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.

Rachel: The BU Bucket List of a Second Semester Junior

It has recently come to my attention that I only have one year left at BU. I was making my schedule for next semester with Jenn G. (the COMUGrad Office Manager and one of the best people to know in COM) and realized I could plan out all of the classes I had left to take. After planning my classes, I realized I should start planning out my BU Bucket List before it gets too late.

1. Eat a Sandwich at the BU Pub

When you turn 21, BU Dining Services sends you a postcard to get a free sandwich at the pub. The BU pub is reserved for students and alumni who are 21 plus, so now that I am 21 I want to take advantage of my access to the pub and, of course, that free sandwich.

2. Stargaze on Top of CAS

Did you know that there is an observatory on top of CAS? I want to go up and look at the stars on a cool fall night.

3. Stay in a Dining Hall Open to Close

I used to give tours of campus, and when I did, I would tell families that if you got into the dining hall on a swipe you could stay there all day if you wanted to, though I never did it myself. I don't currently have a dining plan, so I will have to rely on some of my underclassmen friends for this.

4. Attend a BU Basketball Game

I've worked with BUTV10 my entire college career, and we record all the home basketball games. However, because I was on the marketing end of things, I never attended a basketball game with the organization. I think it is about time I attend one of these games that I tweeted and posted about as a fan.

5. Use the Lazy River and/or Climb the Rock Wall at Fitrec

I've been a bit of a gym rat my entire college career, but I have never been in the lazy river or climbed the rock wall. These are two absolutely rad additions to our gym that people are astonished by, but I never even considered that I had them at my actual disposal. Catch me climbing that wall or floating in that river sometime soon.

Esra: Laptop Friendly Places to Study Outside BU

I get ridiculously bored working from my apartment. Sometimes if it's especially gross out or I'm feeling lazy, I'll work in the living room instead of my bedroom so that it's a slight change of scenery. Most of the time though, I find myself in coffee shops typing away or editing photos on my laptop.

Thus, I've become quite acquainted with laptop friendly environments.

Pavement Coffee House

My stomping grounds. I frequent the Pavement on Commonwealth Ave, however, if you don't want to be surrounded by BU students and/or faculty I'd recommend checking out another one of their locations. If you don't mind, then it's a great environment to sit down and get stuff done. I'm here more times a week than I'd like to admit.

WIFI: Yes
COFFEE: Counter Culture

Caffè Nero

I went through so many Caffè Nero loyalty cards when I studied abroad in London because they were everywhere (including down the street from my classroom building). Somehow it took me an entire year of being back in Boston to figure out there's not one, but many Caffè Nero locations here too. I recently went to the one in Washington Square and I fell in love. It's a very rustic chic environment with great cappuccino (also their hummus is unreal, random I know) that's perfect for catching up on work.

WIFI: Yes -- 3 hour limit
COFFEE: Caffè Nero

Tatte Bakery and Cafe

Especially when the weather is nice out, the outdoor seating at the Charles Street Tatte is ideal. If you're more of an indoor person, the Tatte in Harvard Square has a lot of seating (but is often crowded). Another big plus for me is the fact that they serve Stumptown coffee -- one of my personal favorites.

WIFI: Yes
COFFEE: Stumptown

Boston Public Library

Last, but certainly not least is the man, the myth, the legend (okay maybe not the first 2): Boston Public Library. After being renovated last year, BPL now has two different vibes for the public to enjoy. Go through the main entrance and up the staircase to experience the traditional "omg am I in Hogwarts?!" areas. Enter from the side of the building, on Boylston Street, for a modern and bright wing of the library. I love them both and decide where to sit based on my mood that day.

WIFI: Yes

Kreag: Interning with the Massachusetts Film Office

Last summer, I discovered that the city of Boston is home to the Massachusetts Film Office, the office that helps all films shooting in Massachusetts find locations for their films.  For the longest time, it did not seem like their office offered internships, and then one day, I discovered it, the treasured “Internship Application” tab on their website!

The interview process was relatively simple, and I had the chance to meet the many wonderful people that work at the Office of Travel and Tourism as well as at the Film Office.  I ended up being offered the internship during the interview, and I quickly accepted, and the internship there has made my semester so, so amazing.  Essentially, the goal of this blog post is to get other people excited about the Massachusetts Film Office and what they do as well as show you all one of the fantastic opportunities you could have as a film student at BU!

