Kaley: An Apology Letter to the Dining Hall

Dearest BU Dining Services,

I’m sorry I ever complained about your sometimes-questionable meat. I’m sorry I ended each of my first four semesters with at least 60 meals left, unused. I’m sorry I got annoyed when dining hall lines were “too long” and I’m so, so sorry that I spent my first two years at BU anxiously awaiting the year I would finally be allowed to ditch my dining plan for good.

That year was this year. We’re two months in now, caught in the heat of midterm projects and insane schedules and baggy-eyed, sweatshirt-and-legging-type stress. Honestly, I would take a C on one of those midterms if it meant I could roll through West Campus D-Hall every morning again. If it meant I could slab some sunflower butter on a whole wheat bagel, slice a banana and drown my stressed-out sorrows in the world’s most superior flavor combo.

I’d happily trade these half-hearted “meals” that I barely have time to make in my kitchen for spending an extra 30 minutes to top a fruit bowl with ready-to-go cottage cheese and to fill a dining hall cup with water and lemon juice. My eating habits may sound weird, but BU dining halls were always there for me, and never judged.

What I wouldn’t give to study in Warren again, while enjoying plate after plate of their amazing calzones. I would without a doubt wait in a “too long” line to have one of those again. And those 60 meals I had left over every semester? I’d use every last one on the new Wok section -WHICH I HAVEN’T EVEN SEEN YET. For all us non-dining-plan kids know, the Wok section is a myth.

And finally, the most crucial, devastating meal I miss: Let’s have a moment of silence for the fact that my last BU omelet was 5 months ago.

If you’re reading this and you still have a dining plan, then it’s not too late.

(The author of this piece is now accepting any and all guest-swipe offers.)

 

Caroline: Stages of Eating a Sushi Bowl

We’ve all had a craving for a Basho sushi bowl from the GSU. It’s such an amazing concept: a burrito bowl, but for sushi not burritos. Why wouldn’t you want that all the time? Well, it has its ups and downs, because a sushi bowl is deceptively a lot of food. Here are the stages of eating a sushi bowl:

 

1. Really wanting one

2. Never changing your usual order

3. Eagerly waiting for your name to be pronounced wrong

4. Figuring out how to go about eating it

5. Giving up on using chopsticks after your first three bites

6. Regretting your decision to get a sushi bowl because it's way too much food

7. Forcing yourself to finish the whole thing because you just spent $10 on it

8. Resting for at least two minutes before doing anything else

9. Congratulating yourself for eating such a delicious meal

10. Repeating it all again the next time you’re in the GSU

Joe: Where Has The Semester Gone

The fall semester is almost over which is insane. For me, the arrival of Halloween basically solidifies the fact that so much time has passed since classes began and that winter break will be here before you know it.

I partially blame the New England weather and the abrupt changes in seasons. One day it’s 75 degrees and sunny and the next its windy and cold and you’re just trying to not fly away on your walk to class (even though you want to fly away because you consistently have homework and test and projects).

The rush of the semester always makes me feel bad because I always set a list of things I want to do and then never accomplish them. Especially when it’s the fall and around Halloween and you’re trying to be festive but just can’t seem to fight the inertia of your room/bed.

Anyway, to make yourself feel better and revel in your accomplishments, here is a makeshift list of all of the things I planned on doing this semester and have yet to do.

 

1)   Watch “Hocus Pocus”

2)   See Jimmy Fallon receive some comedy award from the Harvard Lampoon

I don’t want to talk about this one because it makes me sad.

3)   Eat at Charlie’s Kitchen

Buzzfeed recently brought this place to my attention even though I live less than 3 miles away from it. I’m such a quirky millennial.

4)   Eat more ice cream

It’s getting cold, which means that eating ice cream is only socially acceptable for so long. As much as I try not to conform to societal standards, there’s nothing worse than eating ice cream while it snows and getting shifty eyes from strangers on the street.

5)   Cook chicken parm in my apartment and pretend to be a real adult for one night

As you can tell, I’m S T A R V I N G while writing this and all I can think about is food.

