Ethan: Iconic School Movies to Help You Get Through the Semester

Hey, everyone. It’s time to go back to school! You may not be excited as me, and that’s okay. I compiled a little list of school-related films that I love to help get you in the mood.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Fast Times is an iconic film (to most of your parents (probably)). It’s an essential ‘80s film, and it has inspired many other movies primarily with a great stoner-esque performance from Sean Penn and the infamous pool scene with Phoebe Cates. The way the film portrays high school and life around it aims to be realistic while humorous, and it ended up as a classic.

Dazed and Confused

Dazed is the first of three Richard Linklater films on this list. It takes place on the last day of school one year in the ‘70s, and it focuses on a slew of main characters as they navigate the beginning of their summer vacation – for better or worse. Linklater’s films are almost always character-driven, and it made out to be a favorite for a lot of people just trying to get through high school.

Everybody Wants Some!!

Everybody Wants Some!! is the “spiritual sequel” to Dazed and Confused. Linklater’s followup to the previous addition to this list established its own brand and style while keeping the charm from Dazed. This film centers around a college baseball team in the ‘80s as some of them begin college and others torment the newcomers. The film only contains about a minute of screen time in an actual class, but as far as capturing a college lifestyle outside of school itself, Linklater proves his worth.

Grease

Grease has been my favorite musical movie since I first saw it. My mother grew up loving the film, and she could not wait to show me. I fell in love with some of the songs and the characters and the overall charm of the film. The late ‘50s feel of the film is “electrifying,” and it made for an easy addition to this list.

Napoleon Dynamite

Is there a movie every elementary/middle school kid quoted more than Napoleon Dynamite? Doubt it. Jon Heder’s portrayal of the iconic character inspired a plethora of Halloween costumes over the years, and the well-timed, super dry comedy in the film has solidified its inclusion in any school-themed movie list.

School of Rock

This has been and always will be one of my favorite films. School of Rock is one of the very few movies I keep on my laptop because I can watch it anytime and as many times as I want. Jack Black is a hero, and Richard Linklater can do no wrong as a director. Though almost no schooling actually takes place throughout the film, it almost entirely takes place in a school… and it’s in the title… good enough for me.

The Social Network

The Social Network, with writing by Aaron Sorkin, directing by David Fincher, and acting by a stellar cast, is one of the smartest and well-crafted films I’ve ever seen. Feel free to fight me on this. I love this film, and I think I quote it at least once every few days – it’s okay that they insult BU at one point.

Animal House

Animal House was a movie that my dad kept saying he had to wait until I was older for him to show me, and it hurt him because he loves it so much. I later found out that it was good that I waited to watch it, and also I love it too. In fact, it’s my third favorite film. It’s a quintessential college film (and party film), so please watch it if you haven’t.

Recess: School’s Out

Recess: School’s Out technically takes place during the last day of school and the following summer, but it’s too important to not have on this list. I would watch this film every time I visit my grandparents growing up, and it’s a tradition I’ve continued to this day. It has an incredible soundtrack, a fun story, and an overwhelming wave of nostalgia.

Jimmy: Freshman Tips!

Whether it was at COM Open House, at Orientation, or even at FYSOP, someone has read you their laundry list of Freshmen year advice. You all know to “Surprise your parents with a phonecall,” “Ration your dining points,”etc.. But what about all the stuff that you only learn from years of fighting tooth and nail to score GSU booths? Here’s my niche little list of things to live by.

If you need to charge your laptop in Warren Dining Hall...

There are hidden chargers under the tables against the windows by the front entrance. Like, when you swipe in and go directly left or right. Those windows. I don’t know if it’s common knowledge, but I only found out at the end of my sophomore year. I wish someone would’ve told me earlier 🙂

For all y’all tea drinkers out there…

Rhett’s in the GSU will fill up your re-usable mugs with hot water for free! So if you’re packing your own Teabags or Swiss Miss, you don’t have to spend a dollar more.

