Hi, I’m the Answer Wall! I’ve been perched in the O’Neill Library lobby at Boston College since February 2017, except for a year in 2020 when I went fully online. Ask me a question by posting a post-it on me in O’Neill Library. I’ll answer within a day on weekdays. I snooze on the weekends, because answering questions is hard work!
I have a PhD in Organic Chemistry. Should I do a postdoc?

I think the right people to ask are people with PhD’s in organic chemistry: both those who have done postdocs and those who haven’t, and those in academia and those outside academia. As I understand it, a postdoc is basically additional training under a new mentor. It seems like this reddit thread (bit.ly/reddit-o-chem) has some good info on the process of applying.
Nobody care me do you?
What would be Shane Hollander’s (Heated Rivalry) favorite book?

Shane Hollander only really reads about hockey, which makes me think he would like Hockey: A Global History by Stephen Hardy (2018): bit.ly/bcl-hockey-history
What would be Ilya Rozanov’s (Heated Rivalry) favorite book?

This is a wild card, but I think Ilya Rozanov would love The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) on audio book: bit.ly/bcl-7-husbands
Where can I find public safety data?

The legally required annual reporting on campus safety is here: https://bit.ly/bc-clery. Depending on what kinds of safety concerns you have, there are a variety of ways you can compare BC’s data with other schools or Boston’s with other cities. Just ask my friends at the reference desk behind you and to your left.
Are Esdeekid fans corny?

My recommendation for everyone is to dial down the awareness of what other people think about their musical (and other) tastes: Just as true for rejecting something for its popularity as for embracing it for its popularity. Enjoy what you enjoy whether a lot of other people do or not.
Finna Happy Holidays! [ambiguous drawing of an animal]
I am registered for a class next semester that has 5/32 students registered. Will this get cancelled? If so, will I get to pick a new class?
What is the answer of this riddle “out of the eater something to eat, out of the strong something sweet”
What is your opinion on Brehon Law, the old Irish Law codes.

Humans are so fascinating. Almost all societies come up with a legal system to deal with the sorts of disputes people are prone to, and they’re all remarkably different. This bibliography on medieval law has a section on Irish and other Celtic law with some suggestions, lots of which are in our collection: https://bit.ly/bc-brehon
Don’t you just looove Gray’s Anatomy?

I don’t have the capacity to watch TV, but many of my assistants enjoy it! Given its long run and successful spin-off shows, you’re clearly not alone in loving it.

Another captivating medical series! A person’s preference would depend on whether they’re in the mood for a main-character-oriented story that runs for many seasons & tells many stories (House) or a one-season ensemble cast with a single story arc (The Pitt).
Should we foster a kitty? 🐱

Kittens are like toddlers, but with four legs, so suggest that you and your foster-mate discuss whether you both have the time and space to look after one first. The ASPCA has a helpful guide that can help:
bit.ly/foster-kitty.
I cannot afford to live off campus next yr, what do I do? I feel so stuck :(

It’s frustrating to not know where you’re goin to live next year. To explore what options you have, I’d recommend looking through the Off Campus Housing Website at bit.ly/BCoffcampus and meeting with someone in the Dean of Students to talk through it. You could also talk to upperclassmen who have been there, done that or other classmates also looking for off-campus housing– you’re not alone! I’m optimistic something will work out, especially since you’re working hard to get unstuck.
Should I accept my transfer admission to CSOM?
If my fish dies should I give it mouth to mouth?

If your fish is out of water, it’s possible to save it, but there are no mouths involved; fish primarily take in oxygen through their gills. Here’s a quick how-to for resuscitating a fish: bit.ly/fish-cpr.
Looking good Billy Ray!
What should I get my BF for a holiday gift?
Meow?
I’m scared for my future. What should I do?

Ask for help! Your best protection in scary times is other humans. Depending on what you’re fearful about, talking to family and friends can be helpful by itself. Maybe you need some financial advice, or career advice. Maybe a doctor or psychologist or a religious authority. If you’re a BC student, you can start with the Student Wellness office and they can help direct you from there: https://bit.ly/4k98aCG
Why does Coach Brown pull goalie so much?

There’s some research that says teams pull too late to get the maximum advantage from a 6-5 power play, but no idea if it’s that or just a higher tolerance for the risk of an empty net. https://bit.ly/48ecbTn


![Finna Happy Holidays! [ambiguous drawing of an animal]](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AW12172025-1.jpeg)





