Class of 2020 – Page 4 – COM Ambassador Blog

Josee: COM Is Like an Elevator

In a sprawling urban environment filled with bustling trains, erratic car horns, and the overlapping voices of hundreds of thousands of people, it can be scary to think that you could still feel alone.

In this case, I’m not talking about the moments of precious solitude where you take time for yourself. Instead, it’s more like that loneliness when things are persistently overwhelming and all you feel is lost.

As many other college students can attest, these are the periods where you need an extra hand to help pick you up: that’s where mentorship comes in.

The word “mentor” doesn’t seem to do justice to the people who bring a sense of guidance and support into your life. Mentors come in all shapes, sizes, and from the most unexpected places. They could be long-term or only appear over five shared minutes, but they indubitably leave an impact that lasts.

So far, I’ve been lucky enough to meet some incredible mentors that have helped me navigate the crazy world that is college. They’ve been there for the big things and for the small things – and they have made sure I’m not going through this alone.

I urge you to connect with everyone you meet, each person has something you can learn from and you never know when someone might become that elusive mentor.

My freshman year, I was nervous as all hell but I knew how badly I wanted to be a journalist. After joining BUTV10’s The Wire, I made a connection with a junior who understood when I was stressed, who believed in me when I didn’t myself, and most importantly sent me gifs of Ansel Elgort when I was feeling down.

Nebe Since, then Nebe’s been my rock and reminds me how thankful I am for the COM community. COM’s a vertical situation. The super intimidating seniors with fancy resumes and incredible confidence are there to help you. They get it most, because they were in your shoes just a few years ago.

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Mentorship in COM also comes in the form of professors. Yet another analogy: COM’s faculty/student relationships are like elevators. You have professors with Pulitzers, Emmy’s, and stories that you can only dream of. They’ve got accolades, praise, and use awards as their bookends. But they’re also here for a reason, to come back down from these heights and bring students up there with them.

Although I liked Prof. Zuckoff’s JO250 Fundamentals of Journalism class, I knew that I had found a mentor that “got me” when we bonded over some weird medical diagnosis we had in common. Bonding over health issues, am I right?

But since then, it’s a very comforting feeling knowing that no matter how lost I get in the pursuit of my journalism dreams, I have someone who seems to get it and can bring me back on the right track.

Exhibit A (an email from me)

Exhibit B (an email I received)

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All in all, mentorship rocks. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, meet new people, and build these relationships that transform you college career and beyond. I promise you won’t regret it. (Also know you can always reach out to your CAs! We’re here for you!)

Peace and love,
Josee

Stephen: COM and Beyond

I am a COM student. Naturally, I have many friends in COM. I spend lots of time in COM and love talking about COM as well. Basically, COM plays a huge role in my life now, and although I knew it would get to this point when I first came to BU, I didn’t quite realize just what else would be present in my day to day activities. I say all of this because I wanted to talk about something I mentioned during the first Spring Open House which came as a bit of a surprise to me once I arrived on campus.

When it was my turn to introduce myself as a COM Ambassador, I knew exactly what to say to answer the question “What did you wish you knew before coming to COM?” for all of the prospective students. I said how I was so surprised to find just how easy it was to interact with so many different students across all sorts of different disciplines and majors, and that I would spend a huge amount of time with them outside of the classroom.

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Coming into college, I always had the expectation that almost all of my friends would be from my program and that I might meet a couple people here and there on my floor from different majors but that would be about it. I had no idea that the environment I was actually being thrust into forced me (in a good way don’t worry) to meet new people and make friends wherever I can. At this point, a good majority of the people I hang out with are business students with the occasional engineer and bio major mixed in, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

I say all of this because I truly believe that interacting with as many different people as possible is one of the most important things you can do, not only as a student, but as a human being. You want to expand your horizon as much as possible and take in every experience that is offered to you so your perspective can adapt for our changing world. Quite simply, it helps you enjoy life to the fullest.

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An example of the COM world colliding with Questrom can be found with my good friend Jimmy. I met Jimmy through a GroupMe chat that was started prior to anyone arriving on campus. Jimmy and I both joined the specific chat as it was made for a focus area of BU’s First Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP – If you’re an incoming freshman, definitely take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity). We both bonded over our home state of Pennsylvania and the fact that we lived on the same floor, so we quickly decided to meet up and became fast friends.