If you want GSU Starbucks but not the GSU wait…

Rhett’s also carries Starbucks Pike Roast coffee and Tazo teas. The line for actual GSU Starbucks is always crazy long. So if you just want a quick caffeine 

An Uber Pool is usually the cheapest and quickest way to get to Harvard Square.

Taking the T all the way east to Park Street to transfer and head northwest takes 30 minutes longer than it should. Then again, if you’re up for it, the walk down the Esplanade to the heart of Cambridge is a very nice one. 

Before you apply for an internship…

Go to COM Career Development and get your resume looked over. All you need to do is make a free appointment. The fifteen minutes with a counselor could save your life from a grammar disaster.

Stay hydrated.

Seriously. People carry around those ridiculous Camelback water bottles for a reason. The first few weeks of school are really hot, and you'll be sweating a lot.

Google Keep is a godsend!

I found this app in the middle of my freshman year and it really helps keep me organize. It’s great for making bulleted “to-do” lists you check off. There’s also great sticky note and reminder functions. It’s a good substitute for a day planner.

Optimize your walk to class with…

Podcasts! If you didn’t read my last post, I LOVE a good podcast. Recently, I’ve been listening toNPR’s Up First Podcast in the morning to keep me up-to-date on the news. It’s less effort then skimming the newspaper and the light analysis is very nice. The best part: each episode is 10 minutes, which is the exact amount of time it takes to walk to CAS from South Campus.

If the COM Lounge printer is busy…

You can use any of either of the two computer labs on the second floor (if there isn’t a class going on).

Warren Dining Hall has a two-fruit take-out limit.

Max it out. Earn your tuition back in apples, two at a time, baby.

This may be terrible advice, actually…

But Domino’s Pizza takes dining points. Yeah, I think I entered an abusive relationship with Domino’s my freshman year. She hurt me bad, but kept telling me how much she missed me–she’d leave her number at the foot of my door. Although I swore I’d never see her again, I took her back in… Anyways, you would’ve found out eventually.

These are just a few golden nuggets to share. If you’d like some more wisdom, feel free to reach out!

Carly: Pondside Pumpkins Pride

First Year Student Outreach PROJECT.

The ‘P’ in FYSOP stands for ‘Project’ not ‘Program’, contrary to what I had initially believed.

That’s because a PROGRAM has a definitive end.

A PROJECT is a continuous event; a project may never truly reach completion. And with community engagement, the project is never really over. So much to my relief – and the relief of most of those who shared my experience – FYSOP never really has to end. 

I first participated in FYSOP as a First-Year Volunteer, during which I volunteered within the Environment focus area. I had an incredible week – I got to engage with the community, learn more about the environmental issues that Boston faces, and meet a variety of new people. It was a wonderful adjustment to school at Boston University, and I made friends with whom I still keep in contact today. 

This year, I returned as a Staff Leader. I was hesitant to participate in FYSOP again – at the end of summer, when it came time to head back to Boston two weeks earlier than the rest of the school, I wanted to stay home with my parents. I had a rough spring semester, and I never wanted to leave home again. I was a phone call away from dropping out of FYSOP, but nevertheless, I packed my life into three large suitcases, hopped on my five-hour flight, and dragged my stuff into Warren Towers. 

From the moment we kicked off Staff Training, I felt at complete ease. Everyone with whom I came into contact was incredibly kind and open, and I found myself sitting with the other Staff Leaders on my floor in Warren ordering Dominos on the very first night. Never had it been so easy for me to talk to people. 

This trend continued for the rest of Staff Training and the week of FYSOP. Every individual participating in the Project was incredible kind, welcoming, and as eager to engage with the community as I was. I had never experienced such a positive, warm environment before. Every single person I met had an enormous impact on me and I found myself making more friends in those two weeks than I made my entire first semester of college.

Aside from the incredible staff and coordinators with whom I worked, I also learned an immense amount about Boston neighborhoods. My focus area focused on the MBTA Orange Line toward Forest Hills, which encompasses Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, and Hyde Park. I had never ventured into these local neighborhoods – hadn’t even heard of them, to be honest – as I had spent the majority of my freshman year on campus. But as we started to dive into the issues these communities face and began to head out to work with Community Partners in these neighborhoods, I became incredible invested in their stories.

