Hello!
So this might actually be my first post (honestly I don't remember). Allow me to (re)introduce myself, my name is Caroline Wilkinson and I am a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and the class of 2010's only geophysics major (also a math minor). I am from beautiful, sunny southern California but I have finally started to get used to the whole "New England weather" thing. I also am obsessed with BC sports...I will elaborate on this later.
So I actually opted to not go home for Thanksgiving this year. I went home both freshman and sophomore years, went to London to visit roommates and friends who were studying abroad last year (so much fun), and went home with my roommate, Beth, this year! She is from just about 45 minutes from BC so it was nice to stay close by but still be able to celebrate Thanksgiving (and fill myself with delicious, home-made food). Her family was totally great and welcoming, I never stopped eating! After dinner on Thursday I came back to campus to work on my thesis. I am a student in the Honors Program and as a senior project opted to write a thesis in the Department of Geology and Geophysics under Professor John Ebel. So far it has been going fairly well, but I knew that I had to use this break to get some work done. I worked all day Friday and woke up Saturday ready to keep it up. Luckily, my good friend Christina had other plans. Christina is from Rhode Island and offered to come pick me up from BC and take me back down to RI! Obviously I couldn't pass it up, so I made the trip and found out that the BC Men's Basketball team was playing Providence College in the Dunkin Donuts Center! We were pumped, and one of Christina's best friends from home goes to PC, so we bought tickets and cruised on over. It was a great game, and we ended up winning in the last minute! I was very impressed by the Superfan representation at the game as well. We had a few pockets of proud maroon and gold out there!
Now it is back to BC and the last two weeks of class! I am working on my thesis as I write this, actually. Probably should get back to it and give it 100% of my attention. Well, wish me luck. This thesis is shaping up to be quite the journey!
Peace.
Caroline Wilkinson
A&S 2010
wilkinca@bc.edu
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Week before Thanksgiving break!
Hey guys!
I'm less than a week away from going home for Thanksgiving break! I have a lot to do for classes between now and then, but I'm excited for the last home football game on Saturday. The weather has been so mild this year for most of the games, so we got really lucky.
I still feel like this semester just started, and I just got back to BC, when really, we're about 2/3 of the way done! It's crazy how fast the time goes by when you're a college student. I'm really excited to see my friends and family (and, of course, my dog who I miss more than anyone) back in Minnesota for almost a week!
Class registration is coming up for next semester; I have to figure out which classes I'm taking. I know I'm taking two Econ classes, which is exciting for me, and I have to finish my core requirement in Philosophy and Theology.
I went to the Plex today after not having gone in about a week, so that felt really good! Then, I had a "turkey dinner" from Lower Dining Hall.
Well, I'm off to hit the books in the study lounge!
I still feel like this semester just started, and I just got back to BC, when really, we're about 2/3 of the way done! It's crazy how fast the time goes by when you're a college student. I'm really excited to see my friends and family (and, of course, my dog who I miss more than anyone) back in Minnesota for almost a week!
Class registration is coming up for next semester; I have to figure out which classes I'm taking. I know I'm taking two Econ classes, which is exciting for me, and I have to finish my core requirement in Philosophy and Theology.
I went to the Plex today after not having gone in about a week, so that felt really good! Then, I had a "turkey dinner" from Lower Dining Hall.
Well, I'm off to hit the books in the study lounge!
-Libby
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Environment of Boston College
It only takes a quick glance at any promotional brochure to realize that Boston College has a beautiful campus. Located six miles west of downtown Boston in charming Chestnut Hill, a village of Newton, Boston College’s beautiful, collegiate gothic architecture is nestled an array of plush vegetation (that turns stunning in the autumn). The superficial beauty certainly improves times spent on campus. Still other ways in which the campus is arranged subtly enhance the college experience.
Firstly, student life is closely tied to academia. Geographically speaking, the vast majority of students live on campus, with the exception of a fraction of the junior class that is obligated to find off-campus housing for one year. I particularly like this feature because it allows for easy access to university facilities and resources. Additionally, BC’s campus is rather compact and far more navigable than the campuses of large state universities. Walking to class, the library, the stadium, et cetera takes almost no time at all.
Secondly, as I said before the campus is very aesthetically pleasing, but the pretty sights around the Heights have (I feel) a stronger moral impact on students. I have found that just living in a beautiful place will positively affect my mood any given day. If finals begin to burden me with stress or if I failed to meet my goals for a recent paper, I can always find some shred of relief in my life on this gorgeous campus.
Lastly, the charm is not limited exclusively to Boston College. Downtown Boston blends aged and contemporary architecture in fascinating ways that lend it much character. And neighboring Brookline offers a homey, uptown outlet for students as well.
The beauty criterion is frequently minimized in the college selection process, and it should be when compared criteria such as academics, school size, or geographic location. It really should not be the sole rationale behind an application, but that being said the beauty of BC certainly does improve the time spent here.
Until next time,
William
Firstly, student life is closely tied to academia. Geographically speaking, the vast majority of students live on campus, with the exception of a fraction of the junior class that is obligated to find off-campus housing for one year. I particularly like this feature because it allows for easy access to university facilities and resources. Additionally, BC’s campus is rather compact and far more navigable than the campuses of large state universities. Walking to class, the library, the stadium, et cetera takes almost no time at all.
Secondly, as I said before the campus is very aesthetically pleasing, but the pretty sights around the Heights have (I feel) a stronger moral impact on students. I have found that just living in a beautiful place will positively affect my mood any given day. If finals begin to burden me with stress or if I failed to meet my goals for a recent paper, I can always find some shred of relief in my life on this gorgeous campus.
Lastly, the charm is not limited exclusively to Boston College. Downtown Boston blends aged and contemporary architecture in fascinating ways that lend it much character. And neighboring Brookline offers a homey, uptown outlet for students as well.
The beauty criterion is frequently minimized in the college selection process, and it should be when compared criteria such as academics, school size, or geographic location. It really should not be the sole rationale behind an application, but that being said the beauty of BC certainly does improve the time spent here.
Until next time,
William
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Bye bye, October!
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
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
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
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