Analise B: If You Have to Read One Book Before You Die, Let It Be The Book Thief

I normally find myself getting tripped up and lost in a sea of potential choices when someone asks me what my favorite film or song is, and how can you blame me? There are so many good contenders out there. However, the one consistent and solid answer I can give for an icebreaker or a curious inquirer is my favorite book.

In 8th grade, I was assigned what I now consider to be the best piece of literature I have ever laid my eyes upon: Mark Zusak’s “The Book Thief.” The book takes place during the onset of World War II where the protagonist, Liesel Meminger, is taken in by a foster family who finds themselves at the center of Germany’s political turmoil as air raids and the loss of Jewish friends plague their lives.

Whether or not you know a lot about wars, the book finds its true value in the way that it can emphasize the true brute strength of words. Conflicts in history, especially on levels as devastating as the Holocaust, are presumably fought with fancy weapons and guns. While that may be true to an extent, the story proposes the idea that words could be a force equally as destructive. Zusak makes mention of the fact that Hitler was never one to raise a gun in this war, he merely planted the seeds of his hateful, intolerant words until they grew into a nation of farmed thought.

The first time I read it, I felt more sadness than anything, but what drew me back in was the opposing consideration. While it is true that words have the power to destroy, and that’s exactly what Hitler used them to do, they can also be used to create change. Liesel Meminger is a book thief, she saves a great deal of people with the words off pages of a story she stole from an old woman. Later, she begins to write her own words and thoughts amid the ugliness of the world around her to preserve her own life.

I don’t like to claim that this book is what pushed me to become a journalism major because there certainly was an array of confounding factors that inspired me to enter the world of COM. However, what this book did give me was my love for words. At 14, I learned a rather harsh way, the weight that words carry. These little semantics can both tear something down, and build it right back up. Words can disband, they can unify, they can strengthen, they can kill. What changes the outcome of how words impact us is how they are used.

Zusak closes the book with this eloquent quote: “I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I made them right.” Words are difficult to articulate, verbalize, and compose, but when they do arrive, we get to witness in real-time the influence they possess.

Morgan M: The Benefits of Office Hours

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but if you want to build a strong, professional relationship with your professors, there is no better way than to go to office hours! As a freshman I would hear this word of advice all the time and be intimidated by the prospect of spending one-on-one time with someone I thought I was supposed to fear. However, once I started to go, I realized how much this time was helping me as a student and a professional (and how friendly the professors really are).

Help on assignments

One way you can utilize office hours to your advantage is asking your professor for guidance or assistance on a certain assignment. Sure, you may have a good idea of the subject matter and feel like you’d be able to complete it on your own, but I have found that it is incredibly valuable to approach a professor and ask them what they expect and hope to see out of the assignment. This eliminates any confusion and allows you to cater your work to the specific preferences of the professor

Shows dedication as a student

Most professors love to see students at office hours because it proves that those students are thinking about that class outside of the allotted time. It may seem mundane to pop into a professor’s office to ask a question, but it really shows that you care about your success in that class and as a student.

Professional guidance

By going to office hours, you are allowing your professor to get to know you on a personal level. They will be able to better understand your strengths and weaknesses as a student, your work ethic, and your personality overall. In my case, showing my professors who I was as a student and a person led me to create really strong academic and personal relationships with them. When I started applying for internships and other opportunities, I had faculty I could turn to to ask to use as references or letters of recommendation.

Colbi E: A Senior’s Top Moments at BU

I’m now a second-semester senior, and graduation is approaching faster than I would like to accept. I’ve had the most wonderful four years at Boston University, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had. So, I would like to list out some of my most memorable moments — in no particular order — at BU to give you some inspiration on clubs to join, classes to take and opportunities to gain professional experience.

Interviewing Mayor Michelle Wu for a class

I was taking a class on TV reporting the fall of my junior year when I went downtown to make a video package on the Veteran’s Day Parade. Several local politicians were in attendance, and as the parade made its way to Government Center, my class partner and I spotted Mayor Michelle Wu. I was the one doing interviews for this particular package, and I knew I wanted to speak with her. So, despite some nerves, I went up and asked her questions. She probably doesn’t remember that moment, but it’s something I think about often.

