Kelly T: The First Extracurricular and Job in College that Changed My Whole College Experience

I applied to the CA program in the first semester of my freshman year back in the Fall of 2021. Coming from a super small high school in another country, speaking another language, and living in an entirely new environment, my transition to BU was tough.

So many people this year said they felt like I adapted to college life well. I laughed a bit and thought about this question for a few seconds. “Ummm, did I? It didn’t seem to be that smooth to me.”

Now I’m about halfway through college. Looking back, so many things that happened during the past years were not the way I imagined it to be, but all the good and the bad were exactly what I needed to make me the person I am today. I know it sounds cheesy, but the famous quote ‘ “good things” take time,” works here somehow. Thinking about planting a seed, some grow faster, while others are a bit slower, but that doesn’t deny their destiny of growing into a beautiful flower.

Before applying to become a CA, I had no other extracurriculars in college. I was even unsure why I applied. As a student who participated in a lot of things back in high school, I knew I would continue my spirit in college. I looked over the criteria of being a CA and some of the things that I might do as a CA, I felt like it could add to my resume and polish up my COM experience. Without further hesitation, I applied. I have to say it has given me much more than I expected.

I met my tour partner Mira last spring, who is now working at National Graphic in Washington, DC. We have made many great memories together every Friday afternoon, our regular tour time. Whether it was watching the heavy snow on the COM lawn or greeting up to three family groups, my Friday afternoons have been filled with excitement ever since I started my role. I’ve been watching Mira as my role model to lead the tour – with a gentle pace, engaging conversation, and always a bright smile. I also practiced my public speaking skill and have realized that what matters most is not how much information you remember that you remember from the COM handbook but how your own COM experiences changed your life here. I’ve learned to speak slowly, articulate each word clearly, and always try to make eye contact with the people I’m talking to ensure they understand what I said.

My happiness even appeared to be more than I expected when I saw smiles from the prospective students and parents when they learned more about COM. That’s always the best part of my job! I knew that I wanted to do hospitality stuff and make good relationships with people, and it even convinced me to continue pursuing my degree in Public Relations.

Here is a general tip for incoming COM students: when you are unsure of something, give it a try; the worst result is that you won’t get anything, and you never lose anything as well. Sometimes surprises are waiting for those who are not ready, that’s why it’s called a surprise!

Vanessa L: 4 Tips to Make the Most out of COM

I’m Vanessa Lee, a sophomore in COM Journalism with a minor in Questrom Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Today I’m going to guide you through 4 tips to make the most out of your time at COM. 

Tip #1: Get involved, use your resources!

I think there’s nothing more important than being involved in organizations within the college. There are so many organizations and clubs that you can be involved in within COM. There’s something for everyone, and I’m so grateful that BU COM is so inclusive and welcoming with students who want to try new things within COM. For example, even as a journalism major, I can still be in film organizations — which was what I did last year!

Tip #2: Use your skills both inside and outside of class

This advice is kind of related to the first one. COM is really special because it’s such a creative college. Because it’s so much about creativity, using skills learned from classes and applying them to individual projects is important. For example, for Film & TV majors, you could be working on your own film individually outside of class! This would not only build your portfolio, but it can also help you gain new experiences with the skills learned in your courses. 

Tip #3: Get help from professionals in the industry on career advice and networking

Getting familiar with job and internship opportunities through resources such as COM Career Services can be helpful! It may feel a little early for freshmen and sophomores, but it never hurts to get familiar with opportunities and networking. Firstly, in COM Career Services, I like that I can find a lot of great internship opportunities. I signed up for their emails, so whenever there are great COM job opportunities, I get emails about them! Another website I like is BU Connects. This website is not necessarily a COM service, but it’s for all BU students in general. Through BU connects, you can connect with BU students or alumni who have experience working in the industry you’re interested in. You can send them a chat and network like that! I sent a message to a BU alumni who worked at NBC, which is an organization I’m really interested in. I networked with the alumni and it was such a great opportunity!

Tip #4: Embed COM in your daily routine 

As COM students, being creative in your environment and constantly being aware of changes in the industry is crucial. For me, as a journalism student, reading the news every day and knowing what’s going on in the world is important. Embedding COM into your daily routine can set you up for success and make you more knowledgeable in the area. 

