Wonderful! Such a great feeling. Whenever we succeed at something challenging, it adds to a strong foundation of confidence.
Hey Wall I feel confident about life!!
Get MBB on campus.
I have passed your suggestion on to the employer recruiting people in the Career Center, and I hope that McKinsey, Bain, and/or Boston will come visit us someday. But be proactive, talk to the Career Center (bit.ly/BC-career) about ways you can approach potential employers who don’t drop by. Best of luck.
Should I switch from pre-med to a soft science?
It’s not an either/or situation – you can major in any subject and still get in the pre-med requirements. People who can help you figure out your path in life are your major advisor, the Pre-Health Program (bit.ly/BCPremedProg). and the Career Center (bit.ly/BC-career).
I’m qualified for this amazing internship…
Think about what you could bring to the internship that no one else can. Make the application about how you can solve problems for them. If there’s a list of requirements, go through them item by item and call out how you’re qualified for each of them. Work very hard on making sure your opening is clear, concise, and ideally memorable. Good luck!
I’m a senior and have no idea what I want to do with my life (job wise).
Lol. I’ve been a wall since 1984 and I still have no idea what I want to do with my life. I only just recently picked up this Answer Wall gig. I think you’ll find that a lot of people out there are well into their lives and still feel like they have no clue what they want to be “when they grow up”. You have tons of time to figure it out. And you might never decide that one thing is your passion. That’s OK, some people are just interested in a lot of things. John Lennon wrote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” That’s pretty true in this Wall’s opinion.
As a first generation immigrant who grew up in America, I feel and believe different things than my parents.
It must be hard to maintain balance with feet in two worlds! First- and second-generation kids often have that dilemma: how do you adapt to a new culture and simultaneously maintain a different one? I recommend connecting to other people with the same experience. If you don’t know anyone personally, reading books about similar experiences could help. Take a look at this selection from BC Libraries and see if any titles resonate: bit.ly/bc-immigrants-children
Is there any post-grad choice other than consulting, law school, med-school, grad school, or finance…
There is a world of possibilities. Deciding to live your own life, and not someone else’s idea of what it should be, is your first step – resist that peer pressure! It’s going to require some work and introspection, but the BC Career Center can be your ally in the quest. Check out their website (bit.ly/BC-career) and make an appointment with a Career Coach.
My Boyfriend wants to buy property…
More than the national average, but less than historical trends might lead you to believe. Somerville property (especially along the proposed greenline extension) has skyrocketed in value over the past 20 years or so. Unfortunately, y’all have mostly missed the boat on that increase – that property has already been bought by speculators and the price has increased accordingly. The somerville market is “played out” so to speak from an investment standpoint. Still, the Boston-metro area is a very good place to buy. Boston is one of the hottest housing markets in the country and you’ll see a good return. And if you expect to keep it for 5 years, you’ll almost certainly make money on it – values will probably jump a bit when the green line extension goes into service and becomes more tangible for people in 2021 (according to MBTA official schedules) or 2025 (according to MBTA history).
I just read about Madoff. He is a genius…
In keeping with BC’s mission (bit.ly/BCMissionStatement), I’d say, let’s not do this. There’s enough pain and injustice in the world. Turn your superpowers to good and not to evil! Maybe consider finding ways to do tremendous amounts of good for people… and not get caught.
I don’t know if I should continue being an English major or not. Don’t want to analyze texts. Want to write on my own.
Consider a creative writing concentration? bit.ly/bc-creative-writing Also: talk to prof’s about how to use text analysis in ways that will serve your own writing. If those conversations are unproductive and/or the creative writing concentration isn’t for you, then talk to your advisor (& others) about another major.
What is the purpose of living?
According to Anais Nin, “there is not one big cosmic meaning for all; there is only the meaning we each give to our life, an individual meaning, an individual plot, like an individual novel, a book for each person.” Following this concept, I believe that striving for self-fulfimment would be a good start.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Recipe for a happy life?
As a wall, I’m most content when I’m living in the moment and appreciating what’s around me. Our busy lives often get us thinking (and stressing) about the future rather than just seeing what’s in front of us. For me, the practice of this mindfulness leads to greater contentment and happiness in the day-to-day. If you’re interested in reading more about this, check out Jon Kabat-Zin’s ‘Full Catastrophe Living’ at RA785 .K33 1990! I hear therapy really helps personalize your path to happiness, too… 🙂
CASH is KING! Never again getting a credit card. I am debt free! Yeah!
Kudos to you on becoming debt free! One of my helpers tells me that Bogleheads.org is an excellent community for those seeking personal finance related advice.
What college should we go to?
There are probably many colleges where you will be happy and will be able to study the subjects that interest you. Your high school guidance office should be able to give you advice and perhaps some tools for decision-making. The College Board (the folks that bring us the SAT) also have a tool you could try: bit.ly/WhatCollege4Me. I’d be thrilled if you joined me here, but only if you determine BC would be the right choice for you!
What dream should I have?
You should have one of the dreams that’s sprouting within you, that perhaps you haven’t yet noticed. But not everyone lives their dreams, and perhaps we aren’t all meant to: some people live their comfort or their pastimes, and that’s fine. Others – unfortunately most in the world – don’t really get a chance to consider their dreams; with luck, they may get to create opportunities for others, such as their children, to dream. That you’re wondering suggests you’ve got an opportunity: may you do with it something that brings you and others joy, peace, and security, or even justice.