Hi! My name is Beth and I am a rising senior at Boston College. I am studying English and Sociology and hope to pursue my Master's in Social Work at BC post-undergrad. I remember how overwhelming it can be to be touring schools in such large groups with little time to ask questions and hear about what life on campus is actually like. As your tour guide, I will make you and your family feel comfortable asking questions and voicing concerns, as well as share how I have found a home at Boston College and navigated challenging situations and big changes.

Hometown

Fall River, Massachusetts

Major(s)

Sociology, English

Minor(s)

Medical Humanities

Clubs, organizations & involvement

The Laughing Medusa Literary Magazine ~ council member The Gavel Magazine ~ Features Writer The Chocolate Bar ~ Student Manager and Barista Boston College Catering Department ~ Wait Staff at events

Describe your college experience

My time here at Boston College amplified my love for learning and has helped me discern my professional calling. When I arrived at Boston College, I was confident in my desire to pursue a minor in journalism and pursue a career in writing. By the Spring of my Freshman year, I had met professors and taken courses that invigorated my desire to pursue social justice and learn about how society functions on a social, political, cultural, and individual level. Aside from academics, I have made lifelong friends and found people who accept me for who I am, respect my values, and make me a better person. My college experience has definitely been challenging and stressful at times, but the people I have met at Boston College have supported me through it all.

Tip for future students

Don't force the process of making friends- it will happen naturally. You will meet a lot of people the first few weeks of classes, and it is okay and normal to feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or like you need a break. The people who are meant to find you will find you, but it takes time. Your Professors are there to support your growth, take advantage of the resource. I wish I began forming connections with professors freshman year, they have so much incredible advice to offer and want to help you succeed and reach your goals. Core courses might seem tedious at first, but these courses have actually been some of my favorites so far. Even if you are not interested in the topic, give the same energy to these courses as you would those in your major. These classes have provided me with the tools to view things from multiple perspectives and to keep an open mind about differing views, beliefs, and cultures.

Favorite class

My favorite class was an Enduring Questions course that I took my Fall semester freshman year. This was a two-part course with two professors from different departments teaching on a shared topic. The course I took was called "Coming of Age in Literature and Film" and it explored themes of identity formation, cultural differences, political messaging, and character growth in the context of films and novels. This was a discussion based course, so each week we would discuss a book that had a film adaptation or a film of similar themes. In the literature class we would discuss how characters were portrayed through words and the effects that words had on the reader. In the film counterpart we would discuss techniques, visuals, and production choices that convey themes, emotions, and messages. I enjoyed this class because of how engaging each session was, and how comfortable I felt with the group and the professors. The class environment pushed me to speak aloud when I would have remained quiet, share questions and personal critiques, and think more critically about novels and films.

Career goals

I hope to pursue a Masters in Social Work, and eventually become a clinical social worker in either healthcare settings or community outreach.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Making homemade pizzas, cookies, and popcorn to share while we watch a new movie and sing karaoke! A chill night with people I enjoy the company of!

High school or secondary school

Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, MA