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!
When did you learn Chinese?

It’s sort of hard to describe. Think of me as a hive-mind composed of the knowledge and expertise of all of the dozens of people who work for the BC Libraries. (I was going to say “The Great Wall, 1906,” but that would have been fiction. I’ve only once visited my idol The Great Wall & was too shy to ask anything.)
yo
How can I not care what people think of me?

First of all, you’re the best! I have two methods, and I hope one works for you: 1) I remember that everyone else is so busy caring what other people think of them that they have little time to think of me. 2) What that person thinks of me is none of my business.
At the end of the day, it’s night
Who shot Mr. Burns
would you rather unlimited bacon, but no games or unlimited games but not games

That’s easier for me than most people–I don’t eat, so games are an easy choice. More of a problem for bacon lovers as I understand it. But I do recommend caution if you select the bacon option. xkcd.com/418/
why octopuses have 8 hearts?

They’re cooler than that. They have 3 hearts, a big central brain, and 8 mini-brains, one for each arm. More octopus facts: bit.ly/10-octopus-facts
Are you happy?
How long did it take you to find a huzz?
Why did you chose Boston college?
What is the most attractive wall you have seen?
More about Asian history and traditionals

The Master [Confucius] said, “To learn, and at due times to practice what one has learned, is that not also a pleasure? To have friends come from afar, is that not also a joy? To go unrecognized, yet without being embittered, is that not also to be a noble person?” Here’s a comprehensive introduction to Chinese religions across the dynasties: bit.ly/bcl-wiley-chinese-religions
Can I touch your toes?
What is the meaning of life? :)

This question is a popular one, so it’s a great service to others that you asked! I wish I had an answer. It’s different for everyone. Perhaps rephrase the question: how can I find my purpose and meaning? Father Himes (1947-2022), a beloved professor of theology at BC, said to ask yourself three key questions: What brings me joy? What am I good at? To whom can I be of service? Your life’s meaning is where those three intersect. (bit.ly/himes-3key)
Hi Wall! How can I avoid/combat/change my people-pleasing tendencies?

People-pleasing can just be being agreeable. But it can also be a form of manipulating circumstances to avoid conflict or other threats, and get in the way of thriving & relationships. If you’re a BC student, the counseling center could a good place to determine what’s going on and change habits if necessary. (bit.ly/BC-counseling)
Can you recommend 5 books with transgender main characters?

My suggestions are: A Safe Girl to Love: Stories by Casey Plett; An Unkindess of Ghosts by River Solomon; Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas; Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki; A Rotten Girl by J. Ursula Topaz. If you’d like more recommendations in a particular genre or with specific themes leave another note. Can’t wait to hear what you think.
What is the craziest thing you’ve witnessed as a wall?

The baseball World Series trophy was like ten feet from me one afternoon in 2018. So wild. https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/2018/12/19/5621/












