In response to OISS email:

In response to OISS email: I echo that BC should continue to list Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China seperately on the statistic website. Making the changes would be a form of oppression towards students from other non-China country. It would be very unwise during this sensitive time in regards to the Hong Kong protest as well.
In response to OISS email: I echo that BC should continue to list Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China seperately on the statistic website. Making the changes would be a form of oppression towards students from other non-China country. It would be very unwise during this sensitive time in regards to the Hong Kong protest as well.

I recommend you let OISS know directly by emailing them. I’m sure they’re hearing different perspectives on this issue. For those not in the know, the Office of International Students and Scholars at BC (bc.edu/offices/oiss) reports on numbers of students from different countries. Currently, the data differentiates the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan; the PRC officially does not recognize these entities as separate from the PRC.

Why is BC counseling so overrun?

Why is BC counseling so overrun? I've been struggling with suicidal thoughts and they said that someone isn't free to see me until December. Wow. I feel so valued.
Why is BC counseling so overrun? I’ve been struggling with suicidal thoughts and they said that someone isn’t free to see me until December. Wow. I feel so valued.
That was my experience last year as well!! You can reach out to the on-call PEC though, they will always have people that you can talk to in a timely manner. Or maybe crisis text line? text 741741 ... their wait time is shorter than other hotlines, usually within 5 minutes~
That was my experience last year as well!! You can reach out to the on-call PEC though, they will always have people that you can talk to in a timely manner. Or maybe crisis text line? text 741741 … their wait time is shorter than other hotlines, usually within 5 minutes~

It’s not just BC, mental health services at lots of schools are having trouble keeping up with increasing need for their services. http://bit.ly/bc-mental. WGBH also has a recent series on mental health at local schools http://bit.ly/bc-mental2. The suggestions above my note are solid ones that you can use immediately. And I see you. You are not alone.

Support Groups are more frequent and less crowded. + ask them to refer you to an off-campus therapist if you have blue cross Blue Shield
Support Groups are more frequent and less crowded. + ask them to refer you to an off-campus therapist if you have blue cross Blue Shield

These are good ideas! I’ll see if my assistants can bring back my sidekick.

I hope you have a positive experience w/ UCS =) They're all nice people working really hard to care for students. BTW, Answer Wall ~ can we get the "kindness board" that you put up right next to you back here ~ looks like many ppl needs it!!!!
I hope you have a positive experience w/ UCS =) They’re all nice people working really hard to care for students. BTW, Answer Wall ~ can we get the “kindness board” that you put up right next to you back here ~ looks like many ppl needs it!!!!

How do I approach a suitemate with some things that are bothering me without hurting her feelings?

How do I approach a suitemate with some things that are bothering me without hurting her feelings?
How do I approach a suitemate with some things that are bothering me without hurting her feelings?

First, let go of feeling responsibility for her reaction. It may sound cold & unfeeling, but you aren’t responsible anyone’s feelings but your own. That said, you can present your concerns in ways that are less or more effective or compassionate. Start with “I” statements; describe how you reacted & felt. Avoid “you” statements, which will be perceived as accusatory and likely encourage defensiveness. Finally, before you talk, clarify for yourself what your precise concerns are, and what you’re looking for in a response.

When should I get married?

When should I get married?
When should I get married?

Clichéd as it sounds, you should get married when you and your partner both feel ready to make such a massive commitment. Relationships are very unique, so while there may be common trends, (age, societal standing, peer pressure, etc.) it’s fundamentally important that you are comfortable with the idea.

I think I may have been emotionally abused?

I think I may have been emotionally abused? Back home. I'm worried about my little brother. Any advice?
I think I may have been emotionally abused? Back home. I’m worried about my little brother. Any advice?

I’m really sorry to hear that. I recommend visiting counseling services (bit.ly/counseling). They can assess your situation and provide counseling and advice, and should be able to provide guidance about what you can do for your brother. (((((Wall Hug)))))

How do I know if I should break up? I can’t see us together long-term and I don’t want to become the kind of person he is.

How do I know if I should break up? I can't see us together long-term and I don't want to become the kind of person he is.
How do I know if I should break up? I can’t see us together long-term and I don’t want to become the kind of person he is.

Ideally, communicating about your doubts will give you a better idea about what decision you should make. In regards to the future, what you see may be very different from what he sees. Discussing what you both want from your relationship hopefully leads to you making an informed decision about your futures.

How to accept your (own) flaw? One you have no control over.

How to accept your own flaw? One you have no control over.
How to accept your own flaw? One you have no control over.

One possibility is to think of it as a challenge, and all challenges are character-building. What you do to adapt to the flaw becomes part of your character – perhaps even one of the best parts of your character – that you wouldn’t have without the flaw. In essence, turn the “flaw” into a source of growth, something that anyone without that flaw doesn’t get to experience. Another possibility: recognize that everyone has limitations of one kind or another, many of them invisible. IOW, you aren’t alone in the challenge of accepting yourself as you are.

Best bathroom on campus?

Best bathroom on campus?
Best bathroom on campus?
McMullen Locker Room
McMullen Locker Room

A recent post had the math dept. restroom (with shower!) on a bucket list, so it must be pretty special. It also has the virtue of being nearby… which could be the most important criterium when it’s, uh, urgent.

How to become a tutor in the Connor’s Learning Center?

How to become a tutor in the Connor's Learning Center? Is it a lot of work? Is it paid?
How to become a tutor in the Connor’s Learning Center? Is it a lot of work? Is it paid?

It is paid. You can tutor for one or more courses. To become a tutor for a course, you need to have gotten at least a B+, and have a recommendation from your professor. The CFLC suggests you talk to the professor about the recommendation first, and then drop in to the center to fill out a form. It’s serious work and you will need to get some training, but it seems like a very worthwhile and rewarding job.

…what would you suggest to someone who is in huge depression…

Hi, what would you suggest to someone who is in huge depression, has no money and friends and hates cold? PS: Please don't say check out the events and clubs since I've already tried those.
Hi, what would you suggest to someone who is in huge depression, has no money and friends and hates cold? PS: Please don’t say check out the events and clubs since I’ve already tried those.
Hang out in a random common room & maybe you'll talk to someone/someone will talk to you
Hang out in a random common room & maybe you’ll talk to someone/someone will talk to you

Being physically miserable often goes along with depression, so you might try focusing on getting cozy. Hide under a heap of blankets until you warm up, or crank up the heat in your room until it’s comfortable to walk around in clothes you like. One of my helpers did the turn-up-the-heat trick and had a beach party in February. And yes, talking to other people can absolutely help too, so you might try that as well–another part of depression is often isolation. And of course, if the depression continues it’s a good idea to consider talking to someone at Counseling Services. http://bit.ly/BCCounselingSvcs