Josee: The Moments That Matter the Most

Life comes at you fast. Too fast, even.

Let’s set the scene, it’s your freshman year at Boston University. The mid-semester crunch has hit you like a brick wall.

Your homework is scattered with coffee stains, you’ve slept about 8 hours in the past week, and you’re running around campus like a chicken with its head cut off trying to make all the classes, meetings, and obligations of the week.

I wish I could say that I remember most of my freshman year, but in all honesty, most of the time my mind couldn’t stop racing. All I could think about were the things that had to be done next. Not only did it take a toll on my mental health, but it left me exhausted and burnt out.

I was recently speaking to a COM professor about this strange sense of being. I told him about the daily existential crises I faced and the fact that 99% of the time, I felt like I was lost in some way or the other.

But then I also mentioned how I would find these moments, no matter how small, where things felt okay. The world seemed to slow down and my mind cleared up its fog. In those moments, I felt happy, confident, and the pits in my stomach unraveled. For a fleeting moment, things seemed clear.

These moments came about both planned and unexpected. These were the moments I truly cherished and worked tirelessly for. They made the toil and struggle worth it.

For example, this past month, I worked an event for my internship with WBUR at Faneuil Hall. Since the semester had started, I had been struggling with keeping up with deadlines and obligations. I often questioned whether all the work was even worth it.

But then, I took to the stage in a place where history was made. I stood in front of hundreds of people and watched an event knowing that I had a hand in it. I watched journalism at its finest unravel before my eyes. That night, I got the chance to witness a dialogue bloom, a dialogue that I’ve wanted to contribute to my entire life.

That night, I remembered why I wanted to be a journalist.

But it’s not only in the huge career moves or school accomplishments, it’s in the beautiful in everyday. Each day may not be incredible, but if you look hard enough, you’ll find something incredible between the time you wake up and the time you fall asleep.

That’s why I started a reverse bucket list for this semester. What I’ve been doing is writing down things I’m thankful for that happened in a day and placing them in a literal bucket. Then if things are rough, I can just pick up a few slips and remind myself of the times I’m most grateful for.

Some slips so far include petting precious dogs in Amory Park with my FYSOP co-staff, sharing cookie dough with my best friend, and wearing fuzzy socks while listening to smooth jazz on a rainy day.

So yes, life may move quickly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some quick snapshots of the ride.

As always, peace and love.

Josee

Sophia: Best Holiday Episodes from Your Favorite TV Shows

As soon as the clock turned from 11:59 on October 31st to midnight on November 1st, I turned my speakers up and pressed play. “All I want for Christmas is you” blasted from my room and into the kitchen, and my roommate, used to my holiday antics, rolled her eyes.

“Sophia,” Georgia said, exasperated. “You can’t just skip Thanksgiving and go straight to Christmas. That’s not how it works.”

But, oh, that is exactly how it works.

I was ready. Ready for the Starbucks red holiday cups, the Michael Buble Christmas albums, the “Home Alone” re-runs, and, of course, constant replays of TV’s best holiday episodes. From “The Office” to “Lizzie McGuire,” there’s a holiday episode out there to cure everyone’s frigid-Boston-blues. Here are my favorite.

The Office, “A Benihana Christmas”

Okay, this one’s easy. I have never met a single person who isn’t entertained by Dwight Schrute's bizarre antics, especially in this Christmas fav.
New Girl, “Christmas Eve Eve”

If you’re not already in enraptured by “New Girl”’s leading man, Schmidt (Max Greenfield), this episode will surely do the trick. This episode highlights the gift-giving pressures of the holiday season and pokes fun at Christmas traditions, such as Secret Santa.
Friends, “The One With The Holiday Armadillo”.

If you haven’t watched every episode of friends, are you even a real person? This episode is all about Ross trying to figure out a creative way to explain Hanukkah to his son, Ben, while still being as entertaining as the man in red himself.

Lost, “The Constant”

This episode is widely regarded as the best one created in the infamous sci-fi series, so it’s definitely a must-watch anyway. But its underlying themes of family and unconquerable love are sure to get you feeling as mushy as watching a wood-lit fire. Characters Desmond and Penny finally reconcile on Christmas Eve after years of separation, and their reunion is sure to make your heart burst.
How I Met Your Mother, “How Lily Stole Christmas”

As another classic sitcom, HIMYM is more well-known for their Thanksgiving episodes, so if you’re like Georgia and don’t want to skip Thanksgiving, maybe take a look at one of these. However, this Christmas episode came out early on in the show’s life when the characters were still establishing themselves, making it one of the series’ most important.