6)   Go apple picking and get lost in a corn maze

Apple picking does not seem like a fun activity to me but it’s a staple of fall and I’m trying my best to make my life into a romantic comedy. Also, what kind of blog post would this be from me without a Taylor Swift GIF?

7)   Go to Kane’s Donuts

I’m still hungry, if you couldn’t tell. I’ve tried to go eat these ~world famous~ donuts three times now and every time they have been closed. I think it’s a sign from the heavens.

Anyway, long live and prosper. Keep it real. Don’t be like me and actually go outside and live your life and do fun things. I, on the other hand, will continue to be stressed out consistently and never getting anything done. What’s falling faster, the leaves on the trees or my GPA? (just remember that grades do not guarantee you a job so…)

Christy: Requirements are fun!

I spend way too much time looking over the Journalism and Public Relations Curriculum Guides. I am a huge planner and have already tried to plan which COM classes I am taking when between now and my senior year.

This semester was the first semester I could take major specific COM courses so I was thrilled to jump right in, starting with the major core requirements. I am currently taking two of the core journalism requirements, Fundamentals of Journalism (JO 250) and Visual Journalism (JO 303). 

I have to admit, I initially wasn’t thrilled that I had to take Visual Journalism and thinking about the class made me extremely anxious. I got so caught up in the fact that I had very limited experience with a camera, I didn’t take the time to realize that is why this class is a requirement. We all have to learn somewhere! It easily became my favorite class of the semester. 

The first time I checked a camera out from Field Production Services, I felt out of my element. I didn’t even know if I reserved the right kind of camera. (I did.) During the walk back to my apartment, I dreaded the idea of having to take the camera out and actually use it for my first assignment. But, I ended up having a great time! Having one on one time with the camera outside of the classroom gave me the opportunity to play around with the camera and get comfortable with it. 

I know how to take a variety of great pictures now and how to use Photoshop! I definitely wouldn’t have been able to learn this on my own, so I owe all my new skills to Visual Journalism! Now, my class is beginning to shoot video and we will also learn how to use video editing software. 

I know a lot of COM students, especially Film and Television students (shoutout to almost all my friends,) already know how to work a camera and how to edit photos and videos so they don’t understand the little victories that come with taking Visual Journalism and learning how to take a great picture. These little victories were so satisfying, I hope everyone has the opportunity to experience and love the little victories like I do!

Now with my new found interest in photo and video, I can not only incorporate these elements into my work to tell dynamic stories, but also to take pictures and videos for my own enjoyment. So, if you are not looking forward to taking a core requirement, remember there is a reason the course is a requirement and it will undoubtedly help you grow as a student and an up-and-coming professional in your field.

Amy: Throwing Away the Five-Year Plan

This is the time of your life when everyone from your parents to your first grade teacher to the cashier at the supermarket won't stop asking you what you want to do with your life. We all know the "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" question at interviews and on applications that somehow we're supposed to be able to answer as if we have a magic crystal ball into adulthood.
The weird thing is, up until a few months ago I was the five-year plan kid. I had my plan and my goals and my trajectory. I really thought I was set. Then, I started taking graphic design courses and that opened up a new world I didn't know I loved. After declaring my minor in visual arts I got to work thinking about a NEW five-year plan that involved jobs combining COM and design. Then, I moved to New York for the summer and realized that while NYC is so fun and amazing, it's not the place for me to live permanently. So that, once again, threw a wrench in the good ole' 5-year-plan. I'll be honest I was stressing out.
Somewhere between all the different 5-year-plans I was plotting out for my life, I decided to quit the planning and just let the pieces fall into place, and that was probably one of the best decisions I've made so far in college.
At this point in our lives, we're just getting out of our hometowns and starting to see what's out there in the world for us. This is the time to explore and try things out and NOT lock ourselves into a five-year-plan. I still don't know how to answer those questions in interviews, but for now I'll probably say something corny about finding fun adventures in life.
This whole post is a bit corny, but coming from a former "stressed-about-the-future" kid, it's so important. Throughout college you are going to have so many experiences and life changes that alter the way you want your life to be. Even if you know exactly what you want out of life, it's a waste of time to pretend you can predict the future and lay out exactly how it's going to go. Allow yourself to take alternate paths to success!