Working at the Massachusetts Film Office (or MFO for short) has given me a huge amount of real world experience that I would not have necessarily received otherwise. At my time with the MFO, I have learned to location scout, which is not necessarily something we get to utilize very frequently for our classes at BU unless you are producing a film. Being able to find locations and photograph them for potential filmmakers to use is a skill that will look very good on a resume, especially since it's not something everyone has experience with!

At the film office, you'll be doing a pretty frequent amount of script coverage. This is one of my favorite parts of the internship, as not only does it allow me to read developing projects, but I then get to create a script and location breakdown that could potentially aid in finding the right location for a filmmaker. Script coverage is also something a lot of people end of working with at internships and entry level jobs when they get to LA (from what I've heard) so it is definitely valuable experience to have going forward as a Film and Television student.

Many of the skills you learn at the MFO will be related to the job of a producer (pre-production, finding locations, etc).  From what I have heard, many internships in Boston are production based, so for those of you looking to get experience with creative producing/pre-production/etc, look no further than the MFO!  And for those of you interested in screenwriting, this is also a fantastic opportunity, as being able to consistently read scripts has allowed me to improve my own screenwriting abilities.

What's even better is that the aforementioned skills I learned in this internship will be especially useful when moving on to other internships and when applying for jobs. As many of you Film and TV students know, internships are competitive, especially in Los Angeles, so any experience is good experience, and I think the things I learned while at the MFO will help me look like a better candidate when I go to LA next semester.  You also make a lot of great connections when you intern for a company that has a presence in the film world, and those connections will help you in the future when looking for other opportunities to further yourself in the industry!

Lilah: Raise your end-of-the-semester spirits with these healthy tips!

As we head into the final days of second semester, it’s important to have time outside of the library or class. When crunch time comes, make sure you do little things that make you happy! I personally find myself struggling to balance between friends, sleep, and work. I’m sure I’m not alone. Aside from the daily conversation with my mom to keep me grounded, I need other activities that will allow me to fully enjoy my last few weeks of Freshman year.

Here are some things that, personally, relieve stress when I’m busy planning my schedule down to the minute.

1. Turn your phone off / Take a break from social media

It’s easy to take breaks from work by scrolling around aimlessly, but social media can also cause more stress! Take a break from the internet, and meet with friends instead. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s a difficult task. It is quite easy to get lost scrolling through every app for hours on end. Also, side note! Keep your eyes up on the sidewalk! You don’t want to run into this fierce New Yorker as she heads to class.

2. Take a walk / Go outside

When you live in central campus, you can easily stay within a 50 feet radius for weeks. I personally feel much better when I go outside (especially when it’s so nice now!). Going on walks is a really great way to clear your mind. Or, if you prefer to lounge around, the BU Beach is a beautiful place to lay down in the sun. Also, the COM lawn is a beautiful green area where you can relax with your COM friends! It is also important to explore the beautiful city that lies beyond BU’s campus. Especially as the year is ending, make sure to visit the places you never got to during the semester.

3. Breathing Exercises

It may sound cheesy, but when you’re stressed, breathing exercises help a lot. Take your mind off work, and let yourself focus on ~being zen~. At orientation, they taught us several exercises that help in times of stress. At that point, I was confident in my ability to defeat the end-of-the-semester slump but I was wrong! Remember to count your breaths… and your sheep.

4. SLEEP! SLEEP! SLEEP!

It’s so important to nap during this time of year. I’ve been strongly anti-nap my whole life, but here I am! Napping away every day! Don’t be a stereotype. College kids are allowed to sleep, too.

5. EAT! EAT! EAT!

Take a good portion out of your day to have meals. Whether you’re alone or with friends, mealtime is a therapeutic and necessary part of your day! Also, drink water. Always.

Nick: Being Open to Change

Studies show that anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of college students change their major at some point, and that’s ok. While I’m not among this group, I am here to tell you that over the course of your college career, your passions will evolve as you are presented with the world of opportunities available to you in COM.