South Park, “Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo”

Screen Shot 2017-11-13 at 10.14.27 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I totally get it if South Park, like, isn’t really your thing. It’s a smart, satirical show, but it is laced with plenty of dumb humor that really turns people off. But they really are a hilarious show, and they’re so popular for a reason. Their Christmas episodes never fail to entertain (and offend) viewers, so check this out if you’re looking for some holiday-induced laughs.

Spongebob Squarepants, “Christmas Who?”

If you spent your whole life wanting to see Patrick’s famous picture of Spongebob at the Christmas party, then look no further than Spongebob’s first Christmas episode ever. It’s hilarious to go back to the earlier seasons of Spongebob, but this episode is truly adorable. It’s all about Spongebob bringing Christmas back to Bikini Bottom, and if you don’t find that entertaining, I’m not sure what you will.

Lizzie McGuire, “Xtreme Xmas”

There’s nothing quite like the lessons taught from old Disney Channel shows like “That’s so Raven” and “Lizzie McGuire.” This episode is all about Lizzie choosing selflessness instead of selfishness. The same choice that many find hard to make when the holiday seasons roll around. However, Lizzie and her friends always seem to make it out okay.

Grace: Top Coffee Shops for Actually Completing Homework

Tired of going to Starbucks to do work, only to stand in line for hours, get yelled at by an overworked barista, and compete for Wifi? Honestly, same. Sometimes I need a break from studying at Mugar or the George Sherman Union (GSU), and that quest for study space has led me into the front doors of countless coffee shops around Boston. Read on to find your own quiet space – and favorite cup of coffee – at some shops near BU.

Café Nero – With three hours of free Wifi, ample table space, and warm lighting, Café Nero’s soothing interior is the perfect place to chill and focus. Your coffee is made right in front of you, so customers can expect quiet baristas who won’t be yelling out names or orders. With its close proximity to West Campus (literally right under 1047 Commonwealth), this convenient spot can’t be beat.

July 2014 Lobstah Ladies and BSF 720

The Thinking Cup – If you’re looking to venture off campus, try stopping by the Thinking Cup. Located on Newbury Street, this café is perfect for East Campus folks. The Thinking Cup’s coffee drinks and exotic food options make it a perfect spot to snack and study. Even better, you will avoid harsh lighting, since the café’s interior is dimly lit.

348s

Pavement – Trying to work on a team project? Find a whole room dedicated to seating at Pavement. Work with your partners for hours, and even grab a sandwich or slice of pastry while you’re there. Pavement bakes its own bread daily, and many ingredients from its its menu are locally sourced.

pavement2_heathergoldin

Blue State – Blue State is ideal for West Campus students who are tired of studying in the basement of Claflin or the top floor of Stuvi 2. With an Americana-meets-social-justice feel, Blue State is perfect for doing good and eating well while you study. Each drink order comes with a token to vote for a local charity Blue State will donate a portion of its proceeds to. My favorite is the “chaider” – a yummy mix of chai and apple cider that will leave you feeling festive and ready to focus.

d11124b2-005a-4c5a-a750-6f905fe0edc5-31836

Trident Booksellers and Café – Sundays are meant for two things: Brunch and (unfortunately) homework. Whether you eat healthy or prefer a decadent treat, Trident has it all, along with novelty drink options. The Trident café is snuggled between their stacks of bookshelves and cute gift items. Finish your studying, then take a browse – reading for pleasure is the perfect way to relax.

179d37bc12c148f5df36e7632e8e61ff--book-cafe-bookstores

Hali: The Art of Scheduling

Two weeks ago, I woke up early on a Sunday morning to register for my Spring 2018 classes. I’ve already altered my schedule since then. With my track record, this will probably happen twice more before the semester begins. 

I’ve consistently overbooked myself this past semester, and it’s something I’ve spent a lot of time regretting. This semester has taught me the importance of crafting a schedule that is catered towards your individual needs. It’s important to remember that your schedule is so much more than the few hours you spend in class per week. It may sound like a good idea to fill every hour of the day with jobs, internships, classes, and extracurriculars, but you may find yourself crashing by mid-March (if you last that long). 