Interning at places like NBC and The Dallas Morning News

I’ve had five internships throughout my time at BU, and they have all been amazing learning opportunities. I’m a double major in political science and journalism, with a minor in African American studies, but journalism is what I want to do as a career. In addition to my internships, I’ve also taken The Boston Globe reporting class where I covered the city of Newton for a semester and am currently reporting for The Worcester Telegram & Gazette through the BU Statehouse Program. The College of Communication has amazing courses that offer professional experiences, which will prepare you well for internships.

Studying Abroad in London

Yes, I went abroad and never stopped talking about it. I studied in London for the spring semester of my junior year and got to truly travel the world for the first time in my life. I interned with a local company, studied British politics and media, and explored not only the UK but several other countries in Europe! It was the most amazing experience and I would do it over and over again if I could.

Being Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Free Press

The Daily Free Press is Boston University’s independent, student-run newspaper. If you’re interested in journalism, photography, graphic design, podcasting or opinion writing, I would highly recommend joining. I know I said there was no ranking of my experiences, but this one may just be the most important. It set me up for success in my career, and I learned so much about journalism while being EIC. I love the FreeP and everyone who works there — we would love to have you if you’re interested!

Honorable mentions not related to academics or career

Hockey games, riding a BlueBike on the Esplanade, sitting in the sun on the COM Lawn, Warren Dining Hall’s stir fry, Marciano Common’s pasta, Nud Pob and kayaking on the Charles River.

I miss you already Boston!

Irene J: Opportunities at COM – BUTV10 & WTBU

Boston University's College of Communication student body has a huge range of extracurricular activities - entertaining but also highly professional! I would love to share my experience and the opportunities you can get with the COM. 

BUTV10 is a student-operated media production and distribution service, offering a variety of programs ranging from news, comedy, and drama, to variety shows. It is open to all BU students regardless of their majors and provides professional experience at the studio, with cameras, and working as a crew behind the scenes. 

I have been involved in The Wire, a daily news program in BUTV10 as a videographer and an anchor for a year. Starting as a camera operator in my sophomore year, I learned the work behind the scene and how the show is crafted with the collaboration of the crew. Then I switched my interest to on-camera talent to report a health and science feature every other week. Yes, it is hard to get up at 7 am in the morning and get ready for your story the night before the show, but nothing is more worthy than to see your show after THE busy morning! 

WTBU, the college's longest-running radio station, is another great opportunity you can have. We broadcast live 20 hours a day and all our shows are run by students! It is the perfect ground for creative content creation where you can pitch your ideas, DJ, and make the show go live on 89.3 FM. All DJs are trained as an intern on the station for a semester. 

I have been on the team of WTBU News, airing on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 PM-8 PM. You can be a reporter, a director, or an anchor for a show with amazing crew members. Again, the majors don’t matter as long as you are passionate about news reporting, which gave me a great opportunity to be involved on campus.  

Much more COM clubs and activities are here waiting for you! Feel free to reach out for any questions to the COM ambassador.

Suzanne C: 4 Pieces Of Advice To My Freshman Self (And Current Freshmen)

The first year of college can be hard at times. You’re away from home for the first time, taking hard classes, and trying to make friends. It can sometimes be discouraging — but take it from this senior — it gets better. Here are some pieces of advice I would give to my freshman-year self that, hopefully, you will benefit from too.

Get Involved

Getting involved in extracurriculars is one of the best ways to make friends and make the most out of your time at BU. One of my favorite things about BU is they have a club or group for almost everything — so if you haven’t already, take advantage of this! I am now involved in six extracurriculars (I did not join them all at the same time), and I can honestly say my BU experience would not be the same without them. I also think it’s important to join clubs because you’re interested in them, not because you think they’ll look good on your resume. If you’re involved in things you’re interested in, you’ll enjoy them more, and they’ll probably end up looking good on your resume anyway.

It’s Okay To Be Homesick

It’s 100% normal to be homesick during your first year of college. And probably almost everyone is, whether they say it or not. It’s not easy to be away from your family, home friends, and hometown for the first time. But it does get better. I’m not going to promise it will completely go away because, as a senior, I still get homesick occasionally, but you will start feeling homesick less and less. If you don’t already, make a habit of calling your family. It will make you feel closer to home, and I’m sure they would love to hear from you.

