Hello again, everyone!
I can't believe today is the last day of October, and, of course, that it's Halloween! This month has really flown by with all of the activities and work I've had over the past few weeks, but I wouldn't trade any of my sophomore year experiences for the world.
One thing that's really become full swing in the past few weeks is PULSE, which I mentioned in my last post. PULSE is a class that combines service and learning, using both class time and a service component. The year-long class fulfills all of your Core requirements in Philosophy and theology with the added plus that you only take 4 classes a semester instead of the usual 5, as it counts for 6 credits. During September, each PULSE student goes through an involved process to pick a placement that they're interested in. There's a town hall meeting, where you go to informational sessions about different placements. Then, you can go on tours of different placements to see what each environment is like. Some of the placements are really competitive- one of the ones I was interested in is at Tufts Medical Center. Over 70 PULSE students applied for a placement that only takes 4 students!
Anyway, after that long and stressful process, I ended up picking Casa Nueva Vida, which is located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, about 5 miles from BC. Casa serves 16 homeless families, which consist of mainly mothers and children, and helps the families get back on their feet. Different classes, like computer skills and English as a second language are offered to help the mothers improve their lives too. As a volunteer at Casa, I've mainly been working with the children, but hope to also develop relationships with the mothers over the course of this year. Two days a week, I get to help the kids with their homework, play with them, and, sometimes, practice my Spanish. It's been a lot of fun so far, and also really eye-opening!
Anyway, HALLOWEEN! Halloween is so much fun at BC- people get really into dressing up and some have really creative costumes. One of my friends, for example, is being a flame, while his roommate is being St. Ignatius...so overall, they're being "Go set the world aflame," which is the Jesuit motto. Some students even wear their costumes to class! Yesterday, in my organic chemistry class, I even saw someone dressed up as a student from Hogwarts in Harry Potter, complete with a full robe and Ravenclaw uniform. It was very funny.
I hope all of you have a fun and safe Halloween!! Until next time,
Lauren
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Halloween on the Heights
Hey Guys!
It's supposed to be almost 70 degrees outside today! Woohoo! It has been chilly lately so it will be nice to have a warm day for the football game vs. Central Michigan. We played our fellow Irish Catholic rivals, Notre Dame, last weekend and many students flew out or took RV's to South Bend for the occasion. Although we lost, it was a fun game to watch and all of my friends who went to the game said it was a great experience.
I got hired at the BC Bookstore last week! I have worked three shifts so far and it has been pretty fun. It's cool to see what goes on behind the scenes at the bookstore and to help customers find what they need. My first rush of midterms is over, so classes were pretty low key this week and should be for the next few.
Last night, everyone was celebrating Halloween! I got free candy from my Philosophy Professor and from people in the lobby of my dorm. You will find out when you get to college that everyone is obsessed with getting "free stuff." It's pretty great. When I was walking up the stairs, I passed a really good Harry Potter and a Robin Hood! Seeing people's costumes is hilarious. Tonight will be round 2 of that!
Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Hot Topics at BC
What's up ladies and gents?
Life at Boston College... at least that's what this blog is suppose to be about. Other than the tests, quizzes, the large amounts of reading, and so on, it's college! Oh except for these things some professors make you use called "iClickers" (shown on right)
. These little devices can be used for in-class quizzes, homework checks (making sure you did the reading), and it can ALSO be used as to keep attendance. Thanks Apple!
So lately there has been an uproar in campus about interracial communications at BC. According to the Heights, BC's independent student newspaper, Boston College is ranked 17th in "Little Class/Race Interaction" in the Princeton Review. This issue was further was raised when a freshman wrote an article in The Observer, one of BC's political student newspapers, about how Caucasian people are being excluded from ethnic groups. This article got a lot of attention from the student body, especially from the non-white student population. And a lot of these students are mad.
When you talk about race, you are bound to get a lot of raised eyebrows because it is such a sensitive topic in the US. Now, there are people writing in response to this article, and to another similar article written in the Heights. Panels are planned to discuss the issue. Open discussions, like the one tonight, are likely to attract a lot many people.
Now why are so many people interested, mad, happy or confused about this issue? There are many reasons. The positive things that do stem from this are:
Later!
Life at Boston College... at least that's what this blog is suppose to be about. Other than the tests, quizzes, the large amounts of reading, and so on, it's college! Oh except for these things some professors make you use called "iClickers" (shown on right)
. These little devices can be used for in-class quizzes, homework checks (making sure you did the reading), and it can ALSO be used as to keep attendance. Thanks Apple!So lately there has been an uproar in campus about interracial communications at BC. According to the Heights, BC's independent student newspaper, Boston College is ranked 17th in "Little Class/Race Interaction" in the Princeton Review. This issue was further was raised when a freshman wrote an article in The Observer, one of BC's political student newspapers, about how Caucasian people are being excluded from ethnic groups. This article got a lot of attention from the student body, especially from the non-white student population. And a lot of these students are mad.