That was it for my COM tips! Thank you for reading:)

Helena B: Do it Yourself – A Lesson on Taking Initiative

Unlike High School, in College nothing is handed to you. You get what you give. This concept can be very distressing at first. It can be hard to know exactly what to do if you want to get involved but don’t necessarily have lots of skills as a freshman, but I am here to tell you that whatever you get an urge to do, especially if it’s going to further your career, is something you should keep your mind on. 

So many teachers, especially in the film program which I am a part of, stress the importance of starting off by doing anything you are capable of; pick up a camera and start filming random events if you want to be a filmmaker, free write scripts if you want to be a writer, etc…  When I was a Freshman, I thought they were exaggerating, cause how could I, with no experience at all, get out and do something without learning it first. What I was missing, though, is how powerful the process of figuring it out alone, with zero money and no one forcing you to go one way or another, can really be. 

For the first two semesters I held onto the assignments we were given like a bible. I didn’t think I was good enough to go out and try it myself. That was until a very dear and sweet friend of mine, who is a Senior and Film student, asked me to co-write a script with her and produce it all within the span of a few months. 

Although I was grateful enough to have someone push me in that direction and make me comfortable enough to just DO something, I truly wish that I would have started getting together with friends earlier to work on personal projects. Not only does it teach you to work outside of the limitations of classes, but it also lets you foster amazing relationships with fellow artists like yourself. 

You don’t need to make a masterpiece. You don’t need professional cameras or a 50 person crew. Just get together with an idea and a few friends and see how it goes! It will be as reward as it can get!

Jess S: Your Foodie Guide to the Best Restaurants in Boston

Among the many reasons I chose to move to Boston for college, I did not think that food would make it to the list. When I think of the city, I picture an old, bustling place, littered with pieces of brown cobblestone and maroon brick. But apart from its picturesque aesthetic and vintage appearance, Boston may hold a place as one of the best food spots in America. I somehow managed the first few weeks of freshman year with an abundance of microwaved chicken, Velveeta cheese, and a giant tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in my mini fridge. Before you make the same mistake, I’ll introduce you to the best food spots for college students that do not involve spending any sappy dining points. 

Thinking Cup 

For all things coffee, dessert, and brunch. I’m not talking to the girlies who want to douse themselves in Dunkin’ Donuts at 7 in the morning and just call it a day. I’m talking to the coffee connoisseurs that enjoy the pure taste of rich black coffee. The restaurant itself is a homage to the unique underground setup of the Boston Brownstone. Located right by Copley station on Newbury Street, Thinking Cup exudes an air of homey but sophisticated at the same time. The entrance pulls you into a wooden-lined cafe surrounded by dim lighting and a row of small tables. Their coffee tastes nothing like the bitter grounds from regular chains. It has a subtle nuttiness that leaves your tongue with nodes of dark and rich cocoa. 

NudPob 

The famous NudPob. Every BU Student is familiar with this Thai place right next to the Boston University Central Stop. When I say I have never tasted a pad Thai as good as theirs, I am not lying. Their noodles soak up the sweet taste of tamarind paste and saltiness from the fish sauce. The best way to enjoy this delicacy is with seafood as the meat of the dish, and a refreshing Thai tea to wash it all down. Fair warning: You will smell like fish sauce after. 

M&J Teriyaki 

One of the hidden gems of Boston. M&J Teriyaki is a Japanese-Chinese fusion restaurant right by Fenway Park. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant is often crowded with Doordash and Uber eats drivers. That’s how you know it’s good. Don’t be fooled by the small size of the place and the little seating. Their servings are big enough to feed a party of 3. Every piece of their crispy chicken teriyaki is coated in a thick and slightly savory sauce and served with a heaping amount of stir-fried vegetables. You can choose to have it with noodles, fried rice, or plain white rice. Don’t skimp on the chicken teriyaki, it tastes immaculate. 

FoMu

For dessert, you can make your way to the best vegan ice cream in Fenway. Calling all lactose-intolerant people!!! This is your new go-to ice cream spot. They serve milkshakes, ice cream cakes, and sundaes. Apart from the regular flavors like vanilla and chocolate, they also specialize in loaded flavors like Matcha with vanilla pound cake, Chocolate & peanut butter cup, and cold brew ice cream. The texture of every bite is thick and chewy, with tiny hints of coconut that coat your tongue in pure deliciousness. 