It’s tough to plan an ideal schedule on your first attempt, but you might come close with careful planning. Here’s some important things to keep in mind as you craft (or modify!) your schedule for next semester: 

Extracurriculars

Classes are important, but they also only make up a fraction of your week. I mention extracurriculars first because mine are the most demanding part of my schedule. I have rehearsals for my student group, On Broadway, most nights of the week. I always keep this in mind when making my schedule.

One of the most important things to remember is scheduling BREAK TIME. That 3-6 PM class might look great in your schedule, but it won’t feel great when there’s no time to stop for dinner before whatever meeting you have to run to! 

Study time

This is an undergraduate institution! There’s no point in taking 16 credits worth of classes if you’re not saving any time to apply yourself! You don’t need to reserve ten hours of study time per day, but make sure there’s enough space in between your classes to manage your workload. The best schedule is one that will allow you to do a little bit of studying everyday. 

It’s also important to know yourself and consider when you’re the most productive. For example, two years of college have taught me that I am NOT a night owl. I tend to register for late afternoon classes so I can wake up, grab my Venti iced coffee at Starbucks, and spend my mornings getting homework done in the COM Lounge.

Save time for friends and family 

There was a time last semester when I went two weeks without speaking to my parents. I don’t think I will ever live that down. If you’re too busy to spend time catching up with the people you love, you’re doing something wrong! 

This one is easy, because you don’t necessarily need to dedicate two hours per day to Facetiming your parents (although I certainly wish I could). However, it sometimes can be very helpful to block off a weekly time to give your loved ones a call. I usually spend Sunday evenings giving everyone in my family a quick call! 

Remember that life happens

Don’t forget…. there’s going to be so much that you can’t plan for next semester! You’ll be able to handle a busy schedule sometimes, but not always. There will undoubtedly be days when you just need some rest! Filling your Friday afternoon with classes and extracurriculars may seem efficient now, but what will you do when your friends ask you to hang out, or the new season of (insert popular television show here) premieres on Netflix?

As a general rule, just keep your schedule open! You never know when a new job or internship opportunity will arise, or if you’d like to branch out and try a new extracurricular! Keep all of this in mind when you register for classes, and you’re sure to have yourself a successful spring semester! 

Sam K: I’m Stressed, But I’m Alive, & Might I Say Thriving?

On any given day, when someone asks how I am doing, my subconscious usually blurts out “I'm stressed!!!” before realizing the socially acceptable response is actually just “I’m good, and you?” But I am not one to hide how I am feeling, and I am constantly stressed. With two jobs, an internship, an executive board position on Off The Cuff, a full course load, and now and then even a social life, I am often asked how I still manage to function, let alone sleep or eat. My answer? I have embarked on my own “hero’s journey” where finding the time to complete my responsibilities while staying healthy (mentally and physically) is my ultimate bounty. In my final semester of college, I have finally found how to manage my stress and morph it into a healthy balance of drive, productivity, and overall happiness.

Stress can be all-consuming, and it may seem like there is no time in the day to accomplish everything life throws at you and take a moment for yourself. However, I believe that failure will catch up to you if you don't learn how to co-manage responsibilities and self care. People cope with stress in so many different ways, and to do it right you really need to be in touch with what ultimately makes you the happiest and most satisfied version of yourself. For some, this is taking a long walk in silence to clear your head and center your mind and body. For others, it is motivating yourself with an XL chocolate chip cookie that you're not allowed to dive into until after cranking out your 10 page paper. Sometimes, taking care of yourself means simply laying on the floor of your apartment next to a pint of low calorie, dairy free ice cream while listening to calming yoga music (this one comes from experience).

Deciding what I value and the tiny things that make me happy was the first step I took in managing my own stress. I racked my brain for examples of when I was the most unfulfilled —back to the days when I was so stressed that my eyelashes were falling out and I didn't have time to cook anything besides oatmeal—and realized what was missing from these moments. I was overlooking everything I enjoyed in order to get everything else done. In retrospect, I don’t even remember the outcome of all the things I had on my plate during those darker days, but I do remember how heavy the weight of the stress felt upon me. This could've been prevented if I prioritized myself as highly as I set the tasks that, now looking back, weren’t even that important.

I discovered that I am happiest when I am healthiest and when I am able to talk through my ups and downs with others. Trips to Trader Joe’s excite me, and a nice, sweaty workout makes me feel whole again. Skimming cooking videos on Instagram brings a smile to my face, and sitting at a coffee table with my friend discussing our futures (scary) helps keep me on my feet. I was letting these things go in order to finish my homework and my readings and get to work on time and be a good intern and edit articles for the magazine and keep myself from eating fast food and maintaining old friendships and so on and so forth. I wasn’t taking care of myself, nor was I conquering the small victories that keep me feeling fulfilled.

