
I have never left O’Neill Library, but one of my assistants tells me that if you like seasons nothing beats New England.

Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library

Commencement is such a bittersweet time of year. We are happy for the new beginnings while we honor that it is an ending of sorts. Keep the group chat going! All friendships shift over time, but that doesn’t mean there are not more adventures in your future. Be gentle with yourself and your friends while you navigate this transition period. Practice good self-care!
![What's your favorite and least favorite book in this library? [drawing of heart]](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/aw05202024-04.jpg)
I try not to play favorites and I also love lots of different kinds of books, so if you ask me on another day I’ll probably give a different answer. Today I’ll say my favorite is The Landmark Thucydides. It’s a history of the war between Athens and Sparta and a lot of it is about armies moving back and forth around really small towns in every part of ancient Greece. What makes me love it is the maps, which show you where all those places are, and the chapters explaining all of the things about Greek armies the author assumes you know. Least favorite? We’ve got some stuff on eugenics that was classified as science when it was published in the 19th century–not even going to name names. My fave is the red book on the shelf to my left.
![What library resources are open to alumni? [drawing of heart]](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/aw05202024-03.jpg)
Thanks for the love! ❤️ In brief: you can get an alumni library card for borrowing books at the O’Neill main desk, and there are several databases available through the Alumni Association. Here are more details: https://bit.ly/alumni_guests.

No worries, you’re not alone–lots of my helpers feel that way every time they do a search. A couple of pieces of advice. 1) Your application should be about how you help them solve a problem or problems. 2) Use your cover letter to point to how your resume and experience match what they’re asking for, or rewrite your resume so it’s in their terms (or both). 3) Do not be shy about applying if you don’t meet all of the qualifications. Good luck!

I can’t tell you what the right decision for you is, but I can absolutely tell you that you will have plenty of occasions to make up and change your mind about what your life is for. This might be one of those moments for you. Talk to some people you trust about it (thanks for including me!) and see if it feels like a good idea. If it does, go for it!

Very few non-residents of St. Mary’s have seen the apartments. But walls DO talk, and I’ve been told that they are very similar to a 300-350 square foot hotel room, with a combined bedroom/living space, bathroom and closet.

It’s more an art than a science. Some things are more under your control than others, so try focusing a little more on those. Make a decision about where you think you want to be and you’ll often find the other uncertainty gets out of your way.