 I am eternally grateful for my FYSOP 2017 experience. I had the opportunity to learn more about the Boston community and neighborhoods I had never explored during my freshman year. I got to interact with residents who share their city with the enormous college population and I got to learn about the issues they face. I got to meet incredible, passionate, genuine individuals who inspired me to work toward the best version of myself. I made strong friendships and bonds and welcomed First Year students to Boston University.

 Most of all, I learned about myself. I don’t mean to be narcissistic – after all, FYSOP is about working with and learning from others – but my personal growth was one of the most important aspects of my experience.

 I learned that I’m passionate about the community – and I enjoy myself most when I am interacting with others who are also passionate about the community. I learned that I spent the vast majority of my first 19 years worrying about what others thought about me, when in reality, being myself will bring me where I want to be. I learned that maybe I have more of a place at Boston University than I initially thought.

 Most importantly, I learned that being a Bostonian is an incredibly special privilege. The residents of this city welcome us college students into their home with open hearts, and it is our responsibility to give back to them and and the city we all call home.

 First Year Student Outreach Project 2017 was the experience of a lifetime, and I miss it immensely. But I know it will never be over.

 O-R-A-N-G-E, and that’s the way we take the T.

Megan: What BU’s Orientation Taught Me

This past summer, I had the absolute joy and pleasure to work as a Student Advisor for COM at BU Orientation. I broke out of the COM bubble I usually find myself in and formed friends in every single school at Boston University (which was great for me since I love friendship!) In fact, some of the closest friends I made in the program are from our College of Engineering, where they study things I could never fathom understanding.

Along with having a ton of fun and meeting new students left and right, I also learned a great deal about BU and how to run a successful Orientation session. Here are some facts I learned during each of the six weeks we had session (including things I learned from our Sustainability Ambassadors!):

**Note: pictures best viewed not on iPhone (its a WordPress problem!)

Session 1:

Along with figuring out how to run an Orientation session, I learned just how hungry students can get after a full day of moving around and registering for class, and how important the Zinneken’s waffle truck is.

Sustainability tip: the plastic cups in the GSU are compostable!

Session 2:

I brought out my dance moves for this session as I danced the iconic Terrier Shuffle to one of the great songs of the summer, 24K Magic.

Sustainability tip: The Victory Gardens in the Fens have a rich history of growing food and flowers stretching all the way back to WWI.

Session 3:

This session, instead of having a group of students, I learned what it meant to work with parents, and how sometimes you can sit with a friend during lunch in complete silence and still completely understand each other.

Sustainability tip: There are people in the dining halls that compost our food when they disappear down the conveyor belts!

Session 4:

I learned the number of different people you can have in a session, from the quiet one to the ones who call you mom to the ones who do their best to find trouble, and how you can still like each and every one of them.

Sustainability tip: Our Center for Integrated Life Sciences building, or CILSE, has different walls all over the building to be more energy efficient!

Session 5:

I learned the difference between a transfer student and incoming freshman student's orientation experience, and found a new Instagram account that posts the best cookie decorating videos.

Sustainability tip: BU promised to reduce their carbon footprint by 2020 by 50%, but we’ve already reached that goal!

Session 6:

This session really taught me how to go with the flow, and reminded me of what I had learned from the first session: that people need to be fed! I also learned the incredible work and dedication that goes into an international student’s decision to come to BU.

Sustainability tip: When you’re moving in, break down your boxes and and throw things out where they belong (we have to save the planet!)

Something that I learned in every session, however, is how to work as a team, both within COM and BU. Orientation could not have been as successful as it was without our entire team coming together to give first-years the best experience possible.