Long story short, there is no worth in letting your stress consume you to the point where you put aside your health and happiness. Make lists, multitask —I’m writing this very blog post on a bike on the second floor of Fitrec—eat your veggies, call your mom, and make time for your friends. In the end, you probably won’t even remember the tasks caused eyelashes to fall out (again, from personal experience), but you will remember the happiness, or lack there of, that dictated some of the most important years of your life.

I hope everyone can find their own XL cookie kind of coping mechanism.

Laura: An opportunity you may be missing

You know those emails you get at least three times a week about a new event to go to or a speaker that is coming? You might just mark them as read or send them to trash, but I promise you should actually read them.

I attended the BU Career Fair this past month, and believe me I had my hesitations. Though, I am extremely happy that I decided to attend. I printed out copies of my resume, obsessed over what I should wear, put on a lot of deodorant (hey, I am a nervous sweater!) and practiced what would come out of my mouth when I shook the recruiters' hands. 

Inline image 1

From the looks of it, the career fair can be very intimidating. This semester it took place in the Metcalf ballroom on the 2nd floor of the GSU and there was a sea of eager students. When you walk in, team members from the CCD will hand you a sheet with all of the companies at the fair. I marked off the five companies I aimed to meet with, went in with a smile, and reminded myself to breathe. As you can tell, I understand that these types of fairs can be intimidating and you can feel lost at them. I also know that it can be difficult to gage the value of attending a career fair as an underclassmen, but it is never too early to go to an event you receive an email about. Whether it is a networking event, career fair or internship information session because it is always great to practice- so by the time you graduate maybe you will not need to re-apply your deodorant as many times! 

I could have never expected how well the career fair went. I ended up making strong connections with agencies in Boston and scheduled interviews for spring internship opportunities. I find that all of the resources available to us including COM Career Services, the COM writing center, Undergrad Affairs and Handshake are incredible. Though, nothing beats the opportunity of getting to present yourself in front of future employers and show what you know. 

These are my tips to help encourage you to take advantage of all the events and information sessions that BU and COM specifically have to offer:

  • Always research the company/ internship program prior to meeting with the recruiters so you can ask specific questions and show your smarts

Inline image 3

  • Print out copies of your resume and maybe buy a nice portfolio to hold them in- I got mine at staples for $15, but it looks just as fancy

Inline image 4

  • Write yourself a little note to stay calm 

Inline image 9

  • Try to find some common ground to make a memorable connection (I knew we learned this at orientation for a reason)

Inline image 10

  • Remember: these companies are attending career fairs and giving presentations at information sessions because they genuinely want college students to come and intern and give insight! 

Inline image 7

Never be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and use the resources that are available to you. The opportunities are waiting for you so go out and get them!

Inline image 8

Frank: Midterms

Tired, sleep depraved, but victorious. I’ve done this before, and I did it again. I gazed into the abyss and won the staring contest. I am done with my midterms.

Wow, it feels so weird putting it in text. “Done with my midterms.” But am I really? I mean, yeah, I’m not taking another test anytime soon, but does that mean I’m completely done with them? I wonder what my grades will be. I studied my butt off; I hope I get good grades. Oh, now I’m anxious. I’m gonna be thinking about my grades all week. Oh gosh, now I know for sure: I am not done with my midterms.

I should really find something to take my mind off them. Oh, I know! Music always puts me in a nice, relaxing mood. Let me hop on YouTube real quick... Hmm, what’s this? “Relaxing Pokémon Music Compilation?” Just what I needed!  Wow, this music really brings me back… I remember playing these games all the time when I was a kid. Little ol’ Frank capturing monsters and trading them with his friends. Nothing could keep me away from that Gameboy; I just had to become the Pokémon Champion! Haha, I kinda miss those times! I remember having to hand over my Gameboy to my mom when an exam was coming up so I could study without distractions. Oh no, there I go again thinking about exams. I am so not done with my midterms.

Maybe I’m just too tired. This music has really put me in a sleeping mood. Some shut-eye will definitely calm my anxiety. Ahh, this bed sure is comfy. Time to count some sheep and go to the land of make believe. 1, 2, 3, 4, was question 5 true or false? I’m pretty sure it was false. Did I answer false? I’m pretty sure I did not. Maybe it’s actually true? Let me double-check in my notes real quick… Yep, definitely true. Wait, did I really answer false? I think I actually answered true on that one. Yeah, the one before it was the false one. Or maybe I’m just misremembering… Agh, I am 100% not done with my midterms.