When you talk about race, you are bound to get a lot of raised eyebrows because it is such a sensitive topic in the US. Now, there are people writing in response to this article, and to another similar article written in the Heights. Panels are planned to discuss the issue. Open discussions, like the one tonight, are likely to attract a lot many people.
Now why are so many people interested, mad, happy or confused about this issue? There are many reasons. The positive things that do stem from this are:
- When something happens at Boston College and it sparks interest in the student body, there is action and it won't rest until whatever the event is has come to peace.
- The Boston College community actually cares about what students have to say and wants to discuss these things further. I am confident in saying that students and faculty do come together to discuss issues of interest.
- College Students read the newspaper. Let's be honest. In this technological era, TV media is the primary source of news, but nothing is better than fine print.
Later!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Volunteering at BC
Seven weeks into the semester and the academic year is in full swing. Midterms are upon us all and the mood on the Heights is busy but not wholly stressed. I find that I always have a pressing academic endeavor, but with the help of effective time management, I am fortunately able to remove myself away from the grindstone and evaluate Boston College from the outside—as a person separate from the student in me. This salutary removal can take many forms, and for me it comes in the form of volunteering off campus every Thursday via 4Boston.
For those of you who are unaware, 4Boston is a student organization run by Campus Ministry that sets up volunteer opportunities all around Boston for BC students to pursue. The program is decidedly popular, attracting hundred of invitations annually—a testament to the importance of service to Boston College students. Each program asks for each participant to dedicate 4 hours of service per week along with an hour of weekly group reflection. The philosophy is that action without reflection risks futility and that reflection without action risks irrelevance.
My 4Boston involvement began freshman year when I began working at the Community Based Acute Treatment (CBAT) unit at the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Brighton. Without delving into details about my individual placement, I will say that the volunteer opportunities I have pursued through BC have been invaluable. It provides the chance for students, who are learning to make a difference in the world later, to make a difference in the world now; whether it be educating adults at night school, mentoring kids at an after-school program, or building a Habitat for Humanity home on an Appalachia trip, the vast array of volunteer opportunities at BC lets the undergraduate experience improve with profound episodes in the “real world.”
So to you prospective students, if and when you do arrive on the Heights for freshman year, I would strongly encourage pursuing service—whether it be through Pulse, 4Boston, Appalachia, or Learning to Serve. It is a huge part of overall student involvement, and a great way to enhance your personal experience.
Until next time,
William
For those of you who are unaware, 4Boston is a student organization run by Campus Ministry that sets up volunteer opportunities all around Boston for BC students to pursue. The program is decidedly popular, attracting hundred of invitations annually—a testament to the importance of service to Boston College students. Each program asks for each participant to dedicate 4 hours of service per week along with an hour of weekly group reflection. The philosophy is that action without reflection risks futility and that reflection without action risks irrelevance.
My 4Boston involvement began freshman year when I began working at the Community Based Acute Treatment (CBAT) unit at the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Brighton. Without delving into details about my individual placement, I will say that the volunteer opportunities I have pursued through BC have been invaluable. It provides the chance for students, who are learning to make a difference in the world later, to make a difference in the world now; whether it be educating adults at night school, mentoring kids at an after-school program, or building a Habitat for Humanity home on an Appalachia trip, the vast array of volunteer opportunities at BC lets the undergraduate experience improve with profound episodes in the “real world.”
So to you prospective students, if and when you do arrive on the Heights for freshman year, I would strongly encourage pursuing service—whether it be through Pulse, 4Boston, Appalachia, or Learning to Serve. It is a huge part of overall student involvement, and a great way to enhance your personal experience.
Until next time,
William
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Video Games!
Hey! So, this year, I'm living in an 8-man suite in Walsh Hall on Lower Campus, which is the center of everything awesome about upperclassman:
Anyway, living in a suite with 8 guys, video games get pretty overwhelmingly common. Awesome, but too common - as in, Rock Band has been on more than off in the past month. Now, however, our XBox is on a little vacation cooling down while my roommate nurses it back to health. This means my video game cravings need to be satisfied in other ways. Why not, I think to myself in fancy italic lettering, seeing as I am in a Computer Science course now, make my own video games?