Tyler A: Discover your City: The Impact of the First Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP)

The summer came and went. And if you even blinked, you missed the incredible experience that is the First Year Student Outreach Project. Founded almost thirty years ago by BU’s Community Service Center, FYSOP is a bridge program that allows first-year students (freshmen and transfers) to engage in a week of volunteering prior to classes in order to introduce them to the city of Boston and to the many facets of social justice. Every year, about one-fifth of the incoming class participates, over 180 upperclassmen return as staff leaders, and a team of student coordinators and senior staff come together to plan the event all summer long. This year, the program was revolutionized to emphasize not only our roles as stewards of service but as active citizens of this beautiful city. The breakdown of the program went from topical issues like environment and food justice to broader ideas of community engagement with focus on the many Boston neighborhoods. With this, the goal is to better integrate BU students into the city and encourage them to build relationships with people and places beyond our campus.

I have returned to FYSOP each year as a volunteer, a staff, and most recently as a coordinator, and each year, I fall in love with the program all over again. FYSOP played such an important role in laying the foundation for the rest of my time at Boston University. I found my friends (check out this video to peek into some of our fun), I found my passions, and I was constantly challenging myself to think in new ways and learn how I can be a better person.

This year in particular, the revamped program we developed taught me what it truly means to be a Bostonian. I learned so much about our city, what I can do to be a useful part of it, and I’ve never been more proud to be here. If you want to get emotional about Boston like me, watch this video. There’s no possible way I could describe Boston or this program and do it justice, so there are a few things I want to to walk away with:

  1. To loosely quote our closing speaker, Reverend Julian Cook, you do not change a community but a community changes you. Let us realize that we have a duty to our home, and right now, that is Boston. This city and the people leave a mark on us, so we should do something in return.
  2. FYSOP is a project that never ends. This is intended as the starting point for you to continue engaging with your community. Keep exploring your city. Get involved. Be a responsible and active citizen always, not just for these two weeks.
  3. FYSOP will give you some of the best support systems you’ll ever have in your life. Even if the connections with your fellow volunteers last only a few weeks, think about how important that is to your transition into the completely new environment of college. Or if they last even longer, then that’s wonderful! Every year, I make new connections with people that never fade. I couldn’t be more thankful for what they all have given me.

Sorry, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The greatest city in the world is Boston, and we are so lucky to be alive right now. So lucky. Take advantage of it.

Hi New COM Students!

Hey everyone, and welcome to COM! We are so excited for you to join us for a fantastic four years at Boston University. This blog is run by the COM Ambassadors detailing our experiences with all things Boston and BU, from the best places to eat or study to ways we deal with stress, or some of the amazing experiences we’ve had during our time here. You’ve seen our profiles, now it’s time to learn even more about us. Either scroll through all of our most recent posts or click an individual name on the right to learn more about a specific ambassador. Good luck, and we’ll see you in the fall for our welcome barbecue and many more fabulous events!

-Megan, CA Content Coordinator and Student Advisor for Orientation

Daera: I managed My Mental Health While Surviving My Freshman Year and You Can, Too!

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression during my junior year of high school. There were symptoms present before that but it wasn’t until that year that I felt brave enough to seek help. Back then, getting help for my mental health was a little simpler than it proves to be now. Just like a lot of things in college, it was simpler because I had my mom to help. Now that I am an independent adult, all of my health issues are legally my responsibility. Ironically, that just adds to my stress instead of easing it.

When I was going about my college search, I paid some attention to the mental health resources available at each school, but information was not always readily available to be a deciding factor. I knew I loved BU from the moment I set foot on campus and I was so overjoyed to discover that the resources I needed were not only available on campus, but were accessible and cheap.

I knew I would have to see a therapist when I started school and was preparing to contact Behavioral Medicine (more on that later) when I had to deal with a fairly traumatic event in my life. As a result of that, I turned to SARP, a place on campus dedicated to dealing with instances of trauma. SARP, which stands for Sexual Assault Response and Prevention, is located in West Campus. Although it is a branch of Student Health Services, it operates independently: it’s in a different building altogether and you book appointments directly through them. The moment I set foot in the SARP facilities, I felt comforted. The space is a comfortable temperature, there’s coffee, tea, and water for your wait, and, the best part, in my opinion, SARP is home to Auggie (pictured below). Auggie is a Boston terrier who is currently going through training to become an official therapy dog. All dogs, in my opinion, are therapy dogs but apparently, there’s official programs and certificates needed to make it official. Besides Auggie, though, there’s another comforting figure at SARP: my therapist. She’s the fourth or fifth therapist I’ve ever had and the only one I’ve been happy with and have continued to see for more than a few scattered weeks.

