The Wall is sympathetic about feeling unseen. Have you tried talking to her? If no, try that. You could also try waving, which is an option you have that I don’t.
I see her everyday. She doesn’t see me.
Is “parameterization” or “parametrization” correct when describing which parameters describe a statistical model?
The Oxford English Dictionary recognizes both as options (and even parameterisation, imagine that!), so you can choose the one you like. I ran a Google Trends search to see usage of the 3 spellings over the past 15 years (bit.ly/Paramewhat); “parameterization” was the clear winner.
Can someone explain to me why it is SO hard to find a therapist? This is not a complain to BC as I know UCS & The Dean of Students Office provides good referrals & follow-up.
Thank you for sharing those articles! I’m sure many people would welcome an answer to this question. Finding a good therapist can be very difficult. To be honest, finding all kinds of medical specialists can be very difficult. But because of the complexity of mental health issues and the wide variety of approaches to mental health treatment, it can be very hard to find a specialist who is a) a good match for one’s needs, b) available, and c) covered “in-network” in one’s insurance plan. Layer cultural differences on top of these complexities, and it’s clear that making productive appointments is what engineers would call a non-trivial problem.
Out of curiosity….who’s on the Behavioral Evaluation Team?
The Dean of Students Office is responsible for the group; there is representation from across campus departments, including UHS, Residential Life, Campus Ministry, BCPD, University Counseling Services, Conduct Office, Office of Outreach and Support, the Provost’s office and others. Find more info at the website (bit.ly/BC-BET) or by contacting Caroline Davis at the Dean of Students office.
What’s your actual name?
Lots of library staff contribute to making what you see happen, so there’s no one answer to that. Think of me as a collaborative writing exercise in anthropomorphism.
Is a double major worthwhile?
I think it depends on what you want out of it, and how you like to work. Two majors equals two sets of required courses, so you might have fewer choices about what classes to take, or it might take more time to get all of them done. Two majors would give you the chance to go fairly deep on two interests; one major might give you the chance to go deeper on one of them. Some people double major to give themselves more job options. If you’re feeling indecisive think carefully about whether two sets of requirements and work are what you want–it can sometimes be easier to change majors than to do two. Talk to your advisor, and to professors in both of the programs you’re interested in and they can give you a better idea of what’s involved and what makes sense for you.
Why are there so few free parking spots on campus?
I’m so grateful I never have to leave campus and come back and find a spot. This summer, the parking situation is tighter than usual because of construction issues. One of my helpers tells me it is easy to find parking before 8 AM, if you can make that work into your schedule.
4 deaths in 4 months… wrong?
![4 deaths in 4 months... wrong? [drawings of hearts & stars obscure text]](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/aw080619-3.jpg)
It’s sad and disheartening. All the walls at BC will miss them. I like the drawings of hearts and stars, though. Thanks for those, whoever added them. If I had arms I’d offer you a hug. Please know that the walls of the library and all the other campus buildings are here to support you, and there are many humans, too, who can do the same: friends, family, BC’s professors and staff. We all want the same thing: that everyone here will thrive. Counseling (bit.ly/BC-counseling) and pastoral counseling (bit.ly/bc-pastoral-counseling) are always available.
Who is in charge of raising and lowering the flag outside O’Neill?
BC Landscape Services takes care of the ones in front of O’Neill and the Newton campus, and BCPD handles the one in front of Maloney.
Can BC Libraries please acquire “Flights” by Olga Tokarczuk?
Thanks very much for the suggestion. Sounds like something we should acquire! I have forwarded it to our librarian for Slavic and Eastern Languages and Literatures, Nina Bogdanovsky, who immediately ordered it.
Can you help me get a date with a girl on uprising?
Can I help in a direct way, like intervene on your behalf, perhaps write eloquent love poems for you? No. My advice is the same for starting any relationship. Start small: coffee, locally. Be friendly, be direct & honest, respect boundaries, and be yourself. If it works, it works, if it doesn’t, move on. (BTW, I’ve got a policy of no names, which is why it’s crossed out.)
I want to donate money to some institutions to help their goals. Which ones do you recommend?
It’s wonderful to hear that you want to share with others! What are some of your passions or concerns? The Libraries subscribe to a resource called GuideStar (BC access only: bit.ly/bc-guidestar) where you can find key information about thousands of non profit organizations. Included in the database are important details such as key organizational players and financial data. Have fun exploring!
Is North Dakota an actual state?
Yes, North Dakota is an actual state. A conflict between the U.S. and ND constitutions had many believing that ND was not a state. However, the issue was resolved during the 2012 election. In 1989 Rand McNally left both Dakotas and Oklahoma out of a road atlas to save space, but I don’t think that’s directly related. bit.ly/bc-rand
Are you friends w/MSU?? Go green! #spartanswill
Yes we are! We have a great deal of respect for all our Big Ten friends. But come NCAA tournament play we stick with our ACC allies.
When will the democrats get it together for the presidential race.
As my distant cousin the Magic 8-Ball often says, “Cannot predict now.” There are certainly many contestants. If by “get it together,” you mean have a single consistent message, the late great Will Rogers said it best: “I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat.”
How many people answer these questions?
Many. My helpers had a meeting recently and it filled a conference room. They also reach out to experts in the library and on campus for lots of questions, and I have other helpers who do the printing and such. No Wall is an island, but I absolutely couldn’t do what I do without lots of help.
How to become a better diplomat without having corruption?
There are lots of approaches to diplomacy that don’t involve corruption. One way to learn would be to read about how other people have done the work–lots of ambassadors write books about their careers. bit.ly/bc-diplomats. One of my helpers recommends this one in particular: bit.ly/bc-galbraith.
Will I become the future secretary general of the United Nations?
My cousin the magic 8-ball is better at predictions. I’m good at support. My recommendation would be to take a look at the biographies of past secretaries general (bit.ly/un-secretaries) to understand some pathways to that position (e.g., diplomatic service, university professor, foreign affairs ministry, UN Committees, UN employment), and get to work. I fully support you in this endeavor, and look forward to having a friend in high places!
One question: Sup!
Not much, really. Very happy to wake up from a long nap to find several days in a row of questions. You?
I’m going to graduate but still can’t find a job. What should I do T^T it seems like many firms don’t prefer international students……
I’m sorry you’re having a hard time finding work. I strongly recommend setting up a consultation the BC Career Center. Here is there information specifically directed at international students seeking work in the US: bit.ly/BCCareerIS. And congratulations on your graduation!