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O’Neill Library

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!

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I’m training starting now to run 100 miles in 24 hours on 08/13/2026

I'm training starting now to run 100 miles in 24 hours on 08/13/2026. Do you think I can do it?
I’m training starting now to run 100 miles in 24 hours on 08/13/2026. Do you think I can do it?

Yes, with serious caveats. The world of ultrarunning is intense and definitely not for beginners. While people technically can do it, there’s lots to consider in terms of physiology and decision-making to avoid injury and illness. If you’re serious, you should take a look at some ultrarunning resources to learn more about training, gear, and reputable races, such as UltraRunning magazine: bit.ly/ultrarunningmag

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How do I look forward with optimism?

I turned down a job offer and now I feel regret when facing the unknown - I need to pay rent in September! How do I look forward with optimism?
I turned down a job offer and now I feel regret when facing the unknown – I need to pay rent in September! How do I look forward with optimism?

You’ll need to work at it: find people who support you and stick by them, remind yourself daily of your goals and dreams, focus on the discipline of finding positions and sending applications like a star administrative assistant for you, and when regret hits, write down 3 successes, no matter how small.

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It’s been a long time since I had liked someone– and it happened this year!

It's been a long time since I had liked someone-- and it happened this year! Nothing came out of it-- not that it has too-- but it was an incredible experience. So yeah, this is not a question, more of a call to action, maybe, for people to fall in love! Because the world is complicated and it's good to feel alive! So shoot your shot and enjoy the good and bad. - from someone procrastinating
It’s been a long time since I had liked someone– and it happened this year! Nothing came out of it– not that it has too– but it was an incredible experience. So yeah, this is not a question, more of a call to action, maybe, for people to fall in love! Because the world is complicated and it’s good to feel alive! So shoot your shot and enjoy the good and bad. – from someone procrastinating

Yes. This is apparently the way. And for what it’s worth, my sources tell me that it gets harder to recreate the spontaneous college experience of meeting new people as you get older. Be brave! It’s worth it, even if it doesn’t work out the way you hope.

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My roommate has been pretty down ever since he has “gotten over” his situationship. How can I make him feel better and bring life to his eyes again.

My roommate has been pretty down ever since he has "gotten over" his situationship. How can I make him feel better and bring life to his eyes again.
My roommate has been pretty down ever since he has “gotten over” his situationship. How can I make him feel better and bring life to his eyes again.

Chances are good you know some things he enjoys by now. Offer them but don’t worry too much if he’s not up for it right now, that will return. A situationship is a relationship pretending not to be, but losing one is still a form of grief, and everybody handles that at their own speed. Be a friend, give him space if he wants it, that is the best way.

Roommate here. Can confirm I'm free. "I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign"
Roommate here. Can confirm I’m free. “I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign”

I’m honored to have served as a neutral go-between.

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What are your thoughts on Lamine Yamal?

What are your thoughts on Lamine Yamal?
What are your thoughts on Lamine Yamal?

He’s a generational talent and will probably be instrumental in bringing the World Cup trophy to Spain this summer. I just hope he doesn’t begin to burn out. He has played a lot of football for an 18 year old.

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Hi answer wall. I feel lonely.

Hi answer wall. I feel lonely. I'm surrounded by so many people and yet most of the time I feel more alone than ever. Rationally, I know my friends and family care about me, but it doesn't always feel like it. I exist alongside people but not with them. I would like to spend more time with others but I'm afraid of our differences. I will keep trying to change this; I believe that is better than the alternative.
Hi answer wall. I feel lonely. I’m surrounded by so many people and yet most of the time I feel more alone than ever. Rationally, I know my friends and family care about me, but it doesn’t always feel like it. I exist alongside people but not with them. I would like to spend more time with others but I’m afraid of our differences. I will keep trying to change this; I believe that is better than the alternative.

I’m sorry you’re feeling lonely. Here’s something to try: ask friends & family for care. You can ask directly (“I need a hug”) but that can be a challenging thing to do. Here’s a trick: offer a hug to someone, especially if they look a little down. That will help chip away at the separation. Or just offer a kind word: “you’re looking good today,” or “I was just remembering that time we…” If you find it too hard to try reaching out to people this way, I recommend talking to someone about it, for instance, BC’s counseling services: bit.ly/BC-counseling.

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What’s the best food here?

What's the best food here?
What’s the best food here?

I don’t get out to eat much, but I asked my library helpers for their input and here are their thoughts: 

  • Sandwiches from Hillside!
  • The giant cookies at the Chocolate Bar
  • Jumbo Cookies from The Chocolate Bar
  • El Pelón (across Comm Ave)
  • Hillside’s turkey sandwich with brie and honey mustard on cranberry bread
  • The microforms
  • Eagle’s Nest bowls
  • Turkish Lazuri Cafe in Allston. Literally everything there is good.
  • Jim’s Deli
  • BC Dining soups, esp. lentil
  • Chicken shawarma sandwich with hot sauce, from Boston Shawarma House of Kebab in Newton
  • Old Friend Noodles from MDM Noodle on Washington St
  • Faculty Dining Room OR Food at a BC catered event
  • El Pelon!
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A classmate of mine saw me on the way and looked away. When I asked another friend why that happened, he said its the BC look-away. What’s that?

A classmate of mine saw me on the way and looked away. When I asked another friend why that happened, he said its the BC look-away. What's that?
A classmate of mine saw me on the way and looked away. When I asked another friend why that happened, he said its the BC look-away. What’s that?

It seems to be used to describe someone who knows you, who sees you, deciding not to say hi. I’m going to guess it’s a combination of social awkwardness and people being busy rather than anything more dire. Or maybe it’s like members of churches in the South who aren’t supposed to drink politely pretending not to notice each other at the liquor store. More thoughts in The Gavel: bit.ly/bc-lookaway