COM Ambassador Blog

Brady: Studying in the City of Champions: Why college students must experience Boston sports

On Sunday, February 3rd, the New England Patriots won their sixth Super Bowl in the last 18 years, ending a 98-day drought since Boston last won a championship – just over three months ago, the Boston Red Sox were victorious in their fourth World Series of the 21st century.

Both championship titles sent students across the city into a wild state of euphoria, celebrating online and in the streets. But these aren’t students who have been Boston sports fans all their lives. These are students from all over the country, and for that matter, all over the world. So why are these fans all so consumed with a championship for a city they aren’t even from?

The answer to this question is actually quite straightforward. Simply put, when you study in Boston, you become a Boston sports fan. That is, if you let yourself become one.

Of course, there are the diehard fans from rival cities that will never be converted. But for most students, the interest in Boston sports is infectious. Once a student gets a taste for the perfect mix of history, passion, and success that makes this city’s sports scene so special, they can’t help but become a part of it.

Boston sports attract supporters from the full range of interests and experiences. There are the baseball buffs who have waited their entire lives to visit Fenway Park. There are the first-time fans just following the recommendations of others. Whether you are a seasoned sports veteran who has never had any interest in athletics, Boston sports have something for everyone.

I don’t have much convincing to do for the current sports enthusiasts out there, but for you newcomers out there, I understand your concerns. It’s hard to sit through a four-hour baseball game, or try to comprehend a sport you’ve never witnessed before. As strange as it may sound, throw yourself into the fire. Experience it once, and give it a chance to draw you in.

But let’s say you really can’t bring yourself to watch a game. Well, you’re lucky, because Boston sports extend beyond the stadium. If you so much as stroll around Fenway Park, for example, you will see the fans, smell the concessions, and sense the spirit of a game day at the ballpark. Just by being in the area, you will be a participant in the Boston sports scene.

You could be studying anywhere in the world, but you ended up here in Boston, arguably the greatest sports city in the world. Not only that, but you are also here at exactly the perfect time. The teams are championship-caliber, the city is buzzing after two titles, and the venues are just a walk or train ride away from your campus.

One cannot truly experience of this city without getting involved in its sports scene, so regardless of your previous interests or expectations, get out there and embrace the unparalleled excitement and excellence of Boston sports!

Mira: My COM Experience

Everyone's COM journey is unique from the rest, but no matter what path you end up on, I can promise you that it is going to be an incredibly rewarding experience- and one you will learn so much from!! Just for fun (and to give you a sneak peek into how great this community is) here is my story for you.

So my experience with COM started months before I ever stepped foot onto the BU campus! It was at the College of Communication's admitted students open house. Before that day, I had never been to Boston before - not even for a general college tour- so I really had no idea what to expect, and I was VERY nervous.

I walked into the Tsai Performance center where I was immediately met by friendly faces and welcoming smiles. Everywhere I turned, there would be a student in blue. These blue-shirted people were EVERYWHERE, and I remember feeling overwhelmed, yet oddly comfortable, as I could practically feel the enthusiasm and positive energy in the air. Later, I found out that these students were the COM Ambassadors, and the more I heard their stories and experiences at COM, the more I fell in love with the idea of attending BU. These students talked about everything, from their fears to their failures, to their favorite moments and everything in between. By the end of the day, I was hooked, and I knew that this was where I wanted to be.

Fast forward a couple months, and it was finally time for everything on campus to start and come to life! I met with my CA group where I met some wonderful people, and got a chance to get to know my COM Ambassador! (Whom I absolutely adore and who has made such a positive impact on my first semester here) In the beginning, I didn't really know where to start, but my CA encouraged me to join BUTV10. Taking his advice, I decided to join COED and Bay State, which was by far one of the best decisions (if not THE best decision) I've made since setting foot on campus. Through BUTV10, I've met so many kind, friendly, funny, and all around awesome people that I am now lucky enough to call my closest friends. BUTV10 has given me a solid community who want to see me succeed and will do anything to help me do that. That's my favorite part about being in COM. The people you meet are passionate and excited about what they do, and they genuinely want to help you in any way they can.

Now, that's how far I am with my story at the moment. I could go on and on about how I have the best CA, how I think everyone should join BUTV10, or how amazing COM is, but I think I'll stop here and let you see for yourself. Go out there and don't be scared!! There are so many things to do at COM, and you don't have to wait! Just jump right into all the action- you'll be glad you did! 🙂

Remy: 6 Lessons on How to be Successful in COM as Told by ‘Friends’ Characters

COM is about developing communication skills, learning by doing and discovering career paths. Like the pitch of the hit sitcom Friends, “It's about a time in your life when everything is possible, which is really exciting and really scary.” It’s about searching for your passions. And it’s about building relationships, because when you’re trying to succeed, everyone can benefit from mentors, and of course, friends.

Rachel- Build your confidence. Rachel works hard to become a successful businesswoman. Her character proves that confidence does not always start from within; sometimes, you need a boost from your friends.

In COM, it’s overwhelming to be thrown into an environment where everyone seems confident about what they are doing. Rather than letting this intimidate you, remember that your confidence can be shaped by those around you. Find role models, ask questions, introduce yourself to professors - confidence comes with time!

Ross- Find what you’re passionate about (and be proud of it)! Few characters cared at all about paleontology, but Ross did not let this prevent him from pursuing his passion. His intelligence and genuinity made him a respectable, lovable guy.

“What are you passionate about?” can be a scary question. It is okay to not have an answer right now! Whether it’s Mass Communication, Film and TV, Advertising and Marketing, or Public Relations- try it out and find what you love. Passionate energy is contagious in COM.

Monica- Proactivity pays off. Monica’s obsessive cleaning and organization provided laughs throughout all 236 episodes of the series. More importantly, her independence and competitive edge allowed her to persevere as a chef, and eventually open her own restaurant.

COM is not just about the courses. Take advantage of the resources available to you...AdLab, PRLab, WTBU, BUTV10, BU News Service, or Hothouse Productions. Meet with faculty advisors and COM career services. Attend workshops and events. All of these people and opportunities are here to help you succeed.

Chandler- Don’t take yourself too seriously. Chandler’s wit and sarcasm were unparalleled. Ultimately, Chandler’s ability to laugh at himself allowed him to find success in his personal life and career.

The late nights editing your film project, creating a PR plan, or writing a slogan for an ad project can be stressful. However, remember not to take yourself too seriously! Every project and course is a learning experience, no one expects you to be perfect.

Joey- Have fun. Joey was constantly searching for work as a struggling actor. Despite this, he always had a smile on his face. His warm hearted personality and positivity made him an amazing worker and friend.

Yes, COM requires hard work, but it also has its own specific school spirit that makes getting involved exciting. Check the calendar and weekly COM emails because there is always events going on, such as movie screenings, open houses, employer events, friends and family weekends, the list goes on.

Phoebe- Be yourself! Phoebe is remembered for her quirkiness and eccentric personality. Her original song “Smelly Cat” and below-average guitar playing was a staple of show. Phoebe was an irreplaceable character because she was unapologetically herself.

COM welcomes and encourages individuality. The reason COM has such a vibrant, stand-out community, is because each student and faculty member brings something unique to the group. All you have to do is be yourself!

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

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.

Your most creative ideas can come through procrastination.

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.

You make better decisions when procrastinating.

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:

Don’t compare your “behind-the-scenes” to someone else’s highlight reel.
Behind every “flex” there’s probably a lot of hard work, stress, and a few failures along the way.
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.

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!
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!
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!
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! 🙂