School Is Hard

BU is very academically hard. When I first got here, I was blown away by how much harder it was than my high school. I got a couple of ugly scores on the first midterms I took, and there were moments when I really doubted myself. However, I was quickly able to adapt and even excel in school here, and if you’re feeling the same way, you will too. Keep working hard, and it will pay off!

Enjoy It

I know everyone says this, but college really does go by so fast — so try to enjoy it while it lasts! You also never know when something like a pandemic could send you home from college and put you on Zoom. But seriously, the pandemic made me more grateful for things I took for granted before — in-person classes, being able to hang out with friends, and in-person extracurriculars. So, enjoy all of these things! Because before you know it, you’ll be a senior too.

GT: You are right where you are supposed to be.

I am here to validate your feelings and remind you everything will be okay.

College is a beautiful place and time for us to learn and become the best version of ourselves. I must admit, however, it can be intimidating and overwhelming especially when everyone around you is moving at a different pace. 

I left the suburbs of southern California to experience the pace of the city and east coast culture. The transition and adjustment for my first semester was beyond difficult because I felt so lost and lonely. I was the only one to go far from my high school, and it felt like everyone else knew what they were doing and were able to make friends and enjoy BU just fine. This caused me to go into an emotional spiral because I kept asking myself: what am I doing wrong?

Well, the answer is nothing. I am right where I’m supposed to be. I’d like to share some quotes and sayings that helped keep me grounded in my college journey, and hopefully they will help you too. Wherever you are on your college journey whether it be your freshman year, last semester and job searching, or somewhere in between, I would like to offer some wise words and reassurance. 

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”: Whenever I see someone the same age with me partying a little harder or doing a little better, I begin to feel sad for myself and wonder why my life isn’t as great. However, I have to remember that everyone has a life of their own and there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Comparing my experiences with others will not make my life any better. As a COM major, there’s no way to exile social media from our lives, but rather learn how to live with it in a healthy way.

“Everything is temporary.”: This is very bittersweet. Time will pass and you will finish that class you dreaded so much or that fun event will come to an end. Nothing lasts forever except the constant changes, so appreciate the good times and endure the bad. Great things are ahead of you.

“Find out what you like, figure out why you like it, and just be bold after that.”: Our student body is such a diverse group and there are many influences around us that can be overwhelming. Trends go in and out and what’s socially acceptable can change overnight. It is important to not get lost in the sauce, and remember you are your own person and you are in control of your life. Stay true to yourself, always.

In the end, we are very small specks on a spinning rock. Nothing really matters except how you choose to go about your life. You will go through some valleys physically, mentally, emotionally, and that is completely okay. You will make it. You will be okay. Trust the process, and more importantly trust in yourself.

Evan B: A Love Letter To My Office Job

When the Office Manager at COM Undergraduate Affairs first reached out to me at the end of my Sophomore year asking if I would be interested in working as an office assistant, I had no clue what to expect. I never exactly thought an office job would be my thing. For starters, copy machines can get really confusing, really quick. But, since I first took a seat in our super tall rolly chair at the front desk of Undergraduate Affairs, I’ve never looked back!

I quickly mastered the copy machine– the office is passionate about a good coloring page– but have also found that there’s so much more to do when I’m working in the office. Picking up the phone is always a fun surprise, and there is definitely no shortage of emails to answer, especially during registration season 😉

At Undergraduate Affairs, we take our snacks super seriously, too. Any day can be made better with a little help from our candy drawer, and all of the other Office Assistants and Advisors are super passionate about trying all of the Pringle flavors that exist around the world (and yes, there is a running ranking sheet of all the flavors we’ve tried). There is no shortage of baked goods in the office– with gluten- and dairy-free options too– and sometimes we even get lucky if there are extra snacks from an event around COM, too.

