As this academic year comes to a close, we’ve asked our outgoing seniors to share their final words on their experiences at BU, their thoughts on college in general. Many of these seniors have been at The Quad since its inception, and all have provided superlative work for this publication. Though we know they will all thrive in their lives after BU, The Quad has benefited immensely from their legacy.
Lauren Hockenson, COM/CAS, Journalism & English, Founder & Publisher:
Andrea Abi-Karam, CAS, Biology with a Neuroscience specialization, Editor-in-Chief:
My parents taught me how to apply sunscreen the way BU gives exams and students drink tequila: liberally and frequently. The most inspiring professor overcomes all of the other ones that don’t care. Make friends that can revel in the silence before sunrise with you. There are a lot of people here; speak out. Be open minded.
David Braga, COM, Film & Television, Film:
I’ve often wondered if I’d be a drastically different person had I gone to a state school in Virginia instead of heading up here to BU. I’d probably be much better at shotgunning Natty. That aside, I know that I’m content with who I’ve been at BU. That’s enough for me.
Nicole Cousins, COM, Photojournalism, Photo Editor:
Teams will give you the best of friends and the worst of enemies. Being with the same people all the time means you see them in every state of their being and you will love it and hate it. It will mean more to you than you think. Also the MBTA is a pile of crap.
Deanna Falcone, CAS, Political Science, Politics:
The one thing I will take away from my experience at BU is my absolute love of learning. I had always gotten by without trying in high school, but when I got to BU I was challenged. I have had amazing professors here and, with their help, have truly discovered just how rewarding hard work can be. I know that will help me succeed in the long run.
Allison Francis, COM, Public Relations, Music & Politics:
Be brave, be open, be humble, be kind. As long as you never stop trying to be these things, you’ll never stop learning.
Veronica Glab, CAS, International Relations, Feministka:
There is a direct correlation between my classroom participation and my consumption of Bailey’s. I learned the most about myself traveling alone. Your closest friends are the ones who get you, not just the ones who know things about you. You never know where you’ll meet the best people.
Chree Izzo, COM/CAS, Journalism & English, Film:
Once in a while, ditch the homework and go be stupid with your friends instead. Yes, school is important, but so is this. There will come a time when you aren’t a hop, skip and jump away from these people, when you’ll need planes and planning to see the faces that are so ingrained in your everyday. At the end of the day, you won’t remember the tests or the papers. You’ll remember the people, your people, so go out, do it for the stories, and make some killer memories.
Annie Rath, SHA, Hospitality Administration, Food:
As with many things in life, you will get out what you put in. Do your best to make the most of the opportunities that BU provides, but don’t forget to leave the college bubble. We are so lucky to be nestled in a city that has something for everyone! Find a balance between work and play. Study abroad. If it’s true that college is the best four years of your life, then studying abroad is the best semester of the best four years of your life. BU’s abroad programs are without a doubt spectacular, no matter where you go.
Meghan Ross, SMG/COM, Business Administration & Marketing, Minor in Advertising:
Gabe Stein, CAS, International Relations, Publisher:
BU must be both one of the most exciting and most frustrating places on Earth. Exciting because of all the opportunities it offers and all of the amazing, passionate people who pass through. Frustrating because it feels like so many of these people’s efforts are wasted by the school’s unwillingness to provide support for its students in a way that would truly build a thriving, creative academic community. It is my sincere hope in helping to build and grow the Quad over the last two years that we have started something that will serve to highlight, give voice to, and bring together some of these deserving people while simultaneously providing a forum for publicizing and discussing the instances when the school fails them, as long as such a service is needed.
Alyssa True, COM, Journalism, TV:
I loved the student organizations (especially curling) and my StuVi 1 apartment (especially the view), but hated the bureaucracy. And now I wish I went to school in Maine after all.
Heather Vandenengel, COM, Journalism, Campus:
