
Late nights in the middle of June December.
Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library
So many answers to that. Let an article in one of my favorite books be your guide to finding your own: https://bit.ly/bc-philia
I love you too! I’m so glad you wrote, as I was just thinking about some books on parental love! The Educational Resource Center (in Campion Hall) has wonderful books we could read together 🙂 I like the sound of PZ7.P3725 Lov 2018 and PZ7.1.B76 Per 2019 and PZ7.1.U53 Wel 2020. So many wonderful titles on Love – <3 <3 <3
So many possible reasons: they don’t find someone they want to commit to being with forever, they fear commitment, they propose but are rejected, they are unwilling to expose their orientation, they feel their finances or health are not secure enough, they have taken a religious vow… Probably many other reasons as well.
That sounds rough and even confusing. You might want to check out Emmy the Great’s album Virtue — she wrote it after her fiance became a missionary and broke off their relationship. Not the exact situation, but similar enough that you might find some comfort there.
The future is unwritten, and that can be scary and thrilling simultaneously. There is always uncertainty about what’s to come, but know that there are so many wonderful new experiences to be had and delightful people to build community with! “We have to-morrow / Bright before us / Like a flame…” starts the poem Youth by Langston Hughes. March forth, my friend, and as you embark on this decade, finding your community and your way, remember to be compassionate towards yourself, always <3
Despite the obvious similarities (Boston area, mid-size, competitive private research-intensive universities on the B line – oh and that bit about the name…) they are two very different institutions. Though clearly I’ve found my place here (and so have you! And Everett the Squirrel!) I wouldn’t say BU is inferior, and it may suit some students better.
I’m not a theologian or philosopher (who are the people often tasked with answering this question), and yet I’m asked this regularly. I hear so many questions that I’m starting to think that at least one meaning of life is the pursuit of the meaning of life. But there could be as many meanings as lives. I think another involves gratitude for the incredible mysteries and miracles that life gives us daily.
I always love hearing about a poet new to me! Thank you! Having tasted a few poems I’m pretty sure you’d also like Kay Ryan’s short-lined poems & Wendy Cope’s wry rhymes. Others that come to mind from earlier generations: Elizabeth Bishop, Louise Bogan, Hayden Carruth (Asphalt Georgics), and Ellen Bryan Voigt. Christian Wiman has a similar tone. Have you ever tried LibraryThing? Search a book or author & find out what other books the people who own that book also own: librarything.com.
So many fab walls… even my Dad’s from there! He’s a load-bearing interior wall of a formal dining room in a prewar classic 6 on the upper east side. I have relatives in residences, businesses, and schools in all 5 boroughs including my stunning cousin in The Bronx (bit.ly/BxSciMural). So NYC will always have a warm place in my heart.
It is what they’re accustomed to? It provides a structure to their lives? They can’t imagine another, better existence? Fear? Hopelessness? Powerlessness? So many possible reasons… We have books on the psychology of oppression around the HM1250 range (4th floor, row 104) that might interest you.
There is help available. Call or visit the Connors Family Learning Center (2-0611 or O’Neill Library 2nd fl.) and sign up for peer tutoring. Meet with your professor, either during their office hours (that’s what they’re for) or by setting up an appt. with them, and let them know you are working hard but struggling. I’d also advise checking in with your advisor if you think you are failing. We all want you to succeed!