try journaling!  Figure out what works best for you to nurture your body and soul.

Stay organized

Ah, the key to eliminating stress through the semester. Take note of your due dates listed on your syllabi and update your planner regularly. Keep your living space clean and tidy, too! Have you seen the new Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo? She is a queen.

Call home

Practice gratitude and tell your family how much you appreciate their love and support. Hearing from you once in a while will make them feel good, too!

Step away from clubs/activities that mess with your headspace

This one is so important in college. Take note on how each of your activities makes you feel and how you think about them. Do you dread going to the meetings or do you find that it’s something that you look forward to? Do you enjoy spending time with everyone else involved in the organization?

Have fun

You’re only in college once; enjoy every moment and live it up. J

Yes, a lot of these are common sense, but in the mix-up of our very busy lives, we often forget about little things that could better our wellbeing.  Following these practices has helped me in the past, and I truly believe that they could benefit any student in one way or another. About 80% of college students will agree to feeling stressed in their day-to-day lives, so try putting yourself first this semester- you deserve it!

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Becca: Why You Can’t Stop Procrastinating and Why You Don’t Need To

Like many students at BU and beyond, I tend to procrastinate, especially when things get busy.  Studies show that up to 95% of college students procrastinate on a regular basis. So, odds are you do too. Every September and January, I vowed to quit procrastinating that semester. But November or April rolls around and I’m doing homework the day its due and prioritizing the gym, extracurriculars, and Netflix over why I came to BU. I would start major projects a couple days in advance and kick myself the entire time.

We were always told it was bad, too. “You need as much time to revise as possible.” “You’re setting a bad habit for the future.” But, is procrastination really as bad as it seems?

First off, there could be a couple reasons underlying why you are making the conscious or unconscious choice to procrastinate. The first reason is that you could be afraid of failing. Putting in effort but still failing makes you anxious so you wait and so you can always use the excuse that you started late if you do fail. The second reason is actually the opposite. Success and the burden of more responsibility can be frightening because it propels you into the unknown. The last big reason is perfectionism and the anxiety that accompanies a misstep or two. This demanding standard of work is incapacitating, especially in a creative-heavy field like communications.

(The effects of depression and anxiety effects can make you more likely to procrastinate events, but I am not in any way a mental health professional. Please see a trained professional if you or someone you know are suffering.)

Regardless of the reason you procrastinate, I am saying something controversial right now. There is no need for you to stop procrastinating. As long as your grades don’t slip and your quality of life doesn’t diminish, why stop procrastinating? There are a couple reasons procrastination works in your favor.

As you wander, your brain can make the connections that come with an idle mind. Keeping things on the “back of your mind” can make them expand and turn into these beautiful nuggets of creative inspiration.

Procrastination forces you to prioritize your time. For example, I always make time to call my mom before I do assigned readings. Turns out, my family is important to me and optional textbook reading is less. Can you blame me?

  • You apologize better when you take break.  

When you procrastinate the important stuff, like the stuff you may need to apologize for, you are likely to develop a more sincere and honest response and apology. The other person has time to relax and you both approach the situation with your rational minds.

There are other reasons to keep actively procrastinating. Focus your time on and energy on the most important things in your life. Keep flexing your creativity and don’t let your fears or anxieties keep you from your best work.

Ali: A love letter to Warren Towers

This is my love letter to Warren Towers.

I never thought I would write a love letter to the large, slightly smelly, always crowded dorm on Comm Ave. One of the most nerve-wrecking parts of my freshman year was moving into a new environment for the first time. For most new students, it’s your first time living away from home and being on your own, and this was my exact situation. While I was excited to be out on my own and starting a new adventure at BU, the one thing I wasn’t excited about was living in Warren Towers my freshman year. I had heard of the misery of living without air conditioning and sharing a bathroom with an entire floor and figured it would be the one downside to my freshman year.

But this is a love letter, right? Let’s talk about why I love Warren Towers.

First off, your dorm is a blank canvas of a room. If you’re anything like me, your bedroom at home is an amalgamation of childhood memorabilia, school supplies, and a lifetimes worth of clutter. When I moved into my dorm room, I was able to design it exactly the way I wanted. I put up string lights and posters that I wanted, I bought a new bedspread and sheets, I even bought a matching throw blanket. It looked infinitely more put together than my bedroom at home ever has. But that’s not specific to Warren Towers, right? You can design a room anywhere.

