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Why are there so many pedophiles everywhere?!

Unfortunately, child sexual abuse is a thing which seems to happen almost everywhere adults are in positions of authority or influence over children. Big organizations like the Boy Scouts and the Catholic Church can have very big problems with it, particularly if they try to conceal it. Here’s a study that takes a look at what we know and talks about how hard it is to know exactly how frequent it is: https://bit.ly/bc-csa

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When will our current course and grade be available again on AGORA? Just curious cause it’s been under maintenance for a while…

Are you using the new EagleApps version? I’ll check with my friends over in IT, but you can also call the help desk (tel: 617-552-4357) and they’ll let you know if there are system problems.

Update: Actually Student Services is who you want to talk to about this: 617-552-3300 or 1-800-294-0294 over the phone, and studentservices@bc.edu

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You know the question “If God is all good, why is there suffering in the world?” BC loves to discuss that question! I was just thinking that maybe BC should reframe the question to “If BC is a Catholic institution that loves God, why does it establish structure that creates and perpetuates suffering?” Maybe BC should think about whether the suffering comes from God, or the very institution itself that states it cares for social justice and works to alleviate suffering. Maybe they are actively creating endless suffering and injustice in this world while also calling its students, who suffer from these injustice, to then deal with the consequent suffering of what it creates

Hmm. More of a comment than a question. Large organizations of all kinds do tend to throw off some level of suffering, and you’re right that it’s a moral question for a Catholic university. You might be interested in reading some things about how universities came to be as they are after World War II. Geiger’s history of US higher ed (https://bit.ly/bc-he) is one take, while Dorn explores how different universities in different places have defined “the common good” (https://bit.ly/bc-he2). There’s lots more in the library catalog (https://bit.ly/bc-he3).

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Holiday Where is the best, secluded location in nature for a

For a…? Well, there are plenty of secluded places in nature, especially in less populous states. Thankfully, a few of those are nearby, and state parks and forests are a great mainstay for getaways. Maine (maine.gov/dacf/parks/about/state_parks.shtml), Vermont (vtstateparks.com) , and New Hampshire (nhstateparks.org/). Even Massachusetts has some pretty wild areas: mass.gov/visit-massachusetts-state-parks. One of my assistants says the Mohawk Trail State Forest out in Western Mass is under-visited. Of course, if it’s a boat ride you’re looking for, there’s a whole ocean a few miles to the east.

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I heard so many students feeling anxious about the new student insurance plan……

it’s not very nice of BC not offering too much explanation or dialogue with students then suddenly announce the decision. It’s not going to impact me that much since I can get insurance from my work or elsewhere, if I choose to, but I hate to see people suffer. 🙁

Sigh… Sometimes I’m so glad I’m a wall and don’t have to arrange insurance. Group plans are not easy to negotiate, and I’m sure the Office of Student Services did the best they could. If any students reading this have particular coverage issues you need addressed, you should contact the Office of Student Services at 617-552-3300 or 800-294-0294, or studentservices@bc.edu.

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The worries of a 21 year old

I am so incredibly terrified. I will graduate soon. My last year at BC was not the best. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and the complete inability to be hopeful and ambitious. I look around me and people have internships and job offers and they seem like they are all set for the next chapter in their life. Whereas, I continue to struggle with getting to the finish line. I know I can do it but I don’t know what’s next. Will I even get a job? Will I be successful?

If anxiety were a crop, this would have been a bumper year. We’re all off-kilter, even the people you’re comparing yourself to. I have faith that you’ll find your calling and excel at at. Remember, success isn’t in comparison to others; it’s a measure only of movement towards your own own goals and dreams. Toni Morrison published her first book at the age of 39, and Maya Angelou at 41. You have time to do what you’re called to do. (Meanwhile, I hope you’re not overlooking the help you can get at the career center! http://bit.ly/BC-career)

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What do you think about the new BC student insurance?

I’m glad to see that it seems like basic dental care is covered? So I might be able to see a dentist for the first time over the past three years I’ve been here! I don’t know how I feel about the mental health care part. Seems like amazing virtual visit resources, but what about the in-person outpatient care portion? It always gives me a headache trying to figure out the insurance benefit. ><

Health insurance in the US is a huge headache even when it’s the best available; makes me very grateful to be a Wall. It sounds like the new plan has both pluses and minuses for you. If you have specific questions the contacts are here: bit.ly/BCInsuranceQ

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Hey you, it’s me, the ex hamiltholic who is no longer suffering under hamilaria.

So, the movie adaptation of In The Heights released this month and I watched it, guess in what situation I am now. It’s not the same as Hamilton and not nearly as good, but I find myself listening and watching it Non-Stop. Help. Me.

It sounds like what you like is the genre: modern renditions of the musical. I’d suggest experimenting with other titles as well, but there aren’t all that many here in America. Chicago comes to mind. As do Rent and Moulin Rouge. If you’re up for an adventure, may I suggest Bollywood? You could start with one adapted from Jane Austen: Bride and Prejudice. Then embark on a Big Bollywood adventure. Suggested titles: Devdas, Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar, Rang de Basanti, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Swades.

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Hi wall! I need your wise advice on this! What’s the appropriate situation to call 911!?

I was walking back home from work around midnight, and a weird dude followed me and started to ask me weird questions and asked if I wanna go with him. I felt like I might’ve overreacted by calling the police (plus, I don’t know if the police is scarier or that random dude). Plus, BCPD took away all my pocket knifes a while ago so I didn’t have anything to protect myself with when I ran into that weird dude off campus. What would you do when there’s no one around and you’re being followed by a weird guy around midnight? Especially when police is also scary… Those community police were pretty nice last night, but Idk … esp. many police and clinicians have seen me as just being dramatic before 🙁

I think you did the right thing. If a human is acting threateningly, seek other humans. Sometimes the quickest way to summon another human is by calling on ones who are trained and ready to respond, such as those at the other end of 911. Though there are certainly risks associated with calling 911 (and it’s right that people have been noting those risks) sometimes there are no other ready options. Also, it’s just as well you didn’t have a weapon; in many instances a weapon you intend to use on someone else could be turned on you, unless you’re well trained in their use. Even then, it’s not a sure thing. Walking alone at midnight entails risk; if you’d like to reduce that risk, think of alternatives to walking alone, such as finding another person to walk with, getting a ride, or using public transit or a cab.

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How do I make someone addicted to Hamilton forcefully or to at least give them the chance?

Some things to note: Musicals have a bad reputation for them, they have never heard of Hamilton.

I know you’re thinking, how can anyone possibly say no to this, when you and I and so many others are just helpless about Hamilton. If they’re not into musicals at all, that could be a difficult challenge; if they like any types of music at all, Hamilton has such a wide variety of styles, perhaps you could pick something that they would like. Or rather than focusing on Hamilton as a musical, have a conversation about some of its major themes, like legacy, “who tells your story” and forgiveness. One of my friends who is not a musicals person also suggests being clear about whether what you’re asking is “I really love this thing and I’d like to share it with you” or “I really think you particularly would like this thing”. Both can be fine, but mixing them up can lead to sadness.

Thank you, very helpful! I’ll try to get some people around me addicted, I’ll see how it goes!

Good luck with your endeavor!