Hello again,
Week's recap: Wednesday, got a chem test back - improved from last test by 27%! Thursday's chem lab went relatively well, though my partner and I were last out. Ear-training and sight-singing lab (required for music majors, open to all) went well, though I pity those around me who have to hear me sing.
Friday: in-class chem quiz I definitely needed to have studied for more (two quick questions, I got at least one right). Bio exam went well, and Perspectives quiz on Kant was all right. Friday night, silly friends and I built a bed-sheet fort in the study lounge of Keyes, hung out there all night.
Saturday: went to see BC bOp! jazz ensemble perform at biggest show of year - it was phenomenal (they compete and perform internationally). This was followed by two hours of ice skating in the hockey rink in Conte, put on by UGBC - lots of fun!
This is clearly the time of year that Student Admissions starts working overtime. The trees start to shake off the winter with little buds and beginnings of leaves, those all-important letters are being sent to and fro all across the country, and excited and - if at all like me - extremely confused high school seniors start trekking around the globe (or so it seems) to figure out what they want to do next year. For the past weeks and in ever-increasing numbers, BC students get to watch potential fellow Eagles wander around campus wondering what it is that makes our school so great.
Looking back now, I am amazed that it has already been a year since I was doing the same.
I just want to offer what advice I have, being fresh out of the dreaded Common App system: take it easy for a bit. It's always good to sift through data and tour schools and think about pros and cons or however you're trying to make a decision, but your mind and your life can't take too much of that. Take an hour a week or so to just sit back and relax: pray, meditate, write a poem, go for a jog; a general brain de-tox. It will help enormously in the overall process.
One other, more concrete tip: when it comes to choices, reactions can speak louder than anything: put the schools you're considering in a hat, pull them out one-by-one and see how you feel the instant you read it. Relieved? Check it as possible. Very disheartened? Reconsider it. Obviously not a perfect method, but it helped me out.
Good luck, and I can't wait to see any of you around campus, visiting, or perhaps, studying?
Joe
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Campus events - ALC Showdown and the Bostonians!
Hey guys!
So I wanted to tell you all about this amazing campus event I went to on Friday. It's called the AHANA Leadership Council Showdown, and it features all the hottest dance clubs on campus, both cultural and technical, in a competition that no one wants to miss. Since its birth several years ago, the event has moved from the small Robsham Theatre to Conte Forum. It was an amazing display of talent, and showed how diverse our community truly is. It was amazing to see so many different cultural groups, from Brazilian to Indian to Hawaiian, all showing us what they have been working on. The dance groups were amazing. The step groups Sexual Chocolate, an all male step group, and F.I.S.T.S., an all female step group, were just fantastic. If you haven't seen step dancing, it is a sight not to be missed. The hip hop groups Synergy and Phaymus were also amazing, but my favorite was Synergy. They came in second place, leaving Fuego, the most spectacular Latino dance group, to come in first. For the cultural event, Masti, the Southeast Asian dance club, outperformed all others and came out on top. The intensity was really awesome, and with an attendance of about 3,000 people, you didn't want to be left out!
Saturday night was the Spring Cafe for the a Capella group the Bostonians. They are my favorite group on campus out of all the dancers and singers who perform. They are the oldest co-ed a Capella group and they are just phenomenal singers. Absolutely extraordinary. I've been to two shows, and both have rooms that are packed and dedicated fans who wouldn't miss the show for the world. It was an awesome weekend.
There is always so much to do on campus, and these are just a few of the events that occur. There are always events at the O'Connell House, the Rat, the Chocolate Bar, plus movie nights, theatre productions, comedy shows, and so much more. It's such an awesome place to be with never a dull moment. Of course, it's always nice to stay in with friends and pop in an old movie :)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Weekend Update
Afternoon!
Quick note: today, I saw a whole bunch of tulips starting to sprout! It’s that time of year again!
OK, so this weekend is a busy one for me – in a good way. Last night, a couple friends and I headed into the city to go to a salsa dancing club, called Mambo’s, which was amazing – it’s all ages, cheap, and they even provide lessons for beginners! This is our second time, the first trip was hosted by BC.
(This is a good time to pause and mention the T system, for non-locals – the MBTA, or Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, provides public transportation around Boston. There are two stops from BC, one right out front of the main entrance and one just down the street, accessible via the BC shuttle. A T ride is only $1.70 with a free “Charlie Card”.)
