Kreag: “Major” Problems

One problem I have faced since my freshman year here at Boston University is whether or not I want to take on a second degree.  For a long time, I thought that along with film I would be doing something else, maybe journalism, or maybe something outside of COM, like sociology.  However, the past year and half have led me in a completely different direction.  While there was a brief time when I considered picking up a minor in journalism, mainly because it was something I did and enjoyed in high school, that never really became a reality.  After a while I tossed that idea aside and decided that I was going to dedicate all of my time to the field of film and television.

That all changed when I entered the summer before sophomore year.  I guess you could say I had a crisis of sorts, mainly inspired by my family’s desire for me to study something that they viewed as “more secure” in terms of future job possibilities.  That resulted in my brief foray into the Questrom School of Business.  That was a journey that I quickly ended due to my lack of math background and complete inability to understand anything with the word “calculus” in the course title.  My family was not happy that I decided against a Business degree, but I can pretty confidently say that it would not have gone very well.

Well, here I am, a few months later, again back to the singular track of Film and Television.  And again, I am considering picking up another major.  This time its PR (which is actually a track in the Mass Communication major, but basically its the same thing), which I’ve actually discovered is something I enjoy.  Next semester I’m going to take the Intro to PR class, and if all goes well, maybe I’ll pick up a dual degree or a Communication minor!

I guess the moral of the story here is that you don’t have to know what you want to do in college right away!  That was something I struggled with for a long time, not just because other people pressured me to find something else, but also because I have a huge range of interests and a huge amount of things that I would like to learn in college.  Don’t be afraid to browse the variety of classes that your college has to offer, and don’t be afraid to change your mind even if you’ve taken classes towards a certain track!  And don’t forget that you can’t please everybody; if you love film, take film classes if you can.  Just because your friends or family think you’re perfect material for the pre-med track doesn’t mean you are; do what you love and what you enjoy!

Stacy: FALL CHECKLIST:

With October behind us, winter is coming.

Before it gets too cold to frolic outside and adventure without wearing parkas... here is a list to make sure you're covering all your bases this year in enjoying the fall weather:

1. Apple Picking

Not only will you get those ~basic~ instas and a new profile picture... but you will also get apple cider, cider doughnuts and all the apples you could want.

Check out Honey Pot Hill Orchards -  http://www.honeypothill.com

Also, Connors Farm in Danvers, MA -  http://www.connorsfarm.com

2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch!

Whether you take one home and carve it, or just adventure... it's a fun way to take a break from your school routine. (Bonus points for drinking Starbucks out of their holiday cup at the same time).

3. Salem, MA

While this is the hub for Halloween, Salem is fun year round. There is so much history here, great places to eat and it's only a quick ride on the Commuter Rail that leaves from North Station.

4. Be the first one on the ice

Skating at the Frog Pond is a Boston staple. It's cheap to do, a fun way to get off campus and it's a nice way to transition into the upcoming winter months.

http://bostonfrogpond.com

5. Coolidge Corner Theatre

My favorite place to catch a movie in the Greater Boston Area. They have fun events to attend, they replay older films and they also play the latest movies.  The theatre is gorgeous and in a fun area to explore.

http://www.coolidge.org

Hope this helps!

Donald: Bursting the BU Bubble – Finding Boston’s Less-Frequented Neighborhoods

Last fall, I took a fascinating class called Urban Sociology (SO 244). One day, we had a guest speaker who was an expert on Boston come give our class a lecture. To start off, he gave us a blank map of the city of Boston and told us to fill in all of the city’s neighborhoods. Like most BU students, I quickly found Kenmore/Fenway, Allston, and I managed to scribble in Brookline. Yet, after that, even if I could name other neighborhoods, I had no idea where they were.

As BU students, I’m sure we’ve all heard of the “BU Bubble” - an imaginary boundary that includes our campus and nearby areas - that BU students never seem to escape. During my sophomore year, I realized how true this assertion was, and I took it upon myself to explore the actual city of Boston before I graduated. Here are just a few spots that I’ve loved exploring that aren’t so close to campus.