Hanna: A Look at BU Student Theatre

Patti Lupone.

Bernadette Peters.

Jeremy Jordan.

Angela Lansbury.

Aaron Tveit.

Sutton Foster.

Elaine Stritch.

Did any of those names make you swoon? If so, it is probably time for you to check out some of the BU theatre groups on campus. I’m not talking CFA. Those guys are fantastic and I encourage you to check out their season as well, but as a busy COM student, I only have time for the student-run theatre organizations.  These groups allow BU students studying other fields to learn about and participate in a wide variety of theatrical productions while balancing their academic lines. Since first semester of my freshman year, these groups have kept me sane. They have also given me some of the best friends I have in Boston, and I would love to use this post to support some of their upcoming productions (and maybe a few of mine…I have no shame).

Unfortunately, you’ve already missed two wonderful shows that went up over the last month. Over Parents Weekend, I was honored to produce Stage Troupe’s Seussical, a musical based on the books and illustrations of Dr. Seuss. Two weeks before that, BU On Broadway put up a concert version of Follies. I was in this one and it was an incredible and unique experience.

But you can’t see those because they already happened. I’ll move on to something more productive for the purposes of this blog. Here are list of upcoming productions you may want to check out!

Stage Troupe’s The Skriker

October 29-31

This is a staged reading that goes up the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Halloween weekend. I’ll be honest…I don’t know much about this one. From what I’ve heard, it is edgy, spooky and insightful. It’s perfect for Halloween time. To make up for my lack of knowledge about the show, I’ve included the poster:

Stage Troupe’s Wit

November 5-7

I’m in this play! I cannot say enough good things about the script of this play about Margaret Edson. The show will resonate with English majors and students on the pre-med track, but it will also connect to anyone who has dealt with the struggles of humanity, cancer and mortality.  Death, really, but not in a gruesome way. Wit explores the journey to death (I’m not spoiling anything) of a stoic English professor who has never allowed herself to open up to human contact or kindness. She has buried herself in her scholarly analysis of poetic texts, and in undergoing chemotherapy, she receives the same treatment from research-hungry medical professionals. Her final hours lead to great enlightenment, both for her and the audience. It’s an honor to be part of this show.

BU On Broadway’s The Wedding Singer

November 12-14

Do you like love? Do you like music? Do you like Adam Sandler and big hair? This high-energy musical brings that good old Sandler/Barrymore movie to life. The cast is unbelievable and the story will make your heart warm. If you’re into fun, contemporary and upbeat musicals, this is among the best. Every member of the cast will make you laugh, and the night will be nothing but a good time. I’ll also be back stage on the Hair and Make-up team of this cool show, so if you come and notice any particularly brilliant hairstyles, you’ll know who’s talent is behind that. 😉

Stage Troupe’s Really Really

November 19-21

This is going to be a good one. This play explores the 24 hours after a typical college party. The play uses a potential rape accusation to explore many of the problems college students face. It deals with issues like stress, anxiety about the future, relationship issues, family ties, social standing and assault.  The show is raw, honest and critical, pointing out the flaws in our generation and encouraging the audience to learn from the performance. This show is especially good to see when you’re in college, and I know the cast and crew have really put their heart into it.

BU On Broadway’s A New Brain

December 3-5

This musical will be in the Agganis Student Theatre, a black box theatre that makes the performance very intimate. This eccentric show follows a disappointed composer (for a children’s television show) who can’t seem to write music that he finds satisfactory. On a lunch date with his best friend, he passes out right into his ziti and soon discovers he has an arteriovenous malformation…basically this means something is very messed up in his brain and he needs a serious operation to survive. As he contemplates his situation, he goes on a mental journey with his family and friends and discovers the joys of life he failed to previously appreciate. This cast is also spectacular and the experience will definitely be moving. I am so excited to see it.