Today, we went back into the city to visit the Garment District, a two-story clothing/costume shop near MIT with all kinds of costumes and inexpensive secondhand clothing for all occasions from all eras. Here, I was looking for a green suit and shirt ($23 total), which will be used tonight at the culmination of the weekend: Middlemarch. Middlemarch is an annual tradition, a costume/theme dance here at BC, involving a secret panel of students to set it up and announce its theme and the instructions on how to get tickets, via scavenger hunt, in the beginning of March (this year's theme: Board Games! The reason I need a green suit: six of us are going as the Clue characters; I am, naturally, Mr. Green). Just imagine: such a secret and high-scale event that it has closed the O’Connell House, the hangout on Upper Campus, for the past week. I can’t wait to see how it looks!
Have to go get ready for later,
Joe
Quick note: today, I saw a whole bunch of tulips starting to sprout! It’s that time of year again!
OK, so this weekend is a busy one for me – in a good way. Last night, a couple friends and I headed into the city to go to a salsa dancing club, called Mambo’s, which was amazing – it’s all ages, cheap, and they even provide lessons for beginners! This is our second time, the first trip was hosted by BC.
(This is a good time to pause and mention the T system, for non-locals – the MBTA, or Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, provides public transportation around Boston. There are two stops from BC, one right out front of the main entrance and one just down the street, accessible via the BC shuttle. A T ride is only $1.70 with a free “Charlie Card”.)
Today, we went back into the city to visit the Garment District, a two-story clothing/costume shop near MIT with all kinds of costumes and inexpensive secondhand clothing for all occasions from all eras. Here, I was looking for a green suit and shirt ($23 total), which will be used tonight at the culmination of the weekend: Middlemarch. Middlemarch is an annual tradition, a costume/theme dance here at BC, involving a secret panel of students to set it up and announce its theme and the instructions on how to get tickets, via scavenger hunt, in the beginning of March (this year's theme: Board Games! The reason I need a green suit: six of us are going as the Clue characters; I am, naturally, Mr. Green). Just imagine: such a secret and high-scale event that it has closed the O’Connell House, the hangout on Upper Campus, for the past week. I can’t wait to see how it looks!
Have to go get ready for later,
Joe
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
4Boston!
Hi again!
I wanted to just tell you a little about my experience volunteering with the 4Boston group. The group volunteers for four hours each week, with a one hour group reflection each week. At first, I had no idea what to expect. I knew that their three pillars, social justice, community, and spirituality meant a lot to me, and that I wanted to become a part of something important here at school.
After going through the application process and the interview that followed, I got chosen for my first choice and was so excited to get started! My choice, to volunteer with children at the Franciscan Hospital for Children, was something that I thought would enable me to gain experience in the field that I am interesting in focusing my career one while also helping families at the same time. It's been a whirlwind of an experience. I have grown so close to my group; weekly reflections, which I thought would be more of a hassle than anything, are greatly looked forward to and enjoyed. We have so much together, just sharing stories and laughing together, while also focusing on the very serious nature of the work that we do. I realize that we are a very integral community of volunteers at the hospital, and it's worth every minute I spend.
I work on a floor with newborns and a few toddlers who suffer from genetic disorders or very severe respiratory problems. Many spend their days alone, and have been in the hospital since birth, with the possibility of depending on machines to keep them alive for life. Sometimes I just get to hold the babies, and I look at their little fingers and try to give them the love and care that they deserve. I've realized that even a few minutes spent with a child in need is better than nothing at all.
I have several friends who volunteer at other 4Boston placements, and the similarities that exist are strong. Each one of us dedicates so much time to work for the betterment for others in the surrounding communities. Recognizing that others are in need of dire help is important, especially for those of us who are fortunate to be here at Boston College. It's great to know that we are recognized and greatly appreciated both within our school community and in the surrounding neighborhoods of children and their families.
After going through the application process and the interview that followed, I got chosen for my first choice and was so excited to get started! My choice, to volunteer with children at the Franciscan Hospital for Children, was something that I thought would enable me to gain experience in the field that I am interesting in focusing my career one while also helping families at the same time. It's been a whirlwind of an experience. I have grown so close to my group; weekly reflections, which I thought would be more of a hassle than anything, are greatly looked forward to and enjoyed. We have so much together, just sharing stories and laughing together, while also focusing on the very serious nature of the work that we do. I realize that we are a very integral community of volunteers at the hospital, and it's worth every minute I spend.
