Activities – COM Ambassador Blog

Malaika: Made in Massachusetts- 5 Film & Television Inspired Adventures to Experience While Living in Boston

Storytelling. It’s our brand, our livelihoods, and the basis of our education. Beyond the mediums of print, television, film, etc., the best stories transcend words on a page or images on a screen. They engulf our thoughts, and pull at our heart strings.

Massachusetts, and more specifically Boston, is the location of thousands of movie and television scenes. It is home to centuries of history, love, triumph, and wisdom; a true calling ground for narratives of every design. So while you’re living here in Boston, why not sightsee the inspiration behind some of film and television’s most iconic scenes?

Here are my 5 recommendations to experience Hollywood magic in the City of Champions:

Boston Public Garden Bench – “Good Will Hunting”

Who doesn’t love a classic Boston movie? The Good Will Hunting bench at the Boston Public Garden was home to Matt Damon and Robin Williams’ famous conversation scene (pictured above) in the 1997 Oscar-winning film.

Visit on a sunny day, sit on the bench, and watch the swans float by as you ponder life. “Your move, Chief.”

2. Bull and Finch Pub “Cheers”

The Bull and Finch Pub, an iconic Boston landmark, was the inspiration behind NBC’s Cheers (1982-1993). Located directly across from the Boston Public Garden on Beacon Street, the bar’s exterior was used in the television series’ exterior shots. Fans may also visit an exact replica of the set, as well as the Cheers gift shop at Faneuil Hall.

Stop by and snap a picture of the place where “everyone knows your name” (and check out their Norm Burger Challenge).

4. The Castle “Ghostbusters (2016)”

The castle from the opening scene of Ghostbusters (2016) may seem a little familiar to you… in fact it should, because it was filmed at Boston University’s very own Dahod Family Alumni Center, aka “the Castle.”

On your way to class, stop by to tour the newly renovated space, and later, for dinner, go to Kaze Shabu Shabu, a restaurant in Chinatown, to see the inspiration behind the Ghostbusters’ headquarters.

5. 4 Ocean Avenue, Salem, MA – “Hocus Pocus

Since it’s the month of October, take a day trip to Salem and visit this quaint beachfront home, Max and Dani’s house, in the Halloween classic, “Hocus Pocus”.

Happy Exploring,
CA Malaika

Tiffany: ‘Tis the Season

As the semester winds down, most students are preoccupied with final exams, projects, and papers and often forget how beautiful the city of Boston is during this time of year. Although academic assignments are of the utmost importance, take some time to explore and cherish the city during the holiday season. Here are some of my favorite places to visit and activities to do in Boston during the month of December:

Ice Skate on Frog Pond

When the air gets cold enough, Frog Pond in Boston Common freezes over and is open to the public for free skate. For $5 you can spend the afternoon skating around with your friends in the middle of the Commons and experience the park in a whole new way.

Faneuil Hall

This historical landmark is beautiful at this time of year as it’s lit up with lights and holiday decorations. Enjoy the festive scenery and grab a bite to eat at Quincy Market.

Boston Ballet Nutcracker

Performed at the Boston Opera House, the Boston Ballet’s annual production of the Nutcracker is always a treat!

Downtown Crossing Holiday Market

Explore the Downtown Crossing Holiday Market and you’ll find local artists and designers selling everything from crafts, jewelry, to holiday decorations and treats. You might also find Santa Claus roaming around the market as well!

Best of luck wrapping up the academic semester and happy holidays, everyone!

Kaitlin: Cadet Kaitlin

For those of you who know me, you might already be familiar with the fact that my college experience is a bit different from many others' in COM. Sure, I live in a dorm, revolve around a tight budget, and take enough classes to keep me pretty busy throughout the week.

But unlike most people, I've already been guaranteed a job for after I graduate. In fact, I know exactly how long I'll have this job, how much I'll be paid, and who my coworkers will be- 350,000 some odd Airmen.

That's right. When I graduate Boston University's College of Communication, I'll also commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Since the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AF ROTC) is pretty rare in COM (I'm currently the only cadet majoring in a communication field), people usually have a ton of questions for me, so I thought I'd answer a few here!