Overtime, this friendship has grown and I’m proud to call Jimmy one of my closest friends. Where the collision between the worlds come in is BUTV10. I became a writer for the show COED and Jimmy decided to audition for a part I wrote. He got the job, and at this point, he’s getting a taste for what I’m truly interested in while also gaining new experiences for himself. On the other end, I have been able to get a glimpse into his world through his business fraternity DSP. I have gone to different events for the frat to understand what he goes through, and I actually took headshots for a lot of his peers during a LinkedIn workshop.

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As I’m sitting here trying to conclude this blog, words are truly failing me. All I can say is that BU and COM has been absolutely 100% fantastic oh man 10/10 it’s a masterpiece. If you’re a prospective student or perhaps a junior considering some options for application, don’t pass up on the opportunity to apply to this school. It may not have specifically what you think you need, but you’ll be surprised what opens up once you arrive on campus. I don’t have a single doubt about coming here and I’m only just getting started. I’m excited for what the future has in store – Go Terriers.

Laura: Things I’ve Learned at my Internship This Semester: with Help from “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation”

1) Show up early and stay late (when you can)

Juggling being a part-time intern and a full-time student can be #rough, but most of the time it reminds me why I'm in COM and at BU in the first place. Showing up early and staying later (when you can) is a great way to show you are dedicated. Also, the mornings are a perfect time to re-group on things you missed on the days you weren't there and talk with you co-workers to form bonds!

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2) Ask for things to do!!!

You'd be surprised how many of the other interns sit around and say, "my manager didn't give me anything to do." That shouldn't stop anyone! I continuously ask my mentor and supervisor for things I can do and if they don't have anything I ask different people- which is also a great way to meet everyone. After you've asked every single person if there is anything you can do and you still come up with nothing you can sit in on a meeting or branch out to different departments. Trust me, there is always something to do.

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3) Ask for things in general by making a bucket list

You will never know what opportunities can be provided to you if you do not ask. My mentor had me make a bucket list and she told me to put the craziest or even most basic things I could think of. In doing so, she has kept in mind the things I want to accomplish during my internship and has took them into consideration. I will be doing things I didn't even know I could do as an intern!

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4) Ask so many Questions!!!!! But only ask the same question once.

Don't be shy! Trust me it is much more embarrassing when you get an assignment and hand it back incorrectly, opposed to asking 117 questions on how to do it the right way- when it is your first time doing that kind of project. Second time around it is up to you to have listened to the answer you were told and trust yourself that you know what you're doing.

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5) Remember you're not "just an intern"

Start seeing yourself as part of the team! When you shake off the idea that just because you're the youngest and you're "at the bottom of the food chain" and start seeing yourself as a member of the team- others will start seeing it too. Do not stand awkwardly in the corner during meetings or run back to your desk after those meetings. Take a seat, take notes, and ask as many questions as possible afterward.

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6) Be social!

Saying "good morning," "have a great weekend," and even "hello" can go a long way. The more you talk to those that work around you, the more they will be willing to give you things to do. Go to lunch with the people who sit next to you or simply just spark up a conversation with them, it helps make important connections.

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7) Keep a journal

I have been keeping a journal and writing down all of the assignments I have done and things I have been learning. Not only will this serve as great memorabilia for me, but it will also serve my memory when adding the things I did to my resume when my internship has concluded.

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Kaya: Finding a Niche

Someone recently told me that “niche” is a very niche word — and that “niche” is a word that I use often. And they were right! I use “niche” a lot. Like, a LOT a lot. As in “using the word niche is my niche,” a lot.

What exactly does that mean? Google tells me it’s “a comfortable or suitable position in life or employment.” But to me, a niche isn’t just a place where I’m comfortable or suitable — a niche is a place where I feel at home, where I’m more comfortable than I would be anywhere else on earth, where I know I’ll always feel welcome and where I know I’ll be happy.

At BU, COM is one of those niches. So is the tiny podcast recording studio on the third floor of the building, as is the COM lawn on a late summer day.

But more than anywhere else on campus, my niche is The Daily Free Press. It’s the well-worn couch with pens stuck in the cushions from bygone pitch meetings. It’s the smell of the office on a Sunday night, a blend of tea and hot chocolate and Late Night Kitchen onion rings. It’s the sense that I’m about to spend my night with the 10 incredible people I’m proud to call my fellow editors and close friends (plus a full-size cardboard cutout of Ron Burgundy).

It didn’t take long for me to find a niche in the FreeP. I joined as a features writer my freshman year, and I knew the moment I walked into the dimly-lit office plastered with newspapers that it was where I was meant to be. But it also took me a while to discover what I really loved doing there — producing audio journalism for our podcasts.

