COM Ambassador Blog

Heading off to college after graduating high school made me nervous for a number of reasons, one of which centered around the idea of continuing my extracurriculars in a new setting. I was anxious that my new school would not be able to supply me with the opportunities to continue pursuing my passions. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at Boston University to find that my anxiety was unnecessary. No matter what extracurriculars you miss from high school, BU will be able provide you with options to continue participating in your favorite fields! Here are my top three examples of how the plethora of BU student activities can fulfill your desires to continue your extracurriculars after high school!

1. Staying on the stage!

When I left high school my biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to keep theatre in my life. I had been performing since I was seven years old, and with graduation, I was leaving the security of high school theatre behind me. Lucky for me, BU has plenty of opportunities for students to be involved with theatre whether through acting, directing, or even tech!

Some examples of BU theatre clubs:

• BU On Broadway

• Stage Troupe

• Shakespeare Society

• Wandering Minds

2. Not putting down my pencil.

I wrote for my high school’s newspaper, The Paw Print (shoutout to Norwalk High School), and wanted to make sure that wherever I attended college, I’d have opportunities to write again. BU has an endless list of student-run publications that can be anyone's outlet for writing on campus!

Some examples of student publications:

• The Daily Free Press (our independent, student newspaper)

• The Buzz

• Her Campus

• The Bunion

3. Don’t stop moving your feet!

When I was younger I was very into dancing. I tapped for about four years and was incredibly passionate about it. While in high school my dancing career fizzled out, but I still remained a fan of the art form. On top of that, many of my friends were big dancers who wanted to make sure that they could continue dancing after high school. Luckily, BU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to dance! Even beginners can enjoy dancing at BU in any style!

Some examples of BU dance clubs:

• Ballroom Dance

• Fusion

• Belly Dance Society

• Sabor Latino

No matter what your passions are, you won’t have to give them up when you leave for college! BU is home to an incredibly large selection of clubs that would be more than happy to have you. The question is, which ones will you join?

Up until recently, Hell's Kitchen to me had always seemed like a distant, floating pop cultural concept. You know, the kind of thing you've seen turned into gifs and referenced on Twitter. You think you know what the general idea is, but you've never actually explored it firsthand. If you relate to that at all, I only have one thing to say: what are you doing in your spare time? Thanks to a good, nay great, friend I have been exposed to what is quite frankly reality show gold–as a soon-to-be Viacom employee, I think I know a thing or two about this subject. Now I'm not talking about the kind of trash TV you watch when you feel like not taking life too seriously (though HK can have that cathartic entertainment effect as well.) Gordon Ramsey can actually teach you a thing or two about life itself. Here are some of the tidbits I've picked up on so far in my binging:

1) Sometimes people need a little tough love.

I'd say most people know Chef Ramsay for his devilish insults. Yes, he can be harsh. But hey, the man is looking for his restaurant's next best chef and he knows talent when he sees it! Think of him as that one professor who seems to expect more from you than any other pupil. It's (hopefully) because she knows your potential and wants you to get there, so you have to keep fighting.

2) Good leaders have to make difficult decisions and own them. 

(Spoiler alert) I'll never forget watching Gordon–can I call you Gordon?–sent someone home who wasn't in the bottom two. She was definitely a struggling chef but hadn't been put on the chopping block by her team because she was a good friend. Sounds like having a group project with a close buddy who's just not holding his/her weight. It's so hard to do, but you know that confrontation is needed for the betterment of the team. 

...or he just knows the type of persona people enjoy watching and producers are willing to pay for. Either way, confidence!

Not buying what I'm selling? Critically analyze HK for yourself, with all seasons on Hulu.

As a new student, there are a few things I wish someone had told me before entering BU as a transfer student. This is a letter written to my younger self.

Dear first-semester me,

Welcome to BU and COM! You must be so excited for your new adventure as a terrier and I’m so excited for you to embark on this journey. Before you start, I want to remind you to stay true to yourself and though the journey in college may change and challenge you, remember to stay true to your values! I’m going to preface by saying that the journey of a transfer student is hard, but it is going to be worth it.

1. It’ll take a while to feel adjusted to the BU life—give yourself time!

Older you went into BU expecting that she’d find her new BFF right away. That’s not the reality. Remember to give yourself space and time to adjust. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Do one thing that challenges you every day and pushes you outside of your comfort zone. That’s what college is all about!

2. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make some connections!

A BU professor once told me to think about it like this—in a few years, these people in your class will be your colleagues! Remember that everyone has to eat sometime, so why not reach out and ask them if they’d like to grab a meal? Connections are key. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors for help either! Also in doing so, remember to be vulnerable because it’ll allow you to get more connected

3. Be YOU!

I know that sounds cheesy and you’ve probably heard it a lot since entering BU...but the best way to find yourself in a new place is not by changing who you are, it’s by finding the right people who bring out the best in you! You are the best version of yourself. Remember, that joining a club or an organization, or taking a class is not going to change who you are because you are already perfectly you! You are going to find your community here by BEING yourself!

Younger me, take a deep breath! Everything will be okay. The transition to BU as a transfer student can be rough at times and tears are okay! In fact, they’re like battle wounds and stories that you can tell your future friends. When in doubt, take a deep breath. I am so happy that you are here and that you chose to spend the second half of your undergraduate years at BU! Remember to enjoy the moment too because you worked so hard to get here—make the most of it!

From,

Second-semester you

P.S. Everything they say about Boston winter is also true. Invest in a good winter coat!!!!!

Whether you like it or not living in a dorm is a part of freshman year, and is not always comfortable to stylish.  However, there are simple and effective ways to add life and comfort to the brick box that is a Warren dorm.

Pictures, Please

Sometimes, you will get homesick. A great way to make the transition away from your friends and family easier is to keep their smiling faces in your day to day life by hanging pictures on your bulletin board or wall.  Using Target, Walgreens or CVS, pring some of your favorite pictures that remind you of home, and use sticky tack to create a collage on your wall above your bed. Not only is it a great way to remind you of fun memories from home, but it makes your walls much more exciting

Pops of Color

White brick walls aren’t cute.  Adding color to your walls will warm the space and add personality to your room, so you don’t feel like you are in a prison.  In addition to photos, posters, tapestries, and other wall art do a great job of making your room more dynamic. You can even hang up lights to brighten your room, or get colored lights for some extra excitement.

Little Library

I have loved reading since I was little, and find it is a great way to relax and escape the stress of school.  With a couple of bookends, you can keep some of your favorite books from home on your shelves for easy access. I only keep three or four in my room at a time, since dorms can get cramped, and change them out when I go home for breaks.

Stash Some Snacks

The dining hall get boring, and Uber Eats is expensive, so it is important to have some go-to snacks in your room.  Personally, I am always in the mood for Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Strawberry popsicles, so I always have a box (or four) of each in my room.  Don’t want to share with your roommate? Get a basket that fits on your selves to hide you treats, and keep things organized.

Flora & Fauna

To break up the dry white and beige color scheme in your dorm, add small plants to your window sill or desk.  Grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s often sell small potted flowers or succulents that are cheap and easy to maintain.  Can’t keep real plants alive? No cause to fret, craft stores sell fake plants that come in a variety of colors, and won’t die on you.