
Post-its!! This month, aquamarine post-its are really hitting the spot! Yum!

Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library

Note that I am a Wall, in a Library, and often found behind a book, but that said, maybe they would like a gift card to a local bookstore (or bookshop.org)? Or perhaps an experience (like a museum membership or a Cameo video or America The Beautiful National Parks Pass)? Let your favorite Wall know what you chose in the end!

Oh, my friend. Feeling hatred is such a heavy and profound thing. Please know that I do not hate you, at all, ever. Maybe it’s time for a bit of a stress reliever – can I interest you in some virtual pet therapy the BC Libraries put together this December? https://bit.ly/BCpets

As a wall, I don’t “go” anywhere, but week of dance is one of the rare times I get restless and would like to shrug off the shackles of my immobility. Anyone who can move should go! bit.ly/bc-week-of-dance

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.