CAVA

For the broke college students looking for a decent meal at a fair price – CAVA is for you. Think Mediterranean but Chipotle style. Think Sweetgreen but with hummus and feta on the side. This make-your-own fast-casual restaurant is the best place for students who want a decent meal without breaking the bank. CAVA takes a modern and hip look with its hardwood floors, bright lights, and black decor. The minute I find the urge to scarf down a bowl of saffron rice, harissa chicken, and roasted vegetables, I call my friends and the second I say “CAVA” they are out the door and running to Fenway. 

The list goes on and on and on. Whether you are looking to chat and have coffee or grab a late-night meal, Boston has something for everyone. For days when the sun is out and you want to soak up the weather with some ice cream, and for nights when the cold is unbearable and you want to cozy up in bed with a bowl of food. Boston has so much to offer besides brick buildings and cobblestone streets. Past the commercial buildings and busy student towns, the city is filled with different nooks of deliciousness. You just have to know where to look. 

Anika B: Reflecting on 4 Years as a COM Ambassador

My first exposure to the COM Ambassador program was during the spring semester of my senior year of high school, when I came to visit BU for the COM Open House. Now, as a spring semester college senior, I want to reflect on my four years at COM, and more specifically, as a part of the COM Ambassador program.

When I first visited COM, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of care and enthusiasm CAs showed. Like many incoming freshmen, I felt overwhelmed by choosing a major. After the building tour, CA Hannah took the time to grab me some curriculum guides to show me how the course lists could help me better understand my interest level in each major. That fall, CA Avery explained the Media Science major to me and recommended I meet with Professor Traci Hong to learn more. (I did meet with Professor Hong then, and a year and a half later I was in her Persuasion Theory class, working towards my Media Science degree!)

During my freshman spring, I joined the COM Ambassador program. As I learned the ropes of COM, both as a student and a CA, I was constantly inspired by the work experience and passion projects of the students around me. I gave tours with CA Laura, who as a second-semester senior was working part time at an advertising agency while starting her own podcast and, of course, taking classes. Everyone I met in the CA program seemed to have a story like this: impressive professional experience, but also side projects they felt personally fulfilled by.

My sophomore and junior years, I got more involved with the CA program, first as a content coordinator and later as a program coordinator. My first several semesters on the leadership team took place during the pandemic, so while I was learning how to produce content and plan events, the whole CA program was changing to fit pandemic restrictions.

I remember being very nervous to moderate my first Zoom panel, but like any skill, it became natural with practice. Being a CA has taught me so many skills—organization, responsibility, teamwork—but the biggest direct effect I’ve seen has definitely been in my public speaking. From giving tours to moderating panels to emceeing last year’s Open House (my first time doing so in person!), I am so grateful to have gotten the chance to grow.

As any CA will tell you, the most rewarding part of the program is seeing the tangible impact of your efforts on prospective students. Seeing high school students at Open House end up coming to COM, and then maybe even becoming a COM Ambassador, lets you know about the difference you might have made with just one conversation.

So many CAs, beyond the few I mentioned here, have made a positive impact on my time at BU. When I look back at my time here, I know I’ll always be thinking of the CA program!

CA Leah, CA Jess, CA Kaylee, and me at our first fall 2021 welcome event

CA Kaylee and me posing like Sims in between CA interviews (photo taken by our boss, the one and only Jen Kahler 😎)

CA Jazzy and me after moderating the spring 2022 Open House

Meryl B: PRSSA Conference “Looking Back to Move Forward” Summary

Students interested in pursuing a career in communications can meet with established business and industry professionals at the PRSSA Conference for PR Advanced: “Looking Back to Move Forward.” BU PRSSA has been hosting this event for 16 years, covering topics including CSR, DEI, media relations, agency versus in-house PR and more. I attended the DEI Panel and In-House versus Agency Panel.

