Page 286 – The Answer Wall

March 5, 2018March 5, 2018

Will Josh Allen go #1 in the draft?

Depends on free agency. The Browns desperately need a QB that isn’t terrible, but Allen isn’t the safest bet. It’s tempting to think of him as the next Aaron Rodgers – QB of exceptional talent that didn’t get the attention he deserved by college recruiters. He could also be the next Matt Leinart – lots of talent and size, but just can’t read the field. Rumor has it that Jackson is pursuing AJ McCarron. If that deal works out, there’s probably some pressure off them to draft a QB first. They also need a Cornerback, and have the #4 pick. Bottom line: if they get McCarron, then they pass on a QB at 1. If they don’t, then I don’t think one good combine workout makes up for a season’s worth of gameplay. Josh Rosen is still the better pick if the Browns do want a QB at 1.1.

March 5, 2018March 5, 2018

I’m a touring high school student. Why BC?

Because: 1. you’ve looked at BC’s mission (bit.ly/BC-mission) and it’s a close fit with your values, 2. people you like and respect went to BC and loved their experience and think it would be right for you, 3. the mix of available majors (bit.ly/BC-academics) fits with your goals and aspirations, 4. it just feels right, 5. BC Libraries (library.bc.edu) totally rock & you want to spend a lot of time here.

March 5, 2018March 5, 2018

What is the best possible thing one could do while on Spring Break?

Fall in love? Make a really big difference in someone’s life by helping them overcome a major problem of some kind? Broker a peace deal in the Middle East that satisfies all parties? Or maybe you should just take a vacation, which means disburdening yourself of the need to do the best possible thing.

March 2, 2018March 2, 2018

Should I sacrifice my career goals/ambition for a family life?

I hope to someday hear the pitter patter of tiny whiteboards, but I admit – they require a lot less care than your human young do! It is my sincere hope that you can find a way to live out your goals and dreams of career and of family life. It’s a real struggle in the 21st century, and each individual has to figure out his/her own work/family balance. Browse HD4904.25 in the stacks for research on work and family that may guide you.

March 2, 2018March 2, 2018

This board makes me laugh, smile, & sometimes say, “huh?”

That just made my day! Thank you for your kind words, and for visiting me.

March 2, 2018March 2, 2018

Why is this place my tomb?

I sincerely hope studying and researching in O’Neill at night is less harrowing than the mad world of animatronics at Freddie Fazbear’s Pizza! Though I have to admit, humans have told me that the automated lights in the stacks going on and off can be a little creepy at night, and once the library empties out after 2am, the lively sounds of a building are more audible. But don’t worry, that’s just me and my friends keeping the building dry and cozy for you and the books. If you find the feeling of being in a harrowing video game IRL doesn’t dissipate, you might want to talk to someone about it. The folks at the counseling office are there for exactly this kind of conversation: bit.ly/BC-counseling

March 1, 2018March 2, 2018

Why?

bit.ly/answertowhy

March 1, 2018March 2, 2018

Do you think Communications is a good major?

During my time supporting the O’Neill Library, I have had an opportunity to observe students from every major available here at Boston College and my belief is that there is that all of the majors are “good” but that they might not all be right for a particular student. I would recommend focusing your efforts on deciding if Communications is the best fit for you. To do this, consider questions such as: Do you enjoy the Communications classes you have taken so far? Does the work make you fulfilled? Does it feel meaningful? Will it support your future career goals and personal aspirations? Along the way, you might want to visit the BC Career Center (bit.ly/BC-career) and check out our portal for Communications Resources (https://libguides.bc.edu/communicationportal).

February 28, 2018March 1, 2018

Hi, my ex-boyfriend started to date a girl he dislliked before, WTF is going on? I’m bothered!

So many possibilities: he was prevaricating about disliking her before, he still dislikes her but is attracted to her anyway (really not unusual), he changed his mind about her, she got a Bugatti for Christmas…. All I can say it it’s not your circus, not your monkeys (anymore!) Wishing you peace of mind.

February 28, 2018March 1, 2018

Why do all the girls hug each other all the time. I like a hug with my bros but they don’t. I like a hug please :(

I’ve never understood human behavior all that well. If I had arms, the first thing I’d do is hug everyone. Well, OK, the first thing I’d do is ask. Maybe you could carry around a few of these children’s books on hugging as a way to instruct your bros: bit.ly/BC-hugging. But it’s all in how you frame it. Maybe “Bro, how about a hug?” would work better than “Bro, time for snuggle wuggle.” You also might be interested in reading about changing notions of masculinity, such as bell hooks’ The Will to Change (O’Neill Library HQ1090 .H66 2004 – currently unavailable, click “request book” to get a copy through interlibrary loan).