Having the dining hall in your building is also a huge plus. I can text my friends at any hour and someone is always there, ready to sit and eat with me or sit and study with me. I’ve met people in the dining hall just to watch old episodes of Catfish for hours on end. Having it right there makes it a hub for meeting (and making) new friends when you first get on campus. Plus, when it gets cold and you don’t feel like putting on all your snow gear just to get dinner, the dining hall is right there. Even better, every night after the dining hall closes, Warren Towers Late Nite Café opens. At Late Nite, you can use your dining points to get anything from a smoothie to mozzarella sticks. It’s perfect for a late night snack while you study, or a quick break while you’re hanging out with your friends on the weekend.

One of the first things I heard about living in Warren Towers is that it’s great for making friends. At first, this seemed like a lofty claim. How does living in the same building with a bunch of other people automatically help you make friends? After living through it, though, I understand. Living in Warren means you can walk to your friend’s room at 10:00am in your pajamas, just to say “Hi!”. In Warren, you can sit in the common room for hours on end together without having to worry about walking home after. You can have impromptu movie nights and not even worry about putting on a jacket to leave the building. With your friends so close, it’s easy to forge strong relationships quickly because it’s so easy to hang out with one another.

There’s nothing that can mimic the camaraderie of living in a giant freshman dorm together during your first year in college. So sure, air conditioning and a private bathroom are nice, but I wouldn’t trade the friendships I’ve made in Warren for anything.

Arianna: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

As a senior graduating this May, one of the most challenging aspects of my BU career has been overcoming impostor syndrome. Impostor syndrome is defined as “a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud.’” For me, it essentially means that a lot of the time, my achievements don’t feel like “real” achievements, and that I tend to undervalue my accomplishments and hard work.

Some of the greatest attributes I’ve found most, if not all, of my COM peers tend to possess are a driven, hardworking nature combined with creativity and passion. COM students are imaginative and intelligent, but we are also willing to put in the work to achieve our goals. It is so inspiring and beneficial to be constantly surrounded by hardworking, talented fellow students, but at times, it can be challenging: sometimes my own achievements get lost in a sea of comparison to fellow students.

Over the years, I have found these to be helpful reminders:

  1. Don’t compare your “behind-the-scenes” to someone else’s highlight reel.
  2. Behind every “flex” there’s probably a lot of hard work, stress, and a few failures along the way.
  3. There is always room for improvement and growth. Don’t let that stop you from being proud of what you have achieved.

At the end of the day, success means different things for different people, and it’s important to view your achievements in the context of your own personal goals, rather than to stack them up and compare them to those of others. When you’re reflecting on your accomplishments, don’t compare them to those of your friends and classmates. Look at them through the lens of your own interests, goals, and the work you put in to get where you are.

With Love,

Arianna <3

Carlee: How to Survive Overlapping Due Dates During Finals Season

As a student in COM, I don’t always have final exams at the end of the semester.  It’s the final projects that kill me, and they are always due right around the time of our last week of classes

Coming into the last month of the semester, I thought I would be swamped and overwhelmed with all of the things that I need to do and deadlines that I had to meet. However, it is now the last week of classes and I am getting everything that I need to turned in all while getting enough sleep each night. It feels great and it is manageable!

 If you find yourself in a similar situation with so many assignments and overlapping due dates, here are some tips to help get those projects done and stay as stress-free as possible.

  1. Plan plan plan!
    Planning definitely is the first step to staying organized around finals season. Make lists and utilize your planner and calendar. Keep track of what is due on each date, so that when those dates approach, you haven’t forgotten about them and you feel prepared. A planner really is a COM student’s best friend!
  2.  Set goals (and make sure they’re realistic!)

    Set a different day aside each week to work on a certain project or essay. Dedicating the time to work on your assignments helps you stay organized and in control, but I know that it can be challenging.

