
IDK but I’d guess it’s the uparalleled quality of students, faculty, and staff.

Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library

I would recommend getting out and seeing the world. BC is awesome, but there are so many other places to see. If you’re determined to stay, you could broaden your scope; there are many other positions here other than faculty; for instance, I found a great job in the BC Libraries, and with your whole-hearted devotion to BC you might be terrific in Development….

I’m sorry you’re experiencing someone else’s toxic behaviors. Are you worried they’ll lash out toxically if you don’t do it nicely? If so, ugh. That’s a hard position to be in. I recommend talking to your RA, and they’ll be able to refer you to people on campus who can help.

I don’t think the sale of shells at the seashore has ever been tightly regulated, and who knows what an unscrupulous shell salesperson might try to slip you (not trying to slander Sally, though, she’s an honest vendor.) I recommend being a careful buyer; why not check in one of our guides to seashells in O’Neill Library (QL400s, 3rd floor, row 80)?

The desks themselves were taken by Facilities for donation or discard. They were replaced by bigger desks when the space was enlarged. Now more people can enjoy the view of Boston while studying. If you really miss the smaller desks and their configuration, check out the 4th floor overlooking Commonwealth Ave and Maloney Hall.

BC has an Office of Student Outreach & Support that offers LGBTQ+ programs & support: bit.ly/LBGTQBC. Why isn’t a resource center part of their services? If you join your voice with theirs, maybe together you can make a difference.

The key thing is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. I recommend the advice from the Office of Health Promotion (bit.ly/BCOHPZzz). If you’re unusually tired though, please get medical advice (bit.ly/BostonCollegeHealth). I always found participating more in class helped to keep me awake, so you might want to consider that.

I’m so sorry. It sounds like you wear a smile; that can help, to a point, to trick yourself into actually becoming happier. But only to a point. Problem: it also tricks other people into thinking you don’t need support. When, clearly, you do. We all do. Please get it. If not from friends and family, then from someone skilled in listening, like a counselor: bit.ly/BC-counseling.

I can see that working for some people and some subjects, but lots of professions have legal requirements for formal education, so that’s a thing to consider.