The FreeP wasn’t what I had always imagined my college niche would be (I dabbled in humor writing and comedy, thinking that 30 Rock was my destiny). But finding your niche isn’t about doing what you think you’re supposed to do in order to achieve something distant. It’s about doing what you love, and what makes you not just comfortable but happy.

Part of the FreeP niche includes intricately-planned murder mystery parties. Photo Credit: Caitlin Fisher

Finding your niche might happen all at once, when you walk in the door. It might happen really slowly, at that’s OK too. (It took me a year and a half to realize that audio journalism was the niche within the FreeP that I wanted to pursue.) You might find your niche in the first week of classes, or it might find you two semesters in.

You might find different niches at BU, and that’s great! (My niches also include suburban history and eating Harper bagels at Pavement Coffeehouse on Sunday afternoons). You may find one niche that you really love, and that’s great, too!

Finding a niche is a bit like falling in love — when you know, you’ll know. Just remember that sometimes, it might take a while to know.

Daera: Finding My Home Away from Home

Greek life at BU makes up 13% of the student population. If you do the math, which I already did (although please take it with a grain of salt because it’s not my strong suit), that means there are about 2,000 students involved in that group. In the Alpha Xi chapter of Sigma Delta Tau, there are 150 girls. In the new member class, there are 41 girls. One of those girls, as of February 20th, 2018, is me.

When I started at BU, one of the first things I ever said was that I would never get involved in Greek life. All I knew about it was what I saw on TV, in shows like “Greek”, and in pictures that came across my social media feeds from my friends who went to big state colleges. For me, Greek life represented everything I didn’t want about my college experience; it seemed like it would limit my exposure to other people on campus and prevent me from joining clubs relevant to my major.

During my freshman year, I stuck to this promise and only joined clubs related to my major. I did WTBU, became a COM Ambassador, and participated and some other things here and there. After a while, however, I realized this wasn’t enough. Although I enjoyed everything I did, I hadn’t found my place on campus. By the time I settled into sophomore year, I realized my friends had found their home on campus during freshman year and I suddenly felt isolated. So, after a long conversation with my mother during Thanksgiving break, I decided to bite the bullet and sign up for recruitment.

Going into recruitment, the only wish I had was to make friends in the process, even if I didn’t end up in a sorority. After the first day, my expectations were already exceeded. I found amazing friends just in the group that I went through the process with and felt like I could make a home in many of the chapters we have on campus. By the last day, I knew that no matter where I ended up, I had already made friends that would help me make my lasting mark at BU.

Getting my bid from my sorority was without a doubt one of the happiest days of my life. I instantly felt so loved and welcomed. That first night was a bit overwhelming and I instantly forget many of the names of the people I met, but I was instantly, absolutely certain I made the best choice for me. It’s only been a month, but I have never been happier on campus and I cannot wait to spend the next few years at home with my sisters.

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Kate W: Why I Love, Love, Love Off-Campus Internships or Extracurriculars

This semester, I have had the incredible opportunity of interning with the TV and Video department at America’s Test Kitchen for two days out of my week. Going into it, I knew it would be an great experience to learn all about things related to film and television, but I didn’t realize how much it would impact my semester as whole.

Having lived on campus the last two years where I am a mere ten minute walk from anything I could possibly need, I often find myself sticking to the BU Bubble. It’s so easy because BU is where I am most comfortable and it has everything: food, housing, classes, and extracurriculars. So, when I realized that I would have to commute 45 minutes to the seaport for a job, it seemed a little daunting. For two days a week, I would be part of the real world, and that scared me a little bit.

However, this opportunity has not only pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but has also provided a really amazing escape from the stress and workload that is school. While I am off campus at my internship, I don’t have to worry about my essay due on Friday or the exam that I have next week. These things don’t matter here because I am solely focused on the work that I am doing for my internship. Strangely, there is some relaxation in the fact that I can’t work on my homework during these hours, and that I am forced to let it all just leave my brain.

In addition, there is no fear or worries over social stress. I don’t have to worry about who I am eating lunch with that day or if I should be doing my homework instead of hanging out with my friends. While I am at my internship, I am present and there is no where else that I should be. On the T, in particular, I can listen to my music and take some me-time without feeling guilty There is nowhere else I am supposed to be. I know that I am using my time well and I never feel like I’m missing out on anything back on campus.