....Oh. Right. I have no idea how to do so - so I keep content with writing little programs I need to make for homework, like the fish tank screen-saver, or an interactive on-screen stock ticker. Now, I know, they don't exactly measure up to Super Smash Brothers, but still, the actual process of creating these little programs is pretty amazing to me - as close as my life will come to taking place in Hogwarts. So, this is what keeps me video-game content for now.
Happy travels!
~Joe
mahonjc@bc.edu
- Lower Dining Hall and Addie's
- Hillside Cafe
- Edmond's residence hall (where true friends use kitchens to cook for all their friends)
- Vandy and 90, two of the nicest sophomore housing buildings
- the seniors' on-campus townhouses
- the Mods (which are, coincidentally, hilarious to watch from above in Walsh or Edmond's on weekend nights)
- the Plex (Flynn Recreation Complex)
- Alumni Stadium and Conte Forum (and the band room!)
- St. Ignatius' church
- and, most wonderful of all, the Million Dollar Stairs!!
....Oh. Right. I have no idea how to do so - so I keep content with writing little programs I need to make for homework, like the fish tank screen-saver, or an interactive on-screen stock ticker. Now, I know, they don't exactly measure up to Super Smash Brothers, but still, the actual process of creating these little programs is pretty amazing to me - as close as my life will come to taking place in Hogwarts. So, this is what keeps me video-game content for now.
Happy travels!
~Joe
mahonjc@bc.edu
Monday, October 12, 2009
Pre-Med Woes
Hello Prospective Students!
Man, that sounds too professional for my tastes. Anyway, sorry for the rush post the other day. While I put off some homework, let me give you a better detailed background of myself.
So I am a Freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2013. I live on Newton in the Cushing Building. I'm currently enrolled in the Pre-Med program and thinking of majoring in Psychology. I'm in the VSA and CSA (Vietnamese and Chinese culture groups) and part of the Parkour Group (PARKOUR!). I also go to this weekly meeting called InterVarsity when I can. It's basically a Christian fellowship service. I'm a BIG Celtics fan and fairweather Red Sox and Patriots fan. Not a big hockey fan.
For all of you who want to do Pre-Med at the schools you're applying to, you will have a lot of work on your hands! Trust me. I know some freshman are taking Biology, Chemistry, and Calculus in the same year. Word of advice: even out your workload. At BC, you don't need to take Calculus freshman year (just Biology and Chemistry). However, if you want to just get it out of the way while it's still fresh, take it.
Technically, for me, I'm taking three science courses. Psychology counts too! So every week, I'm basically reading around 90 pages for all three subjects combined! I'm lucky I ended up with good professors. Here's a little insider tip for how to pick the best professors at BC:
At the UGBC website, you can evaluations of professors made by students who have taken their classes. There is a tab that says "PEPs" which are great Professor Evaluation Profiles and a few study tips. I HIGHLY recommend it for those picking your classes.
A quick little thing before I go (because I'm looking at the time): Cornerstone classes, like the one I'm taking, are basically classes that you want to take because they're interesting and are your choice to take. My class doesn't have homework except some reading. Every Cornerstone class meets once a week, and the professor of the class is your academic advisor for your Freshman year, which is great if you're undecided and don't have a department advisor.
So that's my schpeel of the day. Any questions, feel free to email me at nguyenec@bc.edu.
Peace!
Man, that sounds too professional for my tastes. Anyway, sorry for the rush post the other day. While I put off some homework, let me give you a better detailed background of myself.
So I am a Freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences, Class of 2013. I live on Newton in the Cushing Building. I'm currently enrolled in the Pre-Med program and thinking of majoring in Psychology. I'm in the VSA and CSA (Vietnamese and Chinese culture groups) and part of the Parkour Group (PARKOUR!). I also go to this weekly meeting called InterVarsity when I can. It's basically a Christian fellowship service. I'm a BIG Celtics fan and fairweather Red Sox and Patriots fan. Not a big hockey fan.
So let me get down to business: Pre-Med is time-consuming. I'm currently taking Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Chinese Intermediate, and Freshman Writing Seminar. Oh, and I should also add a Cornerstone Freshman Seminar, a Chemistry Lab, and a Chemistry Discussion session. The Chemistry discussion is basically tacked on to the Chemistry Class. They can be useful, depending on your TA. However, they don't hurt you and you can ask questions and review for test and quizzes and go over homework questions. Now you're probably thinking that seems like that is a lot of classes. But you know what? You're absolutely right!
For all of you who want to do Pre-Med at the schools you're applying to, you will have a lot of work on your hands! Trust me. I know some freshman are taking Biology, Chemistry, and Calculus in the same year. Word of advice: even out your workload. At BC, you don't need to take Calculus freshman year (just Biology and Chemistry). However, if you want to just get it out of the way while it's still fresh, take it.