    I struggle with this the one the most; I set goals easily, but sticking to them always gets me. It’s hard to stick to your goals when a new Netflix show comes out that you’ve been dying to binge or an extracurricular of yours is hosting a big event. You just have to prioritize and be realistic! Set time aside for both your assignment and your Netflix show. You’ll deserve the breaks if you get some work done!

  3.   Try to work on each project a little bit each week leading up to its deadline
    I know it’s easier said than done, but really, having a little bit of your project done before you officially get to working on it will make you feel better about it in the end. You’ll know that you have at least some of it done, and you’ll have an idea of which direction to go from there. You never want to put yourself in a situation where it’s the week your assignment is due, and you still have no idea what you want to do for it. I know it happens to the best of us once in a while, but if you can step in and prevent that from happening, take advantage of it!

  4. Ask for an extension if you know you’ll need it

    If you think that your overlapping due dates really will be a concern for you and your wellbeing, ask your professor for an extension! Professors can be a lot more understanding than you may think, and that includes the scary professors, too.

    I had a ten-page paper due amidst other projects, such as a short film, a Spanish essay and an exam, and another lengthy essay. It was also tech week for a musical that I assistant produced, so I knew I was very limited with time. I asked my professor for an extension of a couple days because I knew that my paper would really benefit from it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors; you’ll feel so relieved to have that extra time if you need it.

    So, it’s the night before you have two big projects due, and neither of them are finished…

    What do you do?!

     You take a deep breath, have some caffeine, and tell yourself that you got this, because you are amazing and capable of taking on any challenge!

     We love challenging ourselves here in COM, and that’s really all that finals season is: a challenge. If you stay organized and practice selfcare, you can take on any challenge. Embrace the hustle of being a college student, and go get things done! I believe in you! 🙂


Geneve: The Best Trader Joe’s Snacks for College Students

Before I moved to Boston for college, I didn't get the hype about Trader Joe's. Back home, it was the "expensive grocery store that was overhyped." This summer, I lived in my first apartment and needed to grocery stop on my own for the first time. Then, I understood the hype about T.J.'s. I haven't looked back since.

First of all, the stereotype that it's an expensive grocery store is completely false. In fact, Trader Joe's is probably the cheapest grocery store in the city. I used to do all my grocery shopping at Target, and I would almost always rack up a bill of $50-$60 a week. Star Market is absolutely unquestionably more expensive than Target. Most of the time, I can walk out of Trader Joe's spending $25-$40, depending on what I get. That's a steal.

I've compiled below some of my favorite things to get that are on my list almost every week. The next time you're bored of the snacks you always opt for, give these a try!

Mini Vegetable Samosas + Dipping Sauce

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These vegetable samosas are crispy little triangles filled with a mixture of lentils, peas, potatoes, onions, and Indian spices. They heat up quickly in the microwave and are just the perfect combination of crispy and soft.

For the dipping sauce, mix equal parts almond butter, soy sauce, and honey. At first, this combination sounds interesting. But believe me, it is one of the greatest things you will ever taste. All of my friends and suite mates would agree. It's slightly thick, nutty, sweet, and salty, all at once. Of course, if you like one particular ingredient more, you can always adjust portions to taste.

Pumpernickel Pretzel Sticks + Pub Cheese

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This combination was actually first introduced to me by COM advisor Bryan (he trained us orientation leaders this summer and always brought us bags full of snacks from Trader Joe's every meeting). I always got to take extras of this combo home so obviously, it grew on me. The combination of the tastes of these two are just perfect.

Tatte-inspired Ricotta and Jam Toast

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I actually have to give my friend Sam full credits for this one. She runs an Instagram page, @EZDormCookin. She buys the San Francisco sourdough bread and spreads whole milk ricotta cheese and strawberry preserves on top. I love having this in the morning for breakfast because it's just the perfect mix of sweet and salty and gives me enough nutrients to last till lunch!

These are just a few of my favorite food finds at Trader Joe's! I highly recommend a trip down to the T.J.'s at Coolidge Corner and a good stroll through all the aisles. You might find your next favorite snack, or a few!

