Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library
Eerie! I’ve been seeing so many photos of empty spaces, and it makes me realize just how used to the contact of others we all (even walls) are, and how important it is during this time to stay connected in all the ways we can.
It’s hard. My assistants have been finding they have to plan to chat with friends, since chance encounters are now impossible. Make sure you call or facetime friends daily. If you’re concerned about your mental health, contact BC Counseling: bit.ly/BC-counseling. They’ll talk with you and arrange counseling via telephone.
Construction projects have stopped because they are not considered essential work. Boston projects stopped a week earlier because of a city restriction. However, when the restrictions are lifted, many projects may begin sooner than planned (no classes to disrupt), so completion might not be delayed after all.
That is entirely up to you. A senior thesis probably won’t make or break your grad school application. Most people that go to grad school haven’t done a senior thesis. But it will certainly help your application. And you’ll go into grad school knowing how to conduct original research and work with an advisor. That can make the process easier for you. But if it’s just going to stress you out, then don’t consider it a “must-do” in order to get into grad school.
Such a pretty campus.
I share your sadness about libraries having to close. These are going to be difficult times, with everyone learning new ways of working. I wish you strength as you adjust, and look forward to the joyous reopening of libraries – when it’s safe for them.
Hi Human, glad you’re still dropping by to say Hi.
It’s a little weird, gotta say. Nice to try new things, but I do kinda miss the variety of handwriting in your questions. Also, apparently I’m going to need to snack on something other than Post-Its, haven’t worked that out yet.
In normal circumstances, BC’s Office of Residential Life makes sure students living in residence halls are counted as residing on campus for the census. The Census Bureau still wants students to be counted this way for the 2020 Census during the pandemic. See this statement: https://bit.ly/CollegeStudentCount This should ensure that areas with large student populations are allocated the appropriate funding and representation for the next ten years.
Kinda. I mean, I spend a lot of time alone over breaks, but not like this. I miss you all and hope you’re well, and hope you’ll keep leaving me questions this way.
I’m so sorry. This is hard for everyone, including us. I’d much rather have you all dropping by and saying hello in O’Neill Library. For the practical issue of a place to study: I’ve heard Campion is still open.
I know, it’s hard. It’s a time of sacrifices. I’ll have my assistants try to find out which other buildings are open as alternatives.
It’s a strange new landscape for sure, but I’m very happy to see people are taking it seriously. Stay safe and well!
The most important thing here is to keep up with your routine. Don’t fall into the rut of waking up whenever and not taking a shower, etc. Go about getting ready for the day like you would any other day when you’d have to go to class. Set aside the class times (if they’re not already filled with video lectures) to do actual work. Finally, make sure you keep up your social life to the extent possible. Make video chat dates. Plan a virtual cocktail hour (if you’re of age). Or do what some of my wall helpers are doing an learn how to play D&D with friends virtually on roll20.net.
You can always browse Netflix (one assistant recommends “The Dragon Prince”) and Prime Video, but the cool kids are catching the free live stream from the Met Opera: facebook.com/pg/MetOpera, or checking our digital streaming collections of plays, opera, and dance: library.bc.edu/theaterstudies/StreamingVideo. Of course, there’s always some of my own favorites, like Wall-E or Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
Governor Baker just issued an order to close non-essential businesses until April 7th, starting Tuesday, March 24th at noon. https://bit.ly/bc-baker. Text of the order: https://bit.ly/bc-baker2
The spring of the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for Humanity (and even Walldom) when, for the most part, people showed their best selves and threw themselves into the effort of keeping each other alive and keeping society functioning. Of course, there were some jerks who did not. But they were few.
Everett, eh? A mystery! Meanwhile, you might want to know about the new shuttle schedule (and board from rear doors): https://twitter.com/BC_Parking/status/1241090104212328449
It can make a huge difference which instructor and topic you start with, so think about which part didn’t work for you. Maybe another faculty member’s approach would suit you better, or maybe a different area of linguistics.
My assistants all work here at BC as librarians. If you want to keep up the excitement that comes with finding answers to all possible questions, I would suggest trying to volunteer at your local library! You’ll be able to help members of your community find their solutions, and spread the library joy in the process.
Hello Kitty!