Please keep in mind that these are the two theatre groups within which I am mostly involved. Other groups, such as Wandering Minds and the Shakespeare Society, have plenty of amazing productions too. No matter what you go to see, supporting undergraduate theatre is worthwhile. Students work so hard and so passionately to earn those three short nights of bliss, and usually, those performances are impressively good. If you are interested in attending any of these shows, google “BU On Broadway” or “BU Stage Troupe” for more information about tickets and locations. Also, let me know if you’re coming! I’ll probably be there, too.

Jen: A Halloween How-To Guide

Halloween is quickly approaching and if you’re like me, you’ve been planning for October 31st since May. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, it was a dream of mine when I was younger to go and live in Halloweentown. It’s still my dream today. Halloween is special because not only can you dress like anything you want to be, but you can eat a crazy amount of sugar and not be judged for it. Before I came to B.U., my go-to Halloween activity would be to trick-or-treat the two and a half miles around my neighborhood, and do a traditional candy swap between my friends. However, when I came to school, I found myself stuck as to how to celebrate Halloween. It’s one year later and as a sophomore,instead of being confused about how to celebrate this amazing holiday, I’ve found TONS of ways to celebrate Halloween in Boston and beyond:

  • Drown yourself in chocolate at Max Brenner’s: Freshman year, my friends and I dressed up in our best spooky and quirky costumes and headed to a chocolate lover’s paradise: Max Brenner’s on Boylston. My roommate had told me about how she went to this restaurant in New York and how it was a place I had to go and what better time to go than on Halloween? We engrossed ourselves in rich hot chocolate, ice cream sundaes and my personal favorite, french fries sprinkled with cocoa powder and chili powder.

  • Salem! Salem! Salem!: I’ve been to Salem plenty of times in my life, but when I came to Boston, I thought it was going to be difficult to get there (because, as someone who hates to drive, I had nobody to drive me). Until recently, I found out there was both a ferry and a commuter rail stop in Salem. Salem is one of my favorite towns in Massachusetts, not only because of the rich history and fantastic museums, but because of the quirky and spooky shops. Where else can you find a store dedicated to the world of Harry Potter right next to one where you can buy spell books and cauldrons? Also, Salem has some of the best kettle corn and fried dough I’ve ever had in my life. So even if historically haunted houses and the Salem Witch Trials freak you out, do it for the dough.

  • Coolidge Corner’s Halloween Horror Marathon: As a film major, it’s no doubt that Coolidge Corner is one of my favorite theaters. The theater has midnight showings of movies every week and their theme for October is horror movies. At the end of October, they hold their annual horror movie marathon that starts at midnight on Halloween till noon on November 1st. They hold a double feature and if you’re really dedicated you can stick around for four more films. They do not announce the four other films’ titles till that night so you sit and hope and pray that you’re favorite scary movie is shown (personal favorites: Scream, Rosemary’s Baby and The Babadook

Halloween 2014, before we drowned ourselves in chocolate at Max Brenner’s

Hannah H: A Note on Intro Courses

My name is Hannah and for those of you who don’t know I’m a current senior double majoring in COM and like most seniors – I did exactly what every advisor, teacher and alum tells you not to do – I saved the vast majority of my intro courses for senior year. The only difference is I saved the vast majority of my intro courses for both Film/TV and Advertising.

Now after experiencing it first hand, I’m siding with those wise, wise people who told me not to, but probably not for the reason most people think. It’s not because I already know everything from the intro courses or because the courses don’t relate to my career path. It’s actually the opposite. I’ve learned so much in the courses that my brain has been on overload for the past month and a half trying to take it all in.

Intro courses are actually inundated with information – so it’s really nice to have time that you can dedicate to understanding and mastering the concepts. As you work your way up the class chain – there’s a lot more work outside of the classroom. It can be really difficult to take the time necessary to focus on intro courses when you feel pressured to get work done for your other upper level classes. If you don’t take the time to learn the concepts from intro courses then it really won’t benefit you though. Even if you think you know everything the course is going to teach you – I guarantee you you’re wrong. I find it’s best to go into these types of classes with an open mind and some open time.