Whether this is inside the classroom, through one of BU’s myriad of extracurricular activities, or in my case through one of our study abroad programs, you won’t be the same person crossing that stage on graduation day – and stepping on the BU seal in Marsh Plaza – as you were when you first arrived on campus as a freshman. And that’s the way it should be. 

I’m a creature of habit. I have the same order at UBurger every time (Phat Chick crispy with a side of fries) and sit in the same spot at Mugar (6th floor is where it’s at), but I’ve come to realize that change is a good thing. College is the time where you’re meant to truly find yourself. It’s your full Cory Matthews in “Boy Meets World” period.

For me, much of that change and growth has unexpectedly happened this semester during my time in our nation’s capital through the BUDC program. First off, I give this program my highest recommendation. Whether you’re a journalism or PR student, or simply someone with a passion for the news or politics, this program is for you.

 I’ve learned more than I could’ve ever imagined, and the opportunities within the program are incredible. BUDC hosts a bunch of networking events throughout the semester with alums in the area, and I can assure you, there are plenty. Additionally, you’re interning and taking classes in one of the most beautiful cities in the country, not to mention the hub of American democracy. I’ve seen so much during my four months here, but with all the museums, historic neighborhoods and brunch spots, you could explore DC for a lifetime and never get bored.

This is where the change part comes in. Up until last semester, I was the sports guy. That was my thing at BU. I served as sports editor of the Daily Free Press last semester and wanted to parlay my education at BU into a career in sports journalism. My decision to come to DC was based on a number of factors, but high on the list were the chances to develop professionally, explore a new city, and become more well-rounded as a reporter. Little did I know that I would develop a passion for politics and become a news junkie.

The 2016 presidential election piqued my interest in politics, and I doubt I would’ve come to DC had I not already been following the campaign. But for someone who gets push notifications every three innings about the Red Sox score, getting the latest updates from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing was not high on my agenda. BUDC and my internship changed all that.

I’m interning for NBC’s “Meet the Press” this semester, the longest-running show on television. It has been incredibly eye-opening to assist in the day to day operations of such a highly-respected public affairs program and work closely with producers. Much of my duties involve research and greeting guests on Sunday mornings, but I’ve also written some pieces for NBCNews.com. Through observing Chuck Todd daily and being a part of this institution, I am following the news of the day more closely than ever.

My career ambitions have shifted somewhat thanks to this program. Though I’m not entirely sure where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing post-grad in just over a year (eek), I know I don’t want to just be the sports guy. The political journalism scene has become more attractive than ever before to me, and I would welcome the opportunity to tell stories about how the decisions lawmakers are making on Capitol Hill affect the lives of every American. That’s why I got into journalism in the first place, right? To tell stories and help educate people.

My point in explaining this shift is that at its very core, college is a time for self-discovery. COM is a goldmine of opportunity for you to explore any number of interests, and even delve into ones you weren’t sure you had. My advice would be to take that random class or join that random club; open as many doors as you can during your time at one of the world’s best universities. You may never know what life-changing experience is behind that door.

Angeli: College is Surreal(Cereal?)

You know those people who say they hate breakfast? Yeah, I don't trust them either.

For as long as I can recall, I, Angeli S. Rodriguez, have been a breakfast food fiend. I could eat a bagel once a day for a decade and never get tired of them. I don't discriminate against microwavable oatmeal compared to the homemade stuff. Discovering a new muffin flavor or way to make eggs is what I consider a life-changing experience. And don't even get me started on the obstacles I would be willing to endure for a stack of my mom's specialty pancakes right now.

Breakfast items are like my children; I love them all the same for what they are, but I also can't resist the urge to have a favorite. The one that has consistently been there for me. In good times and bad. At any hour of the day. None other than cereal.

My appreciation for cereal is a deeply rooted one that goes back to my first ever bite of Special K (I was a miniature adult as a child...) Since then, it has been a staple component of my diet. I am a firm believer that no meal is the "right" meal for cereal. Heck, college has taught me that it can even be a dessert.

Ah yes, college. That's where I was going with this. The end of my sophomore year is rapidly approaching, and I can't help but get all sappy and self-reflective. I'M HALFWAY DONE PEOPLE !!? I really don't know where time has gone, but I can also confidently say a large portion of it has been spent stupendously. I've grown in more ways than one since moving into my double in Warren Towers two years ago. I've enjoyed new experiences, met (and continue to meet) the most interesting of new people, and tried a plethora of new foods.