Finally, by being around a non-BU affiliated company, I am able to see how the real world works and what working at an entirely new place is like. I’ve learned what it feels like to be handed an important task and trusted to take care of it. There is a sense that what I am doing now has an impact on a working company as opposed to just my grade. What I am doing has some weight, and there is motivation and pressure to appeal to the real world guidelines.

This change of pace is such a great experience and adds so much to my semester. I finally feel like I am taking better advantage of all that Boston and BU have to offer. I highly recommend finding an activity completely off campus, especially after your Freshman year when you’re starting to become a much more comfortable with Boston. It’s a really great way to shake things up a bit.

Macy: Five Reasons Why COM is the Best Place on Earth

As a transfer student at Boston University, I feel as though I have a unique perspective on how great the College of Communication truly is. Before arriving at BU, I had toured a lot of other schools, exploring the pros and cons of each communication program. However, the moment I first stepped foot into COM, I had an overwhelming sense of belonging wash over me. In that moment, I knew I was home. Here are just some of the many reasons why COM is the best place on earth:

The Faculty

COM has world class faculty that are, not only the best at what they do, but also extremely engaging in the classroom. It is truly amazing to learn from experts and to hear about what it will actually be like to work in our respective fields upon graduation. Whether they are Pulitzer Prize winners, former CEOs of major public relations firms, or current journalists for The New York Times and The Boston Globe, the professors at COM certainly know what they are talking about.

The Classes

COM offers a very diverse selection of classes to prepare students for life after college. There are academic choices offered of course, but COM also offers fun and interesting electives for students in each major to experience. Each class is taught by professors with incredible expertise, and they are also taught with real-world knowledge and practices in mind.

The Atmosphere

When you first walk into the building, COM’s atmosphere takes over your senses. You can feel the sense of community right as you open the door. The hallways are filled with the bios of COM’s remarkable faculty, inspiring pictures taken by alumni, and movie posters that COM played a role in.

The Clubs/ Activities

COM offers the best clubs/ activities on campus that teach you as much as the classes do. Some activities include: PRSSA (the Public Relations Student Society of America), WTBU, COM Student Assembly, etc. The opportunities for students are endless.

The People

My favorite part of COM are its students. I have never met people that are more enthusiastic, passionate, and focused. Before I came to COM, I felt unsure of myself and my ability to follow my dreams successfully. However, after meeting other COM students and getting to know them, I began to believe in myself. The overwhelming sense of support I gather from the people around me pushes me to do everything and anything I set my mind on.

Lilah: The COMedy COMmunity

Over the last week, my improvisational comedy troupe, Liquid Fun, has been touring Chicago’s vast comedy scene. At Boston University, the comedy community welcomed me under its wings during the first few months. Since then, it has been the core of my social and academic experience. It always surprises me how many of us are in the College of Communications. Many of us, like myself, are Film and Television majors. I believe this is because comedy, specifically improv, crosses over with the television degree to a large extent.

In Chicago, we frequently attended shows at Improv Olympic, known around town as iO.

Here, we saw the best of the best in terms of on-your-feet creativity and humor. It was very inspiring to see how successful people got at such a weird art form. I love improv, but it is extremely odd. I would not consider myself a great screenwriter, but improv helps a lot. For me, coming up with a script premise is extremely hard. However, I create about 10 scenes every time I have practice. So, it does push your creative side and forces you to form full story arcs within a short period of time.

Most of the players in these shows were pursuing acting, writing, and other careers related to film. I am thankful for the close relationship between TV, film, and comedy. I feel like, being in the comedy community, I also have a community of people within the TV/Film world that I can depend on in the future, either as friends or colleagues.

I will now gush about improv. Only having done it a year, I can feel that my personality has changed drastically, and for the better. Improv allows you to shed any hesitation you might have, and to go forward no matter what. This is extremely important when it comes to the entertainment business. When you are confronted with a situation that needs to be dealt with, it’s important to be able to stay calm, and to improvise. Because, and this is the truth (maybe not, I’m young, who knows), no one really knows exactly what they’re doing. So, being able to make do with whatever is in front of you is crucial in order to progress.

Aside from the business talk, I really do love improv. It is an amazing “sport”/”art” that is open to anyone who wants to try. In Chicago, there were events every night for the public. I have never laughed so hard, so many days in a row. That is why being in the comedy community is so integral to my life here at BU. I could not imagine not laughing as much as I do. When life is getting kind of rough, say, during finals week, you can depend on practice to lighten your day. No matter what is weighing you down, when you are doing improv, you let it I am utterly thankful for the friends I have made, and I cannot recommend these clubs enough for people coming to BU.