February 28, 2018March 1, 2018

Goldman Sachs or Peace Corps?

Or both! You can always spend 2 years with the Peace Corps and then apply for a job at Goldman Sachs (or anywhere, really). Having Peace Corps experience may even give you an advantage over other applicants. Or, you can start your career and then try the Peace Corps later in life. That route may be more challenging if you have obligations, but people do it. Either way, enjoy your life and its many possibilities!

February 28, 2018May 9, 2018

Can u post one of ur best selfies?

This will probably come as a shock to you but the Wall does not have a smart phone and cannot take a selfie! My helpers have on occasion posted a few photos, though. I am rather fond of this recent one of me in a bikini: bit.ly/AnswerWallSelfie. And I think my formal picture (the one on my blog: answerwall.domain.bc.edu) is very stylish as well.

February 28, 2018February 28, 2018

Tell me. Please. College and grades don’t matter THAT much. Right? So why do we have to do this

I hear your frustration. College is only 4 years out of a long life, and grades should really just be a way of ascertaining that you’ve “got it” about a subject, not the goal. On the other hand, college gives you opportunities you may not have again in life, to learn intensively and follow a path of study that interests you. Grades may or may not matter for your career goals, so there is some risk in ignoring that aspect, I hope you can focus on the core learning and growing part of your time here.

February 28, 2018May 9, 2018

Can you draw me something? Pls <3

February 28, 2018March 1, 2018

Where is Father Leahy?

University presidents have many different styles: some insert themselves into student life with awkward gusto, some are more faculty-focused, some concentrate attention on capital campaigns and fundraising, and some administrate by delegating. Father Leahy is mostly a combination of the latter two, it seems, and judging by the remarkable expansion, pace of construction & plans for more, that’s where his priorities lie. He rarely comments on political issues, though did sign a letter strongly disagreeing with the Trump administration on DACA: bit.ly/BC-DACA. If you’re curious about his history among students, explore articles in The Heights that mention him: bit.ly/BC-Heights-Leahy.

February 28, 2018February 28, 2018

Heart or brain?

Heart *and* brain. The current consensus in neurology is that the brain is as much a feeling organism as a thinking one, and that cognition itself is inextricably linked to emotion. I recommend Antonio Damasio’s book Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain (O’Neill Library QP401 .D2 1994) as an early & influential title. There’s also been a lot of research into the effects of gut microbiota on mood, depression, and anxiety (bit.ly/gut-mood). Gut feeling? It’s truer than we knew, and bacteria may even play a part. Heart, brain, gut… all of it and more: neurons extend throughout your entire body, sort of like all the network cables in a Wall.

February 27, 2018February 27, 2018

How to help a friend who insists they don’t have a problem?

Sometimes the best thing you can do for a friend is just to be there for them. Let them know that you are there to talk, help, offer support, etc. And, try to do so in a supportive and non-judgmental way. However, if you think that their problem is a more serious one with which they need professional help, do know that there are services on campus that are available to both of you. You may want to talk to Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling) yourself or you may want to encourage your friend to do so.

February 26, 2018March 1, 2018

how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? – Mr.Owl

This question has been researched thoroughly by parties ranging from high school students to engineering doctorate students. Interestingly enough, results vary drastically. A licking machine (oh yeah, a licking machine!) developed at Purdue University took an average of 364 licks to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. At the same institution, 20 individuals conducted the same experiment and averaged 252 licks to complete the task. Another licking machine, developed at the University of Michigan required 411 licks to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop; and a group of high school students from Swarthmore Schools averaged 144 licks to achieve the goal So, to answer your question: Getting to the center of a Tootsie Pop takes between 144 to 411 licks, depending on whether you are a teenager or a licking machine.

February 26, 2018March 1, 2018

Truly hope to have a cookie stand in O’Neill.

Do you mean you’re going to open one yourself? I think that would be very popular, indeed! Maybe even a cookie delivery service? If the planning takes off, at some point you’ll want to talk to the library administrative office at 617-552-4470.

February 26, 2018February 27, 2018

Am I going to get a job / will I ever find love??? pls help

Unfortunately, I am just a wall, not a Magic 8 Ball, so I can’t make any promises, but I can tell you that I think you will find success and fulfillment in life. It can be easy to be stressed about the big picture issues like jobs and relationships, but try to focus on what you can control. Take steps towards deciding what type of career you want and then talk to the BC Career Center (bit.ly/BC-career) about how to make it happen. And, instead of focusing solely on finding love immediately, look to build strong friendships and relationships while on your path to love.