Technically, for me, I'm taking three science courses. Psychology counts too! So every week, I'm basically reading around 90 pages for all three subjects combined! I'm lucky I ended up with good professors. Here's a little insider tip for how to pick the best professors at BC:
At the UGBC website, you can evaluations of professors made by students who have taken their classes. There is a tab that says "PEPs" which are great Professor Evaluation Profiles and a few study tips. I HIGHLY recommend it for those picking your classes.
A quick little thing before I go (because I'm looking at the time): Cornerstone classes, like the one I'm taking, are basically classes that you want to take because they're interesting and are your choice to take. My class doesn't have homework except some reading. Every Cornerstone class meets once a week, and the professor of the class is your academic advisor for your Freshman year, which is great if you're undecided and don't have a department advisor.
So that's my schpeel of the day. Any questions, feel free to email me at nguyenec@bc.edu.
Peace!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Midterms and Columbus Day Weekend!
Hello again!
Whew-my last two weeks were very stressful and the next few will be as well! I had an Accounting quiz that required a good 15 hours worth of studying and homework beforehand, an Econ midterm, a Theology paper due, and multiple papers, tests, and quizzes to come! One thing I really like about sophomore year, though, is that it is SO much easier to be motivated and stay on task than it was last year.
Anyway, enough about homework. This weekend was Columbus Day Weekend, and since we live on the East Coast we get Monday (tomorrow) off! My sister came up to Boston from Rhode Island to stay with me at my Grandmother's house nearby for the weekend. I would say about 40% of BC students go home over Columbus Day weekend. My friends from Minnesota are jealous because they do not get Monday off!
For my Intro to Sociology class, I have to do a "breaking the social norm" experiment. So, I went to a Target in Rhode Island today before I dropped my sister off. I was dreading doing this, but here it goes: I put my iPod headphones in and wore sweats, a t-shirt, and sneakers, and jogged around the inside of Target! The purpose of the experiment was to violate a social norm and gauge how people react. Some of the reactions I got were priceless!
Libby
Friday, October 9, 2009
Introduction
Hi Everyone!
My name is Lauren Malishchak and I'm currently a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am a Biology major, and also trying to decide if I want to either minor or double major in Spanish.
This year, I live in an eight-man (which is a suite consisting of 4 doubles with a common room and 2 bathrooms) in Walsh on Lower Campus, which is an all sophomore dorm. Last year, I lived in a natural triple in Xavier on Upper Campus. I am still living with both of my roommates from last year-- I think it's really important to note that BC does a great job of matching random roommates up together!
So far, this year has been great. I find I have a lot less class time this year, but I am also way busier. I've gotten more involved in a few different activities, which BC has a lot of! Some of the things I'm doing this year are PULSE (which is a class that fulfills both your theology and philosophy requirements in addition to having a social service component), SAP (the student admissions program), and Appalachia Volunteers (I just found out I'm leading a group and am so excited!!). I also work at O'Neill Library, the main library on campus, and have done so since first semester of last year. I would definitely recommend that anyone who comes to BC get involved right away- you meet so many amazing people and end up getting really close to them.
Well, it's the weekend and I'm so happy we have three days off for Columbus Day. This past week was pretty stressful- I even had an Organic Chemistry test today.
Hope you all have great holiday weekends too!
Lauren
My name is Lauren Malishchak and I'm currently a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am a Biology major, and also trying to decide if I want to either minor or double major in Spanish.
This year, I live in an eight-man (which is a suite consisting of 4 doubles with a common room and 2 bathrooms) in Walsh on Lower Campus, which is an all sophomore dorm. Last year, I lived in a natural triple in Xavier on Upper Campus. I am still living with both of my roommates from last year-- I think it's really important to note that BC does a great job of matching random roommates up together!
So far, this year has been great. I find I have a lot less class time this year, but I am also way busier. I've gotten more involved in a few different activities, which BC has a lot of! Some of the things I'm doing this year are PULSE (which is a class that fulfills both your theology and philosophy requirements in addition to having a social service component), SAP (the student admissions program), and Appalachia Volunteers (I just found out I'm leading a group and am so excited!!). I also work at O'Neill Library, the main library on campus, and have done so since first semester of last year. I would definitely recommend that anyone who comes to BC get involved right away- you meet so many amazing people and end up getting really close to them.
Well, it's the weekend and I'm so happy we have three days off for Columbus Day. This past week was pretty stressful- I even had an Organic Chemistry test today.
Hope you all have great holiday weekends too!
