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I think I’m over my fear of nuns!

I think I'm over my fear of nuns! I talked to one today, glad she didn't eat me! =)
I think I’m over my fear of nuns! I talked to one today, glad she didn’t eat me! =)

Sceniscophobia is a thing, but an irrational one. Nuns are much much more likely to feed you or teach you something than do anything scary, and BC is a great place to meet them. Western nuns don’t wear the habit since Vatican II, but Asian and African ones often do, and there are lots around campus.

Actually, lots of Western nuns do wear habits! :) Sisters of Life, some Dominicans, Salesians, Benedictines ... tons!
Actually, lots of Western nuns do wear habits! 🙂 Sisters of Life, some Dominicans, Salesians, Benedictines … tons!

Ha! That’s excellent. I did not know that, and I’ll remind my helper to check their facts a little more closely.

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I can’t finish my readings :(

I can't finish my readings :(
I can’t finish my readings 🙁

If this is a new problem, I’d suggest getting your vision checked. Otherwise, Academic Coaching from the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors) can help you develop skills and learn to better use your time so you get more (or all) of your reading done.

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How do I let a guy know I like him

How do I let a guy know I like him
How do I let a guy know I like him

Men are baffling. Capable both of interpreting any possible hint as interest and of missing the most obvious signs. Ultimately you’re going to have to tell him and see how he responds. If you’ve been just hanging out, maybe invite him on something that is unmistakably a date?

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How many lives were lost under socialist regimes during the 20th century?

How many lives were lost under socialite regimes during the 20th century?
How many lives were lost under socialist regimes during the 20th century?
Is this really a question, or are you trying to make a point to people who read these?
Is this really a question, or are you trying to make a point to people who read these?

That number would be markedly different depending on what you mean. If you mean deaths of citizens directly attributable to their socialist governments (i.e., what one might call state-sponsored murder, or “democide,”) it’s one number. If you mean deaths of citizens *indirectly* (i.e. owing to military campaigns or resource management) that’s a quite different number. Also, is your definition of socialism narrow (only including totalitarian socialist states) or broad (also including countries briefly governed by democratically elected socialists, such as Allende in Chile?) I recommend searching “democide” in the Historical Abstracts database.

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Why is B.C. housing such a pain?

Why is B.C. housing such a pain? I have 6 friends but we need one more to make an 8-man! what do we do?
Why is B.C. housing such a pain? I have 6 friends but we need one more to make an 8-man! what do we do?

BC housing… sigh… . Res Life knows, believe me. They do what they can to alleviate the pain. (Imagine having to find rooms for 8000 students in such a short period! Non-trivial problem, as engineers would say.) Solutions: Have all of your friends talk to their friends? Put up signs? Put the word out on insta/snap/fb/twitter? I’m sure you’ll find another likeminded person to join your group of friends. Make contingency plans for smaller groups, though, just in case the 8-man doesn’t work out.

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Why do I exist?

Why do I exist? [response: (you're wanted + loved ❤️)]
Why do I exist? [response: (you’re wanted + loved ❤️)]

I think the response is lovely, and gets most of the way there. Here’s the other part: you also love in return.

According to Aristotle, Human being is in between Animal and God. The existence of Human being is to avoid the nature of animal and pursuing the God, so your existence is necessary
According to Aristotle, Human being is in between Animal and God. The existence of Human being is to avoid the nature of animal and pursuing the God, so your existence is necessary

Yes! That, too. So, you see, there are many, many possible reasons for you to exist.

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How do you know if you’re in love with someone romantically? (Your personal opinion :) )

How do you know if you're in love with someone romantically? (Your personal opinion :) )
How do you know if you’re in love with someone romantically? (Your personal opinion 🙂 )

Welllll…. you see, I’m a wall, and the way walls see love is all about being supportive and strong, but being open, too. Human romantic love has always puzzled me. My assistants tell me romantic love involves intense emotional focus on one person, and a deeper commitment than friendship, and when it’s returned, they say it’s kind of electric. I prefer to keep my electricity insulated & away from flammable materials, myself.