The DEI Panel consisted of Aisha Hudson, VP of True MOSAIC and Corporate Reputation at Fleishman Hillard, Cynthia Issac, Managing Director at Syeneos Health, and Cat Colella-Graham, Employee Engagement and DEI Consultant/Founder of Cheers Partners. They discussed how the time of racial reckoning is now, and organizations must commit to justice. A question answered was: What does equity mean to you? Hudson responded that it is the removal of systemic/systematic oppression. It does not mean the same as “equal.” Organizations should be responsible for creating and providing opportunities for those who have not been as fortunate and have dealt with racial bias. Isaac responded that equity could be giving leadership training or mentorship to those who need it. Graham explained that equity means providing opportunities, mutual accountability and career mobility.

Each panelist discussed their goals arouond DEI. Hudson said the clients she has worked with usually have diversity goals within their team. Isaac stated that DEI goals are reasonable, but setting goals and holding yourself accountable is better. A quote from Graham perfectly sums up the above statement: “make sure the audio matches the video.” Training for DEI sets the foundation, but is not the journey’s end.

The In-House versus Agency Panel consisted of Emma Mulvaney, Director of the Media Department at Allison + Partners, and Abha Gallewale, Senior Manager of Digital Demand Generation at ASICS. Mulvaney described no right or wrong way to enter the workforce regarding agency and in-house. It is crucial to get experience, and any experience is a good one. Gallewale explained how when she worked at Digitas, she felt that while at the agency, she did not get the full scope of why something does not work because it is so fast-paced. In an in-house role, she believes you get more insight into why campaigns do/do not work. Mulvaney enjoys how diverse the work is in an agency and how “no day is ever the same.”

Work-life balance varies in each role. Gallewale feels that while at an agency, it is hard to set boundaries and that she was constantly working over eight-hour days. However, in her position at ASICS, she can set limits. Mulvaney explained how the media consumed her life 24/7 and that achieving a good work-life balance is hard.

Overall, I really enjoyed the conference and the panel. In classes at BU, we read a lot about DEI and agency versus in-house, but it is beneficial to hear about it through people’s first-hand experiences. Additionally, I was able to meet new people and network with other PR professionals.

Amanda W: The Ultimate Guide to Making Friends and Networking in College

Making friends and networking in college can seem overwhelming at first, but it's actually a pretty fun experience! Don’t be scared by how large the BU campus is. No matter you're an extrovert or introvert, there are plenty of ways to connect with people and build relationships that can last a lifetime. Grab a cup of coffee, relax, and let's get started!

1. Join clubs and organizations

One of the easiest ways to make friends in college is by joining clubs and organizations. These groups are a great occasion to meet people who share similar interests and passions as you. You can always have fun at meetings, events, and social gatherings and make friends. 

2. Attend campus events

BU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from concerts and movie screenings to guest lectures and networking events. Attending these events is a great way to meet new people and expand your social circle. Keep an eye on the event calendar and make a point to attend events that interest you. By the way, you will always find exciting raffles at most campus events. 

3. Participate in class

Participating in class is not only important for your academic success, but it can also help you make friends. Engage in class discussions and group projects, and don't be afraid to ask questions or offer your opinion. This will show your classmates that you are interested in the course material and can help you build relationships with your peers.

4. Attend office hours

Make an effort to attend your professors’ office hours, even if you don't have any specific questions or concerns. This is a great opportunity to get to know your professors on a more personal level and build a professional relationship with them. You never know when your professors might have valuable connections or job opportunities to share with you.

5. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while also meeting new people. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities on campus and in Boston. This can be a great way to connect with people who share your values.

6. Be yourself

Lastly, it is important to be yourself when trying to make friends and network in college. Don't try to be someone you're not, and don't be afraid to share your passions and interests with others. Authenticity is key to building meaningful relationships that will last beyond your college years.

Mia P: Best Bagels in the Boston University Area

Coming to college on the East Coast, I didn’t realize how prevalent the bagel scene truly is. Back in my hometown, bagels aren’t a staple breakfast food like they are in Boston or New York City. Since coming to BU, I’ve come to love bagels and have one almost every day! I’ve tried a variety of coffee shops and bagel spots, so I thought I’d share some of my favorites in the BU area!

  1. PAVEMENT COFFEEHOUSE

Pavement is a Boston University classic! They have locations all around Boston, but also one that sits in the middle of BU’s campus. While I’m not the biggest fan of their coffee, their bagels are some of the best I’ve ever had. You can opt for a traditional bagel and cream cheese, or try one of their breakfast or lunch bagel sandwich options. 