I work on a floor with newborns and a few toddlers who suffer from genetic disorders or very severe respiratory problems. Many spend their days alone, and have been in the hospital since birth, with the possibility of depending on machines to keep them alive for life. Sometimes I just get to hold the babies, and I look at their little fingers and try to give them the love and care that they deserve. I've realized that even a few minutes spent with a child in need is better than nothing at all.
I have several friends who volunteer at other 4Boston placements, and the similarities that exist are strong. Each one of us dedicates so much time to work for the betterment for others in the surrounding communities. Recognizing that others are in need of dire help is important, especially for those of us who are fortunate to be here at Boston College. It's great to know that we are recognized and greatly appreciated both within our school community and in the surrounding neighborhoods of children and their families.
The verdict of life as a Newton freshman
Hi everyone! This is my first post, but I'm really excited to be able to share what my experience has been like thus far.
I'm a freshman and I live on Newton Campus. At first, I was upset to have to rely on the bus to get to main campus and to be so isolated from the rest of the school, but the prospect of living with all freshman has greatly outweighed its few disadvantages. Living on Newton is one of my favorite parts of school. Unlike Upper Campus, you get the feeling of going "home" at the end of the day, and you have the opportunity to leave campus and classes behind you.
I found that my first few weeks at school back in the fall were eased by the fact that I knew everyone was in the same boat as me. Walking into the dining hall on Main Campus, I walked over to a young lady and asked if I could sit with her, to which she responded "I'm not a freshman". Ok, so not all people here are so rude; in fact, most aren't. But at least walking into Stuart Dining Hall I knew that everyone was a freshman and I felt more at ease walking up to people and introducing myself.
Living on Newton brings everyone really close together in the sense that we all see each other some way or another from time to time, whether it is in the dining hall or waiting for the bus, or riding the bus to and from main campus. If you're considering living situations, definitely give Newton a chance. Riding the bus is not as big of a deal AT ALL as I thought it would be. Having the beautiful campus around allows us to be able to throw around a Frisbee or sit on the ground with friends and do work. It's such a great place to be!
-Dana
I'm a freshman and I live on Newton Campus. At first, I was upset to have to rely on the bus to get to main campus and to be so isolated from the rest of the school, but the prospect of living with all freshman has greatly outweighed its few disadvantages. Living on Newton is one of my favorite parts of school. Unlike Upper Campus, you get the feeling of going "home" at the end of the day, and you have the opportunity to leave campus and classes behind you.
I found that my first few weeks at school back in the fall were eased by the fact that I knew everyone was in the same boat as me. Walking into the dining hall on Main Campus, I walked over to a young lady and asked if I could sit with her, to which she responded "I'm not a freshman". Ok, so not all people here are so rude; in fact, most aren't. But at least walking into Stuart Dining Hall I knew that everyone was a freshman and I felt more at ease walking up to people and introducing myself.
Living on Newton brings everyone really close together in the sense that we all see each other some way or another from time to time, whether it is in the dining hall or waiting for the bus, or riding the bus to and from main campus. If you're considering living situations, definitely give Newton a chance. Riding the bus is not as big of a deal AT ALL as I thought it would be. Having the beautiful campus around allows us to be able to throw around a Frisbee or sit on the ground with friends and do work. It's such a great place to be!
-Dana
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Chemistry goop and other such goings-on
Well hey there!
So, chemistry lab today was probably the most fun I have had in science lab since the fourth grade. We were studying polymers and their properties – translation, we made different kinds of goop, then played with them. I just wanted to share this awesome experience with the world.
Yesterday was a big day for me, I got to office hours of two of my professors for the first time, both of which were extremely helpful (office hours = optional periods where students can come in and ask professors any questions; often regarding class, but not always – Professor Wolfman of General Chemistry talked about the closely-kept secret U2 concert being held nearby). Since I am still up in the air about what major(s) I want to pursue, I am trying to poke around a bit more thoroughly. Though my general biology lecture is around 200 students (the only larger class I have heard of on campus is an economics lecture) and general chemistry just under 100, the professors are great in small-scale office discussions. Most, if not all, professors hold office hours every week at various times. And since I came back this semester with a new drive to get everything I can out of this education, office hours and TA (teaching assistant) discussion sections are invaluable.