Jamaica Plain
Overview: Jamaica Plain (JP) is an eclectic community that truly has a small-town feel. The neighborhood, with large LGBTQ+ and Latino communities, is a diverse conclave with a very activist-minded vibe. This is exemplified by some of the shopping spots in the neighborhood, such as Boomerangs, a thrift store whose proceeds all benefit the AIDS Action Committee. 
Favorite Spot: It’s honestly hard to pick. Although the first ever J.P. Licks ice cream store is located in JP, I’m going to go with the Jamaica Pond for this one. If you’re looking to feel like you’re away from the city for a while, the Jamaica Pond is a beautiful getaway, while miles of running/walking/biking paths around it. 
How To Get There: Getting to JP is a little tough. However, there are several stops on the Orange Line that will land you in JP, including the Jackson Square and Forest Hills stops. 

Somerville
Overview: Often referred to as the “Brooklyn of Boston,” Somerville is a trendy, hip neighborhood home to a lot of recent college graduates and young professionals. Just past Cambridge, Somerville has a number of excellent restaurants and cool sites to visit.
Favorite Spot: By far, my favorite place to visit in Somerville is Union Square, especially during one of weirder community festivals they have. In the past, I’ve been to Fluff Fest - a festival dedicated entirely to marshmallow fluff. A few weeks ago, they hosted Pity Party, an event celebrating sadness and sulking. Definitely check out a calendar to see what cool events may be coming up soon.
How To Get There: Somerville is a bit tricky. But, if you hop on the B line to the Chestnut Hill Ave stop, you can hop on the 86 bus and be there in a few minutes!

Central Square
Overview: I mean this in the best way possible, but if you’re looking for a crowd of weird people, Cambridge is the best place to be. And no other area of Cambridge exemplifies that like Central Square. With a mixture of restaurants, concert venues, and small shops, Central Square is an eclectic group of both college students and older adults.
Favorite Spot: Out of the Blue Too is an art gallery and concert space in the heart of Central Square. It’s one of my favorite venues to visit because it usually hosts local bands in a small, intimate setting. Plus, there are a ton of really cool art piece along the walls, so you can peruse some cool art while listening to great music.
How To Get There: It’s super easy! Just hop on the 47 bus, which has a stop in South Campus close to Warren Towers, and you’ll be there in 15 minutes!

Roxbury
Overview: Many BU students talk about being afraid to visit Roxbury, but it’s actually a very welcoming and warm community that deserves more attention than it gets. Roxbury is the heart of the African-American community in Boston, with many family-owened establishments and a vibrant community-feeling.
Favorite Spot: I love the Hayley House in Roxbury, a great cafe with some of the best quesadillas I’ve had in Boston. The Hayley House often has spoken word poetry nights, which are a must-see!
How To Get There: Roxbury isn’t super accesible via public transportation, but there are several stops on the Orange Line which can get you there if you have time to spare.

Kate: Spring Break 2016

Hey COM student! Hey, what? Hey COM student! Hey, what? Did you love FYSOP 26 as much as I did? If so, you should consider participating in Alternative Service Breaks this winter or spring break. 

As described on their website, Alternative Service Breaks (ASB) promotes community service, develops leadership skills, and creates strong bonds among its participants. Since its founding in 1988, Boston University student and faculty/staff volunteers have spent their spring breaks participating in volunteer work throughout the country with focuses such as the environment, affordable housing, hunger, education, public health, and disabilities. Each of the trips is comprised of two Coordinators, seven to twelve volunteers, and one faculty/staff Chaperone. 

There are 38 trips this year- 36 trips for spring break and 2 trips for winter break. During winter break, you can learn, serve and reflect in Boston or Philadelphia. Trips for spring break range from Georgia to Utah to even Puerto Rico!

To learn more about ASB, attend one of the two info fairs, on Oct 28 7-9pm and Nov 10 7-9pm. You can also check out the trip locations online! Registration for volunteers opens at 9am on Sunday Nov. 22nd. More details can be found on their website buasb.squarespace.com! 

Questions? Visit the Community Service Center anytime Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and ask for CiCi or Josh, the ASB program managers. You can also email them at altbreak@bu.edu!

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.