So, what exactly is ROTC?

In short, it's a college program designed to train students to become commissioned officers in the armed forces. Boston University hosts four branches of ROTC- Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy.

What does that really mean?

On top of normal college classes, I have quite a few mandatory things I must do every week as a member of ROTC, including an additional 5 hours of class-time, physical training sessions, and a uniform day. We also have additional events we must attend, the biggest one being a 28-day training in Alabama and Mississippi over the Summer (I successfully completed mine in June!). Over the course of the four years we're in college, we're learning how to become the best leaders possible, so we can soon lead thousands of men and women in the military.

What happens next?

After my college career, I will enter the force as an officer, which means that Day One I'll be the boss of thousands of enlisted personnel. My contract will commit me to four years in the active Air Force, and four years in the Reserves. My plan is to work in the field of public affairs, hence the public relations major, and learn as much as I can. I recognize that this experience is so incredibly rare, and will definitely contribute to a unique perspective on PR in other fields.

Annnnd the biggest question: Will you fly planes?

No, I will probably never fly a plane. The fact that everyone in the Air Force flies is actually a very common misconception! (Although that would be pretty cool).

I hope I cleared up some confusion and/or answered some questions you might have had! If any of you have any other questions about my experience in ROTC or otherwise, please feel free to let me know. And of course, if you see me walking around in my uniform on Wednesdays, be sure to say hello!

Taylor: Try Something Different

TRUE OR FALSE: Figuring out a daily routine and sticking to it should become priority for college students. Prior the start of my sophomore year, I would have totally agreed with the previous statement. However, during these past four weeks on campus I have come to understand the depth of spontaneity.

Now I am not discouraging terrier-ific COMers to invest in planners. I passionately urge students to create a general schedule with course deadlines along with personal projects. However, I am beginning to understand how much of an enjoyable experience college can be with the inclusion of activities outside of your major field.

For instance, I have recently been cast in BU On Broadway’s fall musical, All Shook Up. Participating in this production is a major change from my campus involvement last year. I am actively involved in both BUTV10 and WTBU, so my personal calendar has endured a scheduling tornado. However, I am enjoying every moment of my involvement. I took the initiative to try something different from my intended major and I have come to fall in love with new family I have joined.

So take advantage of the COMmotion, study hard, and enjoy life!

Taylor

Kate: We Made Our Mark

Every January, about a week before classes start, the campus fills with girls—thousands of them—all getting ready for sorority recruitment. Whether a sorority woman or a potential new member, everyone has a certain excitement and anxiousness that can only be found during recruitment.

This year, over 600 PNMs came out to the Marriot Hotel in Copley to “Make Their Mark” on Greek Life. Only five days later, the same 600+ girls received their bids and excitedly joined their new sisters!

I’ll be honest, Greek Life is not huge at BU, definitely nothing like the “Go Greek or Go Home” schools I grew up around in the Midwest. But we are a growing community and each year, more and more freshmen and sophomore women are joining the nine chapters we currently have on campus. I went through recruitment as a freshman and it was a stressful, exciting, tiring, thrilling, and completely worth it week of small talk, pictures, cheering, and lots and lots of girls. But without it, I wouldn’t have met some of my best friends on campus and future bridesmaids… yes, I went there with that cliché…but its true.

And in addition to the sisters, one thing about BU Greek Life that I really love is the support. We attend each other’s philanthropy events, help when our community is in need, and encourage each other through everything. Last year, the nine sororities worked together during Sigma Chi Derby Days, a weeklong philanthropy event to benefit cancer research, and raised almost $30,000! And when a house that members of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity live in caught on fire this semester, the entire community bought supplies and food to get them back on their feet. That service and support will always make me proud to be a member of the Greek community.

Greek Life at BU is one of those things that you get out what you put into it. If you want to get really involved, that opportunity is absolutely available to you. And if you want it to be one of the many different things you do on campus that's fine too. But it has provided me an incredible support system over the past year and given me some of the best experiences I’ve had at BU!

For more information about Greek Life, check out www.bu.edu/greeklife or @BUGreeks on Twitter!