Technical classes can seem daunting if you’re an advertising major like me who’s never even spent time in photoshop (who knew there was a whole suite of similar applications? Not me). Whereas I was comfortable in my film/TV technical world – I was more than happy to hop on Production I and get a camera in my hands – it was the opposite with digital and creative classes which was totally absurd on my part. If anything – I enjoy my design class now more than my production one.

Another common misconception is that studies courses are boring, lengthy classes with not a lot of applicable information. Not the case at all. In Mass Com Research I created one of the most thorough projects I’ve ever done in my time at BU, which I now use in my book. Let me tell you, future employers are all about those fancy graphs and Questrom level numbers. Also as it turns out, you learn some really interesting and transferable concepts in film studies classes so I really wish I took that intro class sophomore year rather than my last semester of senior now.

Long story short, I don’t think I’ll be changing my focus to design or film studies anytime soon, but I do wish I was aware of the potential sooner, because it most definitely plays more of a part in copywriting or filmmaking than I ever thought it would. Don’t write off the intros right off the bat.

Claire: The Boston Calendar

The Boston Calendar is one of my favorite resources to find fun and exciting things happening in Boston. The calendar's slogan "events that don't suck" fits the site and blog perfectly. As a new student in Boston it's difficult to know where to go and when ... This calendar promises you will be "in the know" and you will never miss the next street fair or outdoor concert.

The site allows you to pick the day you are looking for something to do, and it simply lists many of the events happening in your area. I advise you to look a couple weeks in advance if possible because some of the more interesting events require a reservation or purchasing tickets. However, if you wake up one Saturday with nothing to do - this calendar will have your back.

You are also able to filter the events to narrow your options. A fan favorite is "FREE".

You can also choose events by location, which is especially useful as you gain your bearings in Boston. The events link directly to google maps so you can see which are happening closest to you. You can get your directions right through the website!

Some of the options may seem a little out there but I go explore your city and try something new!!! Some of my favorite memories from Freshman year are from when my roommate and I chose random events we found on the Boston Calendar and just explored.

 

Claudia: Fall in love with Boston

Fall in Boston means cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and hot apple cider. It is also the perfect time for friends and family to visit Beantown!

Over Columbus Day weekend, my cousin (and best friend since birth), Lizzy, flew up from Dallas, Texas to experience her first real fall. Being her first trip to Boston, and to the Northeast, I came up with a list my go-to Boston spots!

Sweet Cupcakes 

A five-minute walk from East Campus, Sweet Cupcakes has a location right on Mass Ave. Sweet has a lot of fun flavors, vegan and mini cupcakes, and FROSTING shots!

 

Modern Pastry 

In the cannoli debate, I will always go Modern over Mike’s. Modern is on Hanover Street in the North End, which is just a quick two-minute walk from the Haymarket T stop!

Boston Public Gardens

The Boston Public Gardens are the perfect spot to watch the leaves change and for a nice walk with friends (and for some beautiful Instagram pictures).

Thinking Cup

Thinking Cup has multiple locations around Boston, with two sandwiching the Boston Commons and Public Gardens. The two are located on Tremont (right across from the Park Street T stop) and on Newbury (right next to Georgetown Cupcakes). Stop by Thinking Cup for a hot apple cider for your walk through the gardens!

Trident Booksellers and Cafe 

Surprise, surprise. Trident has made it onto another one of my blog posts. As you guys already know, Trident Booksellers and Cafe is my FAVORITE place in all of Boston. It’s not only a delicious spot for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner (they serve breakfast ALL DAY), but it is also an amazing local bookstore with great literary, kitsch, and Boston finds! Did I mention they serve breakfast ALL DAY?!?!

Lizzy left on Tuesday afternoon (with cannolis in tow), already planning her next visit back to Boston.

We have a few weeks left of this beautiful fall, so whether or not you have guests, make the best of this perfect weather before winter creeps in!