Going to therapy was helping manage my emotions to a point but I still had difficulties managing my day to day emotions and not just handling long term issues. After discussing this with my therapist, she recommended me to my second resource on campus, Behavioral Medicine at Student Health Services. They describe themselves as being “available to address the many psychological and adjustment issues that arise in a university community.” At Behavioral Med, I see a psychiatrist who I enjoy seeing as much as my therapist. After an initial session, she explained to me that she was prescribing Zoloft to me as a way to help me get a handle on my day to day anxieties. At first, I was afraid to start the medication. I was worried that I would lose my sense of self after I’d heard stories from my friends that they had encountered online or through some other equally weak source. I spoke with my doctor and therapist, though, and I felt comfortable enough in their hands to start the medication. They saw me through the initial adjustment period of the medication and they helped me deal with the changes in doses I experienced during the next few months.

Although the anxiety surrounding my personal life had been eased, I found myself struggling with the stress of my academic work. First semester I had fallen behind but somehow managed to make my way through and finish with a solid GPA. Second semester, though, caught me way off guard. I went into this semester expecting everything to go perfectly, but that was far from the case. In fact, my anxiety go so bad that I ended up dropping a class midway through. Not only did I find academic support in my professors, COM advisors, and peers, but I found yet another resource on campus. I attended LEAD, an academic support group on campus. I only went a few times, but I found it to help me find ways to manage my workload and learn strategies for planning and organizing how to tackle my work. The group also helped me find peers that were dealing with the same issues I was and we built an informal group of sorts to help each other.

So, the moral of this (very long story) is that no matter how insignificant you think your problems are, they are far from that. And no matter how overwhelming they can seem, you will never have to deal with it alone. Whether it be support from your peers or a psychiatrist, there are plenty of resources online to get you the help that you need.

Kate W: Reflection on Freshman Year

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I am officially approaching the end of my Freshman year of college.  I feel like a completely new person from when I started and I have learned so much over the last eight months.

Freshman year is the year of new.  New city, new college, new friends, new classes, new independence, new everything.  Nothing hits you harder than watching your parents leave you alone for the first time, knowing that you are officially on your own.  But, you keep going, as overwhelmed and anxious as you are.  It’s crazy to think that this moment happened eight months ago for me, and in a couple months, a new group of students will go through the same thing.

With time going as fast as it does, graduation will be here before you know it.  But, until then, it is important to take risks and spend as much time as you can to experience everything.  College is a place for experiencing new things, and no better place to experience than Boston.  So, wake up early on that Saturday morning to go to that feminist rally, or take a study break and go walk along the Esplanade with friends because those are the moments that you will remember and cherish.

Don’t stress too much about things that are out of your control.  Everyone gets bad grades (or sleeps through a COM Exam if you’re like me), but it’s important to learn from your mistakes, buy a better alarm clock, take a deep breath, and just move on because these things will happen and they are out of your control at that point.  So, go easy on yourself and let yourself make mistakes because they are inevitable and stressing too much over them won’t help.

Finally, take time for yourself because everyone needs simple nights staying in the dorm watching Netflix.  School and friends are important, but these are the nights that keep you sane.  It’s nice to take a break from all madness of the week and of BU, and just take time to relax and reflect on your life.  These breaks are essential to make sure you’re not getting too caught up in the craziness of it all.

Going to BU was the best decision I could have made and I can’t wait to spend another 3 years walking up and down Comm Ave countless times a day, waiting in long lines at Starbucks, and spending great nights in the dorms playing ukulele with my friends.  Thanks for a great year!!

Stacy: Boston on a Budget

It's no secret that Boston can be expensive. With finals season approaching, you might need to take a study break or two. Rather than stay indoors or just get the usual Sunset or Super 88 with your squad.... why don't you go on an adventure too? There are plenty of free things to do, especially with great weather just around the corner. Check 'em out!