My go-to: an everything bagel with cream cheese!

  1. EINSTEIN’S BAGELS

Einstein’s is a popular bagel chain and students can find one on campus in the basement of the College of Arts and Sciences. BU students can also use dining points here, so it’s super convenient if you’re on the dining plan! Einstein’s also has a variety of coffee and pastry options, and some seating if you’re looking for a study spot. 

My go-to: an asiago bagel with cream cheese!

  1. KUPEL’S BAKERY

Kupel’s is a little farther away from BU’s main campus, about a 15-minute walk from West Campus into the Brookline area. However, it’s definitely worth the walk! If you’ve got some free time, definitely head over and enjoy their vast array of bagel options. It’s also a small business, which is great to support! 

My go-to: the “Coolidge Corner” bagel sandwich!

  1. STARBUCKS/DUNKIN

I choose to lump Starbucks and Dunkin together because they aren’t exactly known for their bagels, but if you’re in a crunch and need a quick breakfast, they’ll definitely do! You can also use dining points at the West Campus Dunkin and GSU, Warren Towers, and Questrom Starbucks locations, so it’s also super convenient. 

My go-to: a plain bagel with cream cheese

Diya S: My Experience on BU’s Premier Garba and Raas Dance Team

I am a dancer on Boston University's premier Garba and Raas dance team, BU Fatakada, so I wanted to tell you all a little bit about it! To start, I would like to answer the question that many of you probably have right now, What is Garba and Raas? Garba and Raas is the traditional folk dance style of a certain state in India, this state is called Gujarat. These dance styles are popularly performed in Gujarat during the Hindu festival/holiday of Navratri and both are very high energy and fast paced dance styles where the dancers are dancing in a circle around a religious idol usually. Raas specifically, is done with sticks in the dancers hands and these sticks are called Dandiya. On the collegiate level, Garba and Raas has been taken to a whole new extent with faster choreography and extravagant themes! For our team, Fatakada, which means firework in the language of Gujarati which is spoken in Gujarat, (which is very fitting because our energetic and lively dancing which resembles the symbolism of a firework) our theme this year was based on the movie Home Alone for our competition season which means we included certain gimmicks and allusions to the movie with different dialogues and scenes into our set. After sending an audition video to a few competitions we got into three and attended two of them this year! One of our competitions was in Tampa Florida and the next one was at the University of Maryland in College Park! While we unfortunately did not take home any trophies this year, we had a whole lot of fun at our competitions where we met teams from all around the country and we sure will take home trophies in the years to come! 

Sara H: Reasons Why I Think Everyone Should Study Abroad

1. You could meet some of your best friends 

I went into my study abroad program in London knowing only one person and I came out with a new set of best friends. Most study abroad programs are mixed with students from BU and other universities across the country so you can meet people you would have never met on campus or at other schools. 

2. You get to learn a new culture or maybe even a new language 

Since I studied abroad in London I did not need to learn a new language but I had friends who studied in non-English-speaking countries that got to learn a brand new language and expand their skills. I learned to know and appreciate a whole new culture while being in the UK and traveling to Europe. The times people eat dinner are different, the food they eat, the way they work, and so many other things. The pub culture was brand new to me and was something I ended up loving while in London. One thing that was super crazy to me was that they don’t really drink iced coffee there, and coming from the US where we love iced coffee and I am a huge Dunkin’ fan, not having iced coffee was a shock for me. 

3. You get to travel a lot and for cheap 

Skyscanner will be your best friend for good and cheap flights. The beauty of being in the UK or Europe is that you can get flights to so many cities for a good price. I will warn you that traveling can get very tiring and you shouldn’t feel pressured to travel every weekend or very often. Some of the places I traveled to were: Dublin, Edinburgh, Paris, Brighton (in the UK), Malaga, and Madrid. 

4. COM gives amazing opportunities and has many specialized study-abroad programs

As an advertising major, I had a few options for study abroad programs that had major-specific classes available. The London Internship Program provided me with the opportunity to take classes and have an internship in another country. It was really easy for me to find classes that fit into my schedule and that I needed for HUB credits so that I was not behind in credits or classes needed for my major. I also had the opportunity to network and make great connections through my internship and I got to learn a lot about the difference in work culture and the type of work in the advertising industry.