
“My Mother is a fish.”

Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library

Actual Romans used both, sometimes in the same document. Consistent spelling and numbering are a relatively recent phenomenon. And clockmakers are making art, so they have options on how to display things. I think it looks cool and old old-timey. Check out my friend the Oxford Classical Dictionary for a discussion: bit.ly/bc-roman

It depends very much on what your brother likes, but I’m going to go out on a limb and suppose he enjoys gaming. In that case, perhaps a steam gaming controller? If he’s into music and you’re flush with cash, perhaps some really nice headphones? And there are always books! Books! Books!

My assistants tell me there’s an excess of bunnies all over the Boston area. Rabbits breed like… well, rabbits (bit.ly/audubon-cottontail), which may explain why there are so many. It’s illegal to hunt within 500 feet of a dwelling without the owner’s permission (bit.ly/kill-the-wabbit), so it’s unlikely your friend can realize their Elmer Fudd dreams at BC.

It might be helpful to remember that, as bleak as the world seems right now, there are moments of beauty and joy that exist around you each day that make life worth living. Also, remember that, as cruel as others might act, you have the capacity to show compassion, generosity, and kindness to those around you.

Love has a great capacity to find you when you’re being yourself and not worrying about it. It also tends to have awkward timing. Be patient, be yourself. There are many possible someones for everyone.

Solid choice.

This question is a pressing one for most people, so it’s a great service to them that you asked. I wish I had an answer. The difficulty is it’s different for everyone. Perhaps rephrase the question: how can I find my purpose and meaning? Father Himes (1947-2022), a beloved professor of theology at BC, said to ask yourself three key questions: What brings me joy? What am I good at? To whom can I be of service? Your meaning and purpose is where those three overlap. Here’s his famous lecture: bit.ly/himes-3key

It’s so hard to make recommendations like that in general, but here are a couple of thoughts. 1) This Field Guide to Boston is a pretty great introduction to the area, and it includes neighborhoods, places, and activities to think about. https://www.wbur.org/news/section/field-guide-to-boston 2) One of the things about Boston is that it has loads of people who are college-aged, and they tend to collect. Maybe try hanging out around Trident Books on Newbury Street on a Friday or Saturday and follow the vibe and/or the crowds.

My library helpers told me this office supports first-year students as they transition into educational, social, and cultural life at Boston College. You can find out more about the programs, initiatives, and resources they provide here: bit.ly/first-year-office.