Most importantly, though, working in the office has meant so much more to me than all of the fun we have every day, like when our WB Mason office supply deliveries arrive or we decorate to celebrate the next upcoming holiday. Not only have I been able to learn super important skills that will help me in any role I take on in the future, like how to reply to emails, help a student at the front desk, or what to do when I don’t know the answer to a question, but I’ve also found a diverse support system through working in the office, too. Many of the other office assistants are in the same classes as I am, and we always help each other with coursework and networking, too. Getting to know each of the advisors has shown me that there is always someone there to support you in your academic, professional, and personal life; so much can happen in your four years of undergraduate school, and each and every one of our advisors is so knowledgeable and is there to support you at every moment along the way. Additionally, I’ve gotten to know the faculty and staff of the different COM departments, Dean’s Office, and Career Services, which has helped me feel more confident in myself as a student and my ability to get a full-time job once I graduate.

COM Undergraduate Affairs is just one more example of the COMmunity I’ve found here at BU, and I know for a fact that my time in Boston would not have been the same if I had let my fears of the copy machine stop me from taking on this position 🙂

Joe P: Boston-Area Sporting Events To Watch For November

They say Boston is the City of Champions, and while the days of Tom Brady winning Super Bowls for the New England Patriots is over, Boston sports are still synonymous with success. Aside from the professional teams, the countless college sports teams competing in the area mean exciting sporting events are happening every day.

Here are some events you should look to check out in November, whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just like the atmosphere of big games:

Monday, November 7 - BU Men’s/Women’s Basketball vs. Northeastern - Case Gym

Basketball season is right around the corner, and both the men’s and women’s teams at BU will be tipping off their slate during a Monday doubleheader at Case Gym.

Both teams should be competitive in the Patriot League, and starting the year against a local non-conference rival will make things all the more exciting.

The women play at 4:30 p.m. followed by the men at 7. 

Monday, November 7 - Boston Bruins vs. St. Louis Blues - TD Garden

In a rematch of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, where the Blues beat the Bruins 4-3 in the best-of-seven series, emotions still run high in the city of Boston when St. Louis comes to town.

Several key players from both sides of that championship matchup are no longer with their team, but a lot of good players remain, and the Bruins currently have the best record in the entire NHL (5-1-0).

Not to mention, former BU Terriers Matt Grzelcyk, Charlie Coyle and A.J. Greer all play for the Bruins, and injured Charlie McAvoy will be returning soon. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Friday, November 11 - Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets - TD Garden

The Celtics fell just short of the 2022 NBA Championship, but return what should be a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. Coming from the West is Denver and the two-time reigning league MVP, Nikola Jokic.

With Jokic going against Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, there’s no shortage of star power in this matchup that will be fun to watch for even the casual fan. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 19 - Harvard Football vs. Yale - Harvard Stadium

While Cambridge is not Boston, the Harvard football stadium is located in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, and with no football team at BU, this historic matchup must be circled on the calendar.

The first meeting between the two Ivy League rivals took place in 1875, and “The Game” is among the longest-standing and most-respected college football matchups in the country.

With “The Game” alternating host sites each year, and with the pandemic canceling Ivy League sports in 2020, Harvard has not hosted “The Game” since 2018 when the two sides played at Fenway Park. With this year being the first time back at Harvard Stadium since 2016, it’s hard to resist going out to witness the latest chapter of a historic sporting tradition. Kick-off time is yet to be determined.

Wednesday, November 23 - BU Men’s Hockey vs. Notre Dame - Agganis Arena

The BU men’s hockey team is currently ranked top 10 in the country, and with renewed hopes under first-year head coach Jay Pandolfo, the Terriers will be welcoming a high-profile opponent to Agganis Arena before Thanksgiving.

The Fighting Irish are currently ranked 13th in the country, and are one of the best teams on the Terriers’ schedule. Kick off Thanksgiving weekend watching two iconic programs face off. Puck drop is at 5 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, November 26 & 27 - Boston Pride vs. Toronto Six - Warrior Ice Arena

Finally, make sure to check out the weekend series of the two-time reigning Premier Hockey Federation champions face off against Toronto. Boston’s professional women’s ice hockey team is by far the most accomplished in the PHF’s short history.

Playing in nearby Brighton, the Pride boast former Terriers Sammy Davis, the 2020 First Overall Pick, and Kaleigh Fratkin. The Saturday game starts at 7 p.m., and the Sunday puck drop is 2 p.m.