Wait, what am I doing? I already took the midterms. I already handed them in. There’s nothing I can do about them now. You know, I gave it my all studying these past few days. I did my very best in those midterms. There’s no use worrying on what might be. Gosh, I’m losing my mind over an uncertainty. Heh, I wonder what little Frank would think of me if he saw me now? Life was so carefree back then, now all I seem to do is worry. It doesn’t have to be that way. I could afford some relaxation time. Some time for myself, some time for fun. I hear there’s a new Pokémon game coming out real soon. I wonder how the new Pokémon look. Maybe I could hit up some of my friends back home, maybe get the game together and trade Pokémon like old times… Yeah, just like old times… You know, I guess I am done with my midterms.

“When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.”

                                                                                                                                                     -Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind

P.S:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BKfhq_TtcE

Samantha: Little known but super fun places to take visiting friends and family

When family and friends come to visit, it’s easy to do some of the same, class “Boston” things over and over again. As a senior, my friends and family are pretty sick of the usual North End dinner, stroll through the Common and Newbury Street shopping spree. After four years of the same things, I’d be tired too! 

Now that I’m a “seasoned” Boston resident (or so I like to think), I’ve compiled a list of four new go-tos for when I have loved ones in town. (That aren’t walking on the esplanade!)

  1. Harbor views from the backside of the Institute of Contemporary Art

 For a beautiful view of the harbor, head to the ICA in the Seaport district! I like to grab coffee or snacks from the nearby Sorelle bakery and sit on the big, wooden steps that slope down from the back of the museum. Not only is it a pretty view, but the museum’s architecture makes for a great place to relax and catch up.

  1. Walk from BU to Central Square and back

The quickest way to Cambridge (aside from driving) is actually walking across the BU Bridge and into Central Square! Not only is the destination a great place to explore (and eat Toscanini’s ice cream), but the walk showcases some of Cambridge’s gorgeous, older homes and even some really interesting street art. 

  1. Night out in the South End

Make a reservation at one of the South End’s chic dinner spots for a nice, slow meal (I recommend Myers + Chang) and end the night with live jazz at the Beehive. It’s a “speakeasy” style bar and restaurant that features live music every single night!

  1. Small theater movie night

There’s something about a smaller, old-fashioned movie theater that can turn a rainy day into a fun one. Try snagging tickets at the Brattle Theater or Coolidge Corner Theatre, both of which show new movies, throwback films and limited release flicks.

Laurel: Food For Thought: Getting Deep in those Philosophy requirements

I sat in the COM advising office, talking to my advisor about the various general requirements I had yet to complete. As he went through the last few that I needed to finish, it never dawned on me that one of those random courses would alter my perspective on life.

This isn’t one of those moments where my life was forever changed and a whole new world opened up. Rather, it was a moment that I had realized what I have been doing wrong since I started as a freshman here at Boston University.

Philosophy 110, Great Philosophers as it’s called on the registration form. I thought it would be easy—I was wrong. I thought it would have no benefit to me—I was wrong. I thought that it would be the least of my worries that semester and that I could fly by focusing more of my energy in my communication classes, where my passion really was—as the theme continues, I was wrong.

When someone asked me how my classes were I described myself as being captivated by philosophy. I never realized that argument was such an articulate and intricate part of philosophical framework. Top it off with most of the philosophers we studied being dead, it left us as a class full of students searching to make sense of the arguments, getting stuck in the loopholes, and trying to put ourselves in the shoes of Descartes to figure out what he really meant by, “I think, therefore I am.”

But, as I said. This isn’t going to be about me preaching how important it is to get to know your professors or the best classes are the ones you enjoy. You should know that, it’s all good advice, but what I’m here to tell you is the best classes, the absolute best lessons, are the ones that tell you everything you are doing is wrong.

Existentialism is the study of the meaning of life. What is the purpose of life? What happens after life? All questions that people yearn for the answer to. Albert Camus gave me no clarification on the deep, forever uncertain questions I have, but he gave me a slap of reality that we are asking the wrong questions. First things first, Camus says its essential to acknowledge your own death and until you do so, you will never fully start living.  Okay, so great, I’m telling you that we are all going to die, at some point, in some way, we will all die eventually. But, it gets better (slightly more depressing, but indeed better). It gets better in the sense that we are all going to die eventually and to top it off, life is meaningless. Now, before you freak out on me and tell me that there are plenty of things that give your life meaning, let me try to convince you that you too are wrong.