And through all of this change, I've found comfort in things that remind of my roots, of what's familiar. I thus feel it's time to express some gratitude.

Thank you, Cereal, for always being by my side/in my stomach. Thank you old pal for keeping me full and focused (I'm a fan of Mini Wheats) during late night study sessions, before internship interviews, and following those tough 8 AM lectures. Thank you for always being readily available and understanding when other dining hall menu options just aren't cutting it. And even on those days when I mix you with Sargent Choice Oatmeal, know that you're forever my #1.

P.S. CA Angeli's top cereal picks of all time:

1. Special K Chocolatey Delight

2. Honey Bunches of Oats Almond

3. Frosted Flakes

Caroline: Its Nice to Get Away

Early last week I called my mother to talk to her about the rain boots she shipped me (I found out the hard way my old pair had a huge gash in the sole). While we were on the phone, she floated the idea “why don’t you come home for easter?” At first I was apprehensive. I had Open House for accepted students on Saturday and had Escape the Room already booked with my friends for that evening. The earliest I would be able to come home was Sunday morning. Marathon Monday gave me a little wiggle room and I decided that it was okay to miss my Tuesday classes. I hadn’t missed either all semester and I had friends in both classes to take notes for me. Just like that, 45 minutes later tickets were booked to go home.

If you are lucky enough to live within a four hour radius from campus, you should definitely take the opportunity to take a long weekend at home. Its a great reset and a refreshing break from what can seem, at times, like a constantly stressful environment. My sister is abroad in Madrid this semester so my parents are feeling a bit more “empty nest” than normal (as much as they can be with one chick still in the nest). My brother is graduating from high school this year and is in the midst of deciding where to go to college. Plus he’s a star on the volleyball team and I think I’ve only ever seen him play once. So it was important for me to see hime play twice while I was home. I also gave him some advice about how to choose the right school.

Right now, he’s between Ithaca and Syracuse. Just about an hours drive separate the two—but they’re very different. Both of theses schools have excellent communication programs, so I’m sure many of BU’s accepted students have at least one of them in the mix (plus BU, the superior choice, of course). Both programs are great across the board, I would say the decision lies in prestige and where the schools differ. Charming town, small campus or small city, prestige, and athletics? The best thing I can say is visit everywhere if you can. A lot of times the decision is less pros and cons and more of a feeling. I’m sure many of the accepted students who visited the past two weekends may have felt what I’m talking about. A sense of belonging.

One of the downsides to going home is that it might take you out of working mode. Its hard to think about that 15-page paper you have due next week when you’re lying on the couch petting your cat, flipping between Chopped and Tiny House Hunters (I don’t have these channels at school). While it is a nice break, you have to find time to work. Because school doesn’t stop when you get home. Due dates stand and while it can be nice to reset, you don’t want to get too far off because you will quickly fall behind.

The other downside is FOMO. If you don’t know this already, I’m a bit of a grandma: crosswords, cats, podcasts (its like the same thing as radio, right?), and Jeopardy. I was sad when I got a snapchat of my three roommates watching Jeopardy together. Not to mention I missed Marathon Monday (aka the one day a year BU seems like a state school in the flyover states), which was my last opportunity to go while a student at BU because I’m going to be in LA next spring. I was definitely bummed about that. But I got to see a friend from high school I haven’t seen in a year and surprise my grandma instead.

One of the best parts of my visit was being able to see my cats. A lot of people will tell you that one of the worst parts of college is not being able to have pets. Its hard to live without the fluff ball you’ve grown up with. Pets embody home and comfort. That’s why during finals week BU has puppies come for students to play with. Its an instant stress reliever and puts a smile on most people’s faces. Its wholesome and comforting.

I came home to an Easter basket like I had as a kid (but this time with vegan chocolate bunnies homemade by my brother) and a household missing its twin girls. It was nice while it lasted, but I’m shipping up to Boston (ohhh ohh ohh) and I’m looking forward to getting back to classes and working on those 15-page papers (yes, more than one).