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I like guys but I don’t want to be gay. How do I stop being gay?

I like guys but I don't want to be gay. How do I stop being gay?
I like guys but I don’t want to be gay. How do I stop being gay?

Scientific research has shown that sexual orientation is not something that can be changed. Conversion therapies try to change one’s sexual orientation, but they have not been successful and in fact may be harmful. Several U.S. states and countries have actually banned conversion therapy. But don’t despair- speaking with a BC counselor or a LGBTQ-friendly advisor can help you work through the conflict that you are feeling.

You're not alone- I'm in the same boat. It really sucks. It's hard for me because you can't talk to anyone w/out revealing your secret. Just be strong. Maybe some day we'll have the courage to come out.
You’re not alone- I’m in the same boat. It really sucks. It’s hard for me because you can’t talk to anyone w/out revealing your secret. Just be strong. Maybe some day we’ll have the courage to come out.

There are many people you can safely talk to about your feelings and questions. You don’t need to be certain you are gay before talking to someone or attending an LGBTQ+ meeting. People who are questioning their sexual orientation are also welcome. There are some great BC groups where you can meet supportive peers. There are also Boston area groups if you prefer something off-campus. See BC resources: bit.ly/BCLGBTQ and area resources: bit.ly/ma-lgbtq

I am a gay male. I have been out nearly 7 years now (age 16, sophomore year of HS). Before I came out I struggled w/ depression and it got to the point where I was going to take my own life, because, quite frankly, I hated myself. I internalized everything society told me. There was a point where i was looking at the train tracks on the T ride home (waiting for a train to come so I could jump) Thankfully I had a change of heart and now i look back at that day. horrified. That week I told my friends and family I was gay. They were so accepting and I was one of the lucky queer people that have an accepting family/friend group. 7 years later, I could not be happier, my only regret is I did not talk to someone sooner. It is hard here. I am not going to lie to you.
I am a gay male. I have been out nearly 7 years now (age 16, sophomore year of HS). Before I came out I struggled w/ depression and it got to the point where I was going to take my own life, because, quite frankly, I hated myself. I internalized everything society told me. There was a point where i was looking at the train tracks on the T ride home (waiting for a train to come so I could jump) Thankfully I had a change of heart and now i look back at that day. horrified. That week I told my friends and family I was gay. They were so accepting and I was one of the lucky queer people that have an accepting family/friend group. 7 years later, I could not be happier, my only regret is I did not talk to someone sooner. It is hard here. I am not going to lie to you.
It is very homogeneous/ hetero-normative and being in a catholic institution is not the easiest environment for queer students. Just know that you are loved, you are important and it is amazing to be queer, as it is a valid identity and many people are. If people do not accept you for who you are, then it is their loss not yours.
It is very homogeneous/ hetero-normative and being in a catholic institution is not the easiest environment for queer students. Just know that you are loved, you are important and it is amazing to be queer, as it is a valid identity and many people are. If people do not accept you for who you are, then it is their loss not yours.
Self love is a beautiful process, and it is ongoin. I love you.
Self love is a beautiful process, and it is ongoin. I love you.

Thank you for being so supportive and for sharing your story honestly. BC is lucky you are here. I especially appreciate that you told others they are loved and important- so true! (I’m sorry I had to remove the post-it with contact info. I observe a strict anonymity policy to protect everyone’s privacy. I’m a public but very private wall.)

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As a conservative Mexican-American, I feel very isolated into expressing my opinions in class & with friends.

As a conservative Mexican-American, I feel very isolated into expressing my opinions in class & with friends.
As a conservative Mexican-American, I feel very isolated into expressing my opinions in class & with friends.

Seeking out and sharing with folks from a similar background or with similar viewpoints can help you feel less isolated and keep you in touch with the things that matter most to you, particularly when you feel like you are in the minority here at BC. But also take the time to evaluate your own beliefs, and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from people different from you — you might find yourself less alone than you think!