Shaun: Four T Stops That Will Show You a Different Side of Boston

  1. Maverick
    This stop is in the heart of East Boston, which is the neighborhood that includes Logan Airport and its surrounding area. East Boston is largely residential, but the square around the station is packed with small shops and restaurants. Walk down from the station to Lewis Mall Harbor Park for what is (in my opinion) the best view of the downtown skyline and Charlestown anywhere.
    How to get there: Take the Green Line C/D from Kenmore, inbound to Government Center. Change to the Blue Line, outbound to Maverick.
  2. Kendall/MIT
    This one’s much closer to BU (and on a nice day is actually pretty walkable). Kendall Square is buzzing with stores and restaurants, and the architecture (in true MIT fashion) is interesting. The station has big chimes in between the tracks, and they clang together to play music if you turn a lever on the platform.
    How to get there: Take the Green Line B from anywhere on Comm. Ave. (or the C/D from Kenmore), inbound to Park Street. Change to the Red Line, inbound to Kendall/MIT.
  3. Forest Hills
    It’s a bit of a ride to the southern end of the Orange Line — but Forest Hills is worth the trek for its proximity to the Arnold Arboretum, a massive and beautiful park/nature center owned by Harvard. Spend a couple hours walking the trails, then head up South Street until you hit the commercial core of Jamaica Plain. Restaurants are abundant and the houses are beautiful.
    How to get there: Take the Green Line B from anywhere on Comm. Ave. (or the C/D from Kenmore), inbound to Park Street. Walk through the underground concourse to Downtown Crossing. Change to the Orange Line, outbound to Forest Hills.
  4. Courthouse
    If you haven’t spent time in the Seaport neighborhood, you’re missing out (ever been to the Lawn on D? That’s in the Seaport). The neighborhood quite literally gets larger every day with constant construction, but there’s a ton of stores and restaurants already well open for business. Head over to the waterfront and check out the massive federal courthouse building, as well as a view of the financial district and ferry terminals.
    How to get there: Green Line B from anywhere on Comm. Ave. (or the C/D from Kenmore), inbound to Park Street. Change to the Red Line (toward Ashmont or Braintree), outbound to South Station. Change to the Silver Line (1/2), outbound to Courthouse.

Hali: Things to Look Forward to in Spring Semester

In my opinion, spring semester is approximately 1000 times more fun than fall semester. I’ve never fully known why, I just know that it’s true! 

As you prepare to head home for spring break, take a moment to consider how completely amazing next semester is going to be. There’s so much to look forward to at BU in the springtime!

I’ll be honest and say that I mostly chose to write about this topic to make myself less sad about the fact that my semester abroad is over. But alas, without further adieu, here are the top reasons I’m excited to come back to BU: 

Cold weather! Snow days! 

I literally can’t believe I’m saying this! Since I’ve been in London, we’ve been spoiled with 55 degree weather throughout November and December. I packed my cute winter coat and I haven’t even had a chance to wear it! Believe it or not, a part of me actually misses the ice-cold walks to class at BU. I can’t wait to come back and nearly catch frost bite every day! On a less-sarcastic note, snow days are one of the best parts of life so let’s hope we can look forward to those too! 

Open House Season

There is something that is SO exiting about those last few weeks of March. Suddenly, there are banners up and down Comm. Ave and flowers appear in front of every classroom building! Boston University has rejuvenated itself to welcome the potential Class of 2023! I LOVE open house season. If it looks like you are on a tour, I literally will stop you on the street and tell you about how much I love BU and probably also ask for your life story! In COM, I love giving tours to students who have already been admitted to the university. I love meeting prospective students at COM open house days in April. 

COM!!!!!

I MISS COM SO MUCH I COULD CRY!!!!!!! I can’t wait to come back to BU and be greeted by all those smiling faces in the undergraduate affairs office. I can’t wait to fight for a seat in the COM lounge. I can’t wait to see what life is like without computer labs! I can’t wait for it to be April so that I can lay on the COM lawn between classes! Is it time for COMapalooza yet? 

Being a senior/commencement??? What?????????

Hahahahahah what? I’m graduating? Apparently! I usually cry when I think about graduation, but you know what? I’m also embracing it! Graduation is the POINT of college, right? I can’t wait to spend the entirety of next semester living in the COM Career Center and applying to jobs on Handshake! My final semester at BU is bound to be a stressful time, but I must admit, the job hunt is also exciting! Who knows what the future holds?