 

Meryl B: How to Get an Internship

Internships provide a great way to gain exposure to a variety of industries, open doors to future opportunities, and also show future employers you are serious about gaining experience and increasing your professional skills. Wondering where to begin? Here is a list of platforms to help you look for internships, as well as providing a great way to network with people across different fields to learn more about career paths. 

  1. LinkedIn 

LinkedIn not only connects you with recruiters and future employers, but with friends, former employers, professors and business figures, thereby broadening your reach and exposure. Based on your search criteria, it will send relevant job/internship postings. You can also link in with friends who will appear in your notifications so you can see their updates. Therefore, you are kept informed of changes in their roles and recent accomplishments. You can also let recruiters know that you are open to new positions. Additionally, if you choose to purchase the premium subscription, you can see who has viewed your profile. 

  1. Handshake 

Discovering all types of work opportunities, including paid internships, is made simple through Handshake. To ensure your application is competitive, the platform frequently collaborates with career services at Boston University. One of the numerous advantages Handshake offers is the ability to submit a resume and cover letter for evaluation before applying. Additionally, employers post on Handshake their events/career fairs, so you can shake hands and network. 

  1. MonsterCollege 

Finding employment and internships might be as terrifying as the monster you once believed lurked in the shadows as a child. However, MonsterCollege offers an easier alternative, improving your experience through its customized approach. Specifically created for college students and recent graduates, the site enables you to learn about a variety of occupations, get interview tips, speak with other job seekers, and even find a job. Therefore, taking the fear out of job hunting, creating a positive experience and bringing opportunities to light. 

  1. Creatively 

Creatively connects creative artists of all stripes — animators, fashion designers, web designers, fine artists, writers and producers — with companies and individuals who need their services. The website was launched by Stacey Bendet, the founder of the clothing line Alice + Olivia, and assists jobseekers when applying for positions with national and international firms. Signing up and creating a profile is free for artists, and the platform makes it easy to showcase your portfolio. Employers and brands subscribe to the platform to interact with creatives and find interested candidates.

 

Melina N: Take care of yourself, from someone who also needs that reminder

Congratulations on making it to BU campus – and to university in general! Every single student has worked extremely hard to get here. I can only imagine the countless nights of studying, cramming and stress combined among all of us. Not only did you have to complete college applications, but that came with hours of schoolwork, extracurriculars, sports, performance arts or part-time work. 

Once you get here, there are a variety of pathways you could take. Some decide to take it easy and focus on their social life or explore the city. Some decide to stay indoors and live an independent adult life for the first time by grocery shopping and adulting. 

For many others (including me), I’ve kept trucking along into college. I am involved in several clubs, try to make time for friends and fit in grocery shopping and eating out when I can. I feel like I can overextend sometimes; my friends are always lecturing me about sleeping more or eating well. 

So, as someone who understands the hustle and bustle of daily life as a BU student, here are some tips and reminders for any of you that feel like you need a mental health check. 

  1. Drink your water! 

I definitely forget to drink enough water (don’t blame me … it makes my stomach feel too full). However, it is definitely a habit that needs to be a conscious effort. Healthy water intake helps wake your brain up and reduce headaches. And as someone who has had a couple of dehydration spells, that should not be a possible event in your already packed schedule. There are many water bottle refill stations around campus and even fun water flavoring mixes if you hate drinking plain water. 

  1. Take breaks. 

The clock strikes midnight. It’s down to the wire, and you have a project or midterm due the next day. You’re wavering between cramming in a bit more work or just calling it a night. Sometimes, when your brain is already fatigued, it’s best to just take a five minute break. I find the pomodoro method to be helpful – 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. This way, you can 

pace yourself and reset your train of thought before you burnout. And in the off-chance you find yourself in that “I need to study more before tomorrow’s test” loop, it’s best to put yourself first and go to bed. 

  1. Sleep enough.

This brings me to my last point. Sleep is essential! Nothing makes me happier than climbing into my cozy twin XL bed every night. Although I get six hours of sleep some nights, aiming for eight is optimal. Be realistic and prepare yourself for the days when you can’t take care of yourself fully, but your mental health (and physical health) are the most crucial aspects of college life. If you aren’t healthy, you can’t be the best student you can be!