If you are coming to BU, or if you have already been at BU, and you have any inkling to do any sort of comedy, PLEASE DO! It is the best decision I have made here, and it will definitely continue on into my career. You will grow lifelong skills and values, and you will make friends that will challenge your wit and creativity. In COM, you will be surrounded by people who are involved in many of the groups on campus. The two work beautifully hand in hand, and it will serve you well as you progress in this track!

Sophia R: Scores to Survive Studying

Finding somewhere to buckle down during exam season is important, but what do you listen to once you're there? I love film scores for when I need to focus and do some work. Scores are made to be driving, but not distracting, and sound great! Picking out the perfect study soundtrack can be daunting however, and searching the depths of Spotify for that one score that motivates you out of the hundreds of movies out there is an easy route to procrastination. Never fear, CA Sophia is here! I've found some of my favorite scores to keep you motivated no matter what you're doing.

1.) Thor: Ragnarok:

The score reflects the movie, and with upbeat electric steel-drum vibes, Thor: Ragnarok's score is as much fun as the film itself. This score would be great for when you need a quick energy boost to power through the end of a project.

2.) The Grand Budapest Hotel:

Wes Anderson's scores are as quirky as his movies, and with a mix of yodeling and rhythm the Grand Budapest Hotel is no exception. The score doesn't change much in cadence or volume, so if you thrive in consistency this is a great score for you!

3.) Pacific Rim:

Just as the movie Pacific Rim asks who doesn't love giant robots, the score asks who doesn't love electric guitars? One exciting riff later and you've got the rock-and-roll score to power through any paper.

4.) Whiplash:

Sometimes you just want some jazz. More traditionally musical than the other scores on this list, Whiplash serves up smoother tunes and some bigger band bops to keep you on track.

5.) Speed Racer:

You may remember Speed Racer from its brief partnership with the candy baby bottle pop, but what you should remember is the absolute banger of a score it provides. Big band meets classic rock meets the fast and the furious, Speed Racer will help you close the gap between you and the finish line in no time.

There are tons of other fantastic scores out there, but that's all for me! Good listening folks!

Jon O: Looking to See Movies? I Got You Covered.

I've always considered myself to be a bit of a movie nut, and nothing compares to watching film on the big screen. I frequented my hometown theater back in New Jersey so much that they knew me by name, and as soon as I got to Boston I knew I had to find my spot for the next four years. But what I didn't realize was that there are so many different ways to go see movies in Boston. So if you're like me and are sick and tired of watching movies on your tiny laptop screen, here are some different ways to get out and see films in Boston.

If you enjoy the big multiplexes with huge screens, nice chairs, and tons of food options, then you got some options. AMC Loews Boston Common is the biggest theater in town and is located right in downtown Boston. It pretty much shows every big hit thats in theaters at the time so you can always find something to watch. Its also super easy to get to from campus; you just hop on the green line and get off at the Boylston stop and its right across the street. Regal Cinemas Fenway is very similar to AMC only a little smaller, but its within walking distance from BU's campus so its a great spot to go to as well.

Boston is also full of theaters that show independent, international, classic and films. If you're trying to get away from the big blockbuster flicks, these are the spots for you. Check out the Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline if you want to feel like you literally walked into an old black and white film. The theater has been around since 1933 and has been maintained to look exactly like it did when it first opened for business. They are always showing really interesting selections and do a ton of special screenings for classic movies (just this past year I've seen midnight specials of Donnie Darko and The Shining) and host a ton of other unique events. They also have some screening in their main theater on 70mm, which is really cool if your a film geek like I am. If you're feeling like adventuring out of the BU area for a cool showing like this, check out the Brattle Theater in Cambridge, which is a one-screen theater that airs classics and independent movies as well.

If you really don't want to go off-campus to catch a movie (or don't want to pay for one), don't worry, BU can always hook you up. The university occasionally does special screenings for in-theaters movies for free, so make sure you keep a look out for those when they come up. If you're ever free on a Friday night, you can also go down to Cinematheque, which is a series of screenings, meetings and talks with film-makers that is open for all BU students and totally free. Cinematheque happens every week at 640 Commonwealth Ave.

With all the screening going on around the city, you'll never have a night where there isn't something you want to watch in theaters. Happy movie-going!

- Jon