Unfortunately, while I would love to stay and talk more about my classes and how to choose them (PEPs are key – student reviews of many teachers throughout the university), and to continue playing with synthesized goop, I have to run to band and dinner, after which I will be reading Rousseau, writing Harmonic progressions in preparation for a take-home midterm exam, quickly going over our chemistry chapter for our quiz tomorrow, and beginning a paper on Calvin’s place in modern philosophical thought. Those Jesuit ideals of a liberal arts education and rounded character not exactly ignored here at BC.
So, until next post!
Joe
So, chemistry lab today was probably the most fun I have had in science lab since the fourth grade. We were studying polymers and their properties – translation, we made different kinds of goop, then played with them. I just wanted to share this awesome experience with the world.
Yesterday was a big day for me, I got to office hours of two of my professors for the first time, both of which were extremely helpful (office hours = optional periods where students can come in and ask professors any questions; often regarding class, but not always – Professor Wolfman of General Chemistry talked about the closely-kept secret U2 concert being held nearby). Since I am still up in the air about what major(s) I want to pursue, I am trying to poke around a bit more thoroughly. Though my general biology lecture is around 200 students (the only larger class I have heard of on campus is an economics lecture) and general chemistry just under 100, the professors are great in small-scale office discussions. Most, if not all, professors hold office hours every week at various times. And since I came back this semester with a new drive to get everything I can out of this education, office hours and TA (teaching assistant) discussion sections are invaluable.
Unfortunately, while I would love to stay and talk more about my classes and how to choose them (PEPs are key – student reviews of many teachers throughout the university), and to continue playing with synthesized goop, I have to run to band and dinner, after which I will be reading Rousseau, writing Harmonic progressions in preparation for a take-home midterm exam, quickly going over our chemistry chapter for our quiz tomorrow, and beginning a paper on Calvin’s place in modern philosophical thought. Those Jesuit ideals of a liberal arts education and rounded character not exactly ignored here at BC.
So, until next post!
Joe
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Hello again!
It's been a while, but I've just arrived back in Boston after Spring Break. The few weeks before were quite hectic, with papers due and midterms in my economics and math classes. It was a much needed break, but it's great to be back! Campus is still a bit empty... most people will probably be arriving back tomorrow. Anyway, some of my friends who went on Appalachia are back on campus now as well. They all said it was such an amazing experience, and I'm contemplating going next year. I almost regret not doing it! So far I've heard stories of building houses, playgrounds, and other little jobs around communities. It really seems like a worth-while opportunity.
An event I participated in before break but didn't have time to write about was the Campus School Broom Hockey Tournament. This was another fundraiser for the campus school, similar to that of the Marathon Team I'm a part of. A team of ten of my friends got together, made awesome team t-shirts, and headed down to Conte Forum on a Sunday afternoon to show our skills in Broom Hockey- hockey played with brooms and a volleyball on the ice rink, in sneakers. It was a GREAT time- and my team even made it to the semi-finals. It was an awesome event, all for a wonderful cause.
Well, I guess I should go make my rounds through Walsh to see if any of my other friends have returned from their breaks. Returning to campus has given me a mental block-- I'm not sure what else I wanted to write about!
Until next time,
Megan
It's been a while, but I've just arrived back in Boston after Spring Break. The few weeks before were quite hectic, with papers due and midterms in my economics and math classes. It was a much needed break, but it's great to be back! Campus is still a bit empty... most people will probably be arriving back tomorrow. Anyway, some of my friends who went on Appalachia are back on campus now as well. They all said it was such an amazing experience, and I'm contemplating going next year. I almost regret not doing it! So far I've heard stories of building houses, playgrounds, and other little jobs around communities. It really seems like a worth-while opportunity.
An event I participated in before break but didn't have time to write about was the Campus School Broom Hockey Tournament. This was another fundraiser for the campus school, similar to that of the Marathon Team I'm a part of. A team of ten of my friends got together, made awesome team t-shirts, and headed down to Conte Forum on a Sunday afternoon to show our skills in Broom Hockey- hockey played with brooms and a volleyball on the ice rink, in sneakers. It was a GREAT time- and my team even made it to the semi-finals. It was an awesome event, all for a wonderful cause.
Well, I guess I should go make my rounds through Walsh to see if any of my other friends have returned from their breaks. Returning to campus has given me a mental block-- I'm not sure what else I wanted to write about!
Until next time,
Megan
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