There is an absurdity that Camus found in life. The absurd is evoked when you recognize that eventually you are going to die, but yet you still fight for a meaning of life. In other words, you recognize the ultimate death we are all faced with but yet you continue to take life too seriously. There is a certain futileness and pointlessness to life since eventually we will have worked so hard for it all to be over. To Camus, and now to me, it is absurd, pointless, silly even for us all to be so caught up in the importance of our lives, so concerned to accomplish some greater meaning and worried about our relevance when we are gone, it is all nothing more than absurd.

I warned you…depressing I know. But now I’m going to cheer you back up. You may be asking yourself how then, do you live a life that is not absurd and that is not pointless? The answer is as simple as it seems, embrace the absurdity. To put it more clearly, recognize. Recognize that you are nothing more than a small speck in a huge world and that this world is just one planet in a solar system positioned in a galaxy of infinite worlds and possibilities and possibly infinite galaxies. In all the spans of history and all the life that has yet to come coupled with the vastness of the universe, our own personal lives are completely irrelevant. We are a speck of matter surrounded by infinitely more matter and infinitely more time. However, if we choose to acknowledge that, if we choose to recognize the silliness of taking our lives too seriously, we no longer live in the absurd.

To put it simply, I know my life will result in death, I am aware of it and I know that all this hard work and stress will amount to my death as well. But because I can recognize it, I am not living an absurd life. The problem with most people is that they take themselves and their lives too seriously. It’s unfortunate, really. Because when you begin to take it too seriously you lose the fun, the light heartedness and the ease that life is supposed to have.

I’m most certainly not saying “don’t work hard” or “forget it all, nothing matters,” but what I am say is: when your life feels like it’s too much stress, you’re too overwhelmed, and it doesn’t seem worth it, you have to remind yourself of the bigger picture, that none of this truly matters in the scheme of reality. What matters is that you enjoy it. Allow yourself to recognize the pointlessness and let that be a source of comfort when you take it all too seriously. It’s not the best solution, but I take it to heart to remind myself “Why the heck am I freaking out about this?” or “Why aren’t I just enjoying myself when that is the only thing I truly have control over?”

It’s not the warm and fuzzy answer I was looking for when I pondered the meaning of life. But I appreciate the bluntness and I respect the reality of the theory. We have very little control over our existence, so take the little we have and enjoy it.

Lauren F: B- in grade, A+ in learning experience

When my professor handed my graded news article back in my JO250 Fundamentals of Journalism class, the common rush of adrenaline filled my body as I reluctantly scanned my paper for common mistakes. Surprisingly enough, there wasn't as many red marks as usual; a few grammar mistakes here, a word choice suggestion there. My hopes were raised as I more confidently turned the paper over to discover my grade.

I went through a turmoil of emotion as I saw a big red A- in a circle crossed out, and a B- replacing it, with the scribbled words "misspelled name" right next to it. My eyes grazed the back page, and I saw the last name spelled wrong, a single letter making up the difference between my letter grade. I sat back in my chair defeated, reasoning to myself that all of the little corrections made on the article wasn't even good enough to earning an A.

After the wave of disappointment and self-loathing passed over me, I tried to reason with myself why I needed to make the most of the situation. I knew that my professor didn't give me a B- because I gave him bad work, the A- —albeit crossed out — was an accurate representation of the work that I handed in. The B- that I received wasn't an accurate depiction of my work quality, but rather my work ethic, in that I didn't take the careful time beforehand to read through my work.

I, of course, went through the process of finding a scape goat for having such a small mistake that I knew would bring down my grade — I only had a midnight deadline, I was restricted on word count, I had to keep track of and spell so many difficult names. But, all in all, the only person I had to blame was myself for not taking those few minutes after finishing writing to read over and make sure that all of the names were correct. Rather, I was filled with the gratification of finally reaching my word count and emailed the story in without a second thought.

While it may seem harsh to drop a whole letter grade for a single misspelling, It was a lesson for the future. As a journalist, there were reporters who could lose their jobs over something as simple as a misspelling of a name. I should've been thankful for losing a letter grade over a misspelled name and not a job at a big name newspaper. Obviously, the article won't do me any favors in terms of my grade, but it taught me a long-term lesson, one that I will definitely carry on with me well-past my time here at BU.