The Lawn on D

https://signatureboston.com/lawn-on-d

Check out this outdoor venue on D Street in Southie. It's a large grassy area with live music, lawn games, fun ~Instagram-able~ swings, and other events! It opens May 4th for the season.

SoWa Open Market 

http://www.sowaboston.com/sowa-open-market/

SoWa Open Market is Boston's largest gathering of local artisans and entrepreneurs. Each weekend features over 150 vendors, and it's fun to explore and shop around! It's open every Saturday and Sunday starting April 29th from 10am-4pm.

Vamos a la playa! 

http://reverebeach.com 

The beach isn't as as far away as you think! Take the Blue line of the T to Wonderland, or take a $10 uber to Revere Beach! It might not be the exclusive, resort-like beach you'd plan a vacation to... but it will get your beach fix in!

Museum of Fine Arts

http://www.mfa.org

If you haven't been here yet, go! It is free for students with your student ID.

Free Concerts at the Hatch Shell

https://www.landmarksorchestra.org

The Boston Landmarks Orchestra holds free summer concerts weekly! There are also tons of free things held at the Hatch Shell - but I can attest that this group is extra awesome. Quality concerts and a fun way to enjoy the community.

Sam Adams Brewery 

https://www.samueladams.com/brewery-and-craft/brewery-tours

There are free Sam Adams Brewery tours, with a $2 donation suggestion. This beer, whether you like it or not, hold a great place in Boston history. Check it out! Maybe enjoy a pint or two while you're there too.

So, enjoy & good luck on finals!

Eliza: BU’s New Pass/Fail Policy

I registered for my Spring 2017 courses from the café of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, between gapping at great works of art and iconic pieces of Beatle memorabilia (abroad is a weird time).  Somewhere in this art induced, fake intellectual atmosphere I made the choice to fill my last elective of college with Computer Science.

Don’t get me wrong.  Computer science is a great, and important, thing to learn.  But of all the incredible classes I could have taken, both within my majors and outside, I for some reason chose a class that would be completely out of my comfort zone and incredibly time consuming.

As a journalism major, a lot of my work experience has been at online magazines.  And while many of those had their own Content Management Systems, which just allowed me to input copy into nicely laid out boxes, I always noticed that a lot of the other writers were able to do basic trouble-shooting of format errors on their own.  Watching their skills helped me start to learn basic HTML, though I was certainly not trained.

Somewhere during the beginning of my internship in London I realized how marketable of a skill a basic knowledge of HTML coding would be.  That was the reason I chose to take Introduction to Internet Technology, also know as CAS CS103.  This basic level class provides overviews of the different codes and technologies that come up in working with internet programs.

There were definitely moments in the semester where I really started to regret deciding to push myself into this course.  But the value of even gleaning a little familiarity from it was undeniable.  The struggle came as I found this introduction level class pulling down my GPA compared to my other courses — the ones that were asking me to complete tasks more within my comfort zone.

It was around the time of peak panic (also known as right after the first midterm of CS103) that I got an email reminding student’s about BU’s new pass fail policy.  The program can only apply to classes that are not fulfilling some requirement, be it a liberal arts requirement or one for a major or minor.  Lucky for me, that was exactly what computer science was.

The program is meant to allow students to explore other area’s during their academic study without having to be concerned with the detrimental impact these courses could have on their overall GPA.  In my case, I am still receiving the benefit of learning basic things about internet technology from my computer science class, but when I do poorly on an exam or a homework because this sort of thinking is far outside my skill set, it doesn’t have to be something that causes massive stress. I, in turn, can focus more on the learning happening rather than panicking about getting good grades.

Though not all students have the time during their four years to fit in an elective or two, the chance to take these classes for pass-fail credit means a chance to take that class you’ve always wanted to but been to scared too.  Learning upper level statistics, or basic finance, can be something that isn’t going to ruin a GPA, rather it can be a true learning experience for a student looking to broaden their college learning.