The Wall

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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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meowl and friends

[drawing of three cat-owl hybrid creatures on a branch] meowl and friends
[drawing of three cat-owl hybrid creatures on a branch] meowl and friends

I love these critters. Thank you for leaving me a delightful little treat. I wish I could pet them.

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What’s your favorite fan fiction ship

What's your favorite fan fiction ship
What’s your favorite fan fiction ship

I hear that within fan communities, the “original” ships of Kirk/Spock and Scully/Mulder remain favorites. I also asked one of my Millennial assistants, who said there’s nothing quite like Destiel or Dramione. I’ll lean towards any of those!

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BC’s #1 suicide prevention method? asking 4 a friend

BC's #1 suicide prevention method? asking 4 a friend
BC’s #1 suicide prevention method? asking 4 a friend

Have your friend visit the counseling center (or call 617-552–3310, extension 2) right away and ask for a Psychological Emergency Clinician (PEC). More info: bit.ly/bc-pec. If you’re interested in longer-term skills & training for suicide prevention, this mental health & wellness page has strategies and training opportunities: bit.ly/bc-mental-health-wellness.

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Why does BC housing have such a messy system?

Why does BC housing have such a messy system?
Why does BC housing have such a messy system?

Every college does. It’s a lot to juggle. But it sounds like things didn’t come out the way you wanted, and I’m sorry about that. On the bright side, perhaps your new situation will gift you with a lifelong friend.

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meowl

[drawing of a cat/owl on a branch] meowl
[drawing of a cat/owl on a branch] meowl

Meowl is a beautiful creature! Thank you for this exquisite drawing!

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Why does BC keep lights on overnight in locked buildings (gym, lower) when they can save $ and conserve energy?

Why does BC keep lights on overnight in locked buildings (gym, lower) when they can save $ and conserve energy?
Why does BC keep lights on overnight in locked buildings (gym, lower) when they can save $ and conserve energy?

Not all locked buildings are empty. My awesome colleagues in facilities and housekeeping use this time to ensure buildings are well maintained and clean.

Fair, but surely they are not working all night and can shut off the lights before/after?
Fair, but surely they are not working all night and can shut off the lights before/after?

“It’s complicated” is the answer to almost any question related to a building that lots of human need to use. It might be that there are people working 24/7 in the space, it might be housekeeping staff, it might be some specialized equipment that needs to be on all the time and that the lights are tied to it. When I’ve asked my friends in facilities about specific buildings at specific times there’s always a reason the lights are on. What makes sense at home doesn’t always work the same way for commercial or academic buildings.

Why are you up so late?
Why are you up so late?

Just hangin’ out, like I do.

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How do I get over my ex I’m more not over the feeling of being in a relationship

How do I get over my ex I'm more not over the feeling of being in a relationship
How do I get over my ex I’m more not over the feeling of being in a relationship

Treat it like real grief, because it is. There’s no set timetable for processing a loss, you sort of have to work through it. Talk to friends about what you miss. Do things that make you happy, even if you’re not sure they will right now. Feel your feelings and you’ll move on when you’re ready.