Lauren
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Free Time in Boston
Hello, prospective Eagles. My name is William, and I am a sophomore at BC in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Political Science.
In my time at Boston College, I have found that dull moments are few and far between. The university and the city of Boston together offer more options for entertainment than anyone ever needs. This past Saturday was a perfect example. I woke up at 6:50 (which is a little atypical, believe you me) and hiked up to the Dust Bowl for the live broadcast of ESPN’s College Gameday on Campus. It was very rainy and I got drenched, BUT I got free ESPN memorabilia and thoroughly enjoyed myself through it all. I picked up lunch around noon, and returned to my room to dry my clothes just before heading to the actual football game—a nail-biter win against Florida State. The game ended at about 7:00, and I immediately headed from the stadium to the nearest T station for dinner and a concert downtown. I returned to campus at about 11:30, and as much as I would have liked to perpetuate my ever-active Saturday, I was so exhausted that I had to just retire to my residence hall, watch Saturday Night Live, with some friends, and call it a day.
That is, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest features of Boston College. The school hosts plenty of events--lectures, plays, concerts, panels, games, the works—that you practically never need to leave campus for entertainment. Simultaneously, the city of Boston offers such a wide array of opportunities and activities--shows, shopping, restaurants, professional sports, museums, historical sites, et cetera--that tempt you to just travel downtown every day. So I’ll say it again: there’s never a dull moment during your time at Boston College. The university and the city together have too much to offer, plainly speaking.
Until next time,
William,
A&S ‘12
Thursday, October 1, 2009
New Year, Done Right
Hey everyone,
My name is Joe Mahon, a sophomore in BC A&S. I am currently trying to major in Chemistry and pick up a minor in Music, but to be honest, if I have enough class spaces open, I'm hoping to get it as a second major! As for what I do here, I am part of BC's Marching Band and Symphonic Band, but know a lot about other music programs here at the school as well. I am also a part of Nights on the Heights, a student organization that organizes (sometimes quite nicely-funded, meaning prizes like an iPod Touch) activities every weekend for anyone on campus. I work for ResNet (our name is in the process of changing, though), which is an on-campus technology services organization that provides pretty much any kind of tech support you might want. And, of course, I am part of the Student Admission Program; so if you visit campus and meet me in the office in Devlin, please feel free to let me know you know of me through this blog!
Some of you may have gone back in time in this blog to see some posts from last year, and I definitely encourage everyone to do so, if you have time! I'll try not to repeat much over the course of this year, but I might, so forgive me if I do.
I know this is a pretty harsh time of year for seniors; some of my friends who are seniors now, and friends siblings, have been all panic-stricken about applications. Take a deep breath anytime you think about your application, but do not put it off! (And when it's possible, apply Early Action - it makes all the difference when you know your acceptance situation by January).
Some other random information:
- ESPN's College Gameday will be here in Chestnut Hill this Saturday: try to tune in Saturday morning to see pregame broadcasts and look out for the marching band! And then you can enjoy what should be an amazing game against Florida State!
- Something you should know about me: for whatever reason, I really love parenthesis (and use them often). Just a warning.
TTFN,
Joe
My name is Joe Mahon, a sophomore in BC A&S. I am currently trying to major in Chemistry and pick up a minor in Music, but to be honest, if I have enough class spaces open, I'm hoping to get it as a second major! As for what I do here, I am part of BC's Marching Band and Symphonic Band, but know a lot about other music programs here at the school as well. I am also a part of Nights on the Heights, a student organization that organizes (sometimes quite nicely-funded, meaning prizes like an iPod Touch) activities every weekend for anyone on campus. I work for ResNet (our name is in the process of changing, though), which is an on-campus technology services organization that provides pretty much any kind of tech support you might want. And, of course, I am part of the Student Admission Program; so if you visit campus and meet me in the office in Devlin, please feel free to let me know you know of me through this blog!
Some of you may have gone back in time in this blog to see some posts from last year, and I definitely encourage everyone to do so, if you have time! I'll try not to repeat much over the course of this year, but I might, so forgive me if I do.
I know this is a pretty harsh time of year for seniors; some of my friends who are seniors now, and friends siblings, have been all panic-stricken about applications. Take a deep breath anytime you think about your application, but do not put it off! (And when it's possible, apply Early Action - it makes all the difference when you know your acceptance situation by January).
Some other random information:
- ESPN's College Gameday will be here in Chestnut Hill this Saturday: try to tune in Saturday morning to see pregame broadcasts and look out for the marching band! And then you can enjoy what should be an amazing game against Florida State!
- Something you should know about me: for whatever reason, I really love parenthesis (and use them often). Just a warning.
TTFN,
Joe
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