How do I force myself to write an essay?

How do I force myself to write an essay when I hate writing essays?
How do I force myself to write an essay when I hate writing essays?

This is a great question – and it’s not easy! I suggest connecting with the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors). They may be able to help you strategize both generally and specifically for certain essay assignments. Good luck! You can do this!

How do you cope with not knowing everything?

How do you cope with knowing that you will never know everything? (Having an existential crisis currently)
How do you cope with knowing that you will never know everything? (Having an existential crisis currently)

Very sympathetic on existential crises. You know that’s impossible, right? I’d hate for you to be down on yourself for not being able to do something no one can. Here’s a thought: make yourself a list of the things you want to know about the most, maybe a top 10. If you spend a couple of years on each you’ll know way more than most people.

I constantly worry whether I am a good person.

I constantly worry whether I am a good person. How do I "find out" or stop thinking like this? I feel like it may be connected to my Catholicism, and being worried about going to "heaven" ....
I constantly worry whether I am a good person. How do I “find out” or stop thinking like this? I feel like it may be connected to my Catholicism, and being worried about going to “heaven” ….

Focus on the act more than the self: are you doing something helpful or harmful? Do helpful acts & avoid harmful acts, keep reminding yourself of this, and the rest will follow.

FREE CHINA and Uyghur, Tibet, Hong Kong

FREE CHINA and Uyghur, Tibet, Hong Kong
FREE CHINA and Uyghur, Tibet, Hong Kong

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting more and more students from China over the years; I’ve also heard from many other students coming from other countries, and American students returning home from study abroad. All of this mixing brings new perspectives to home countries and extraordinary possibilities for change.

Why is this school so racist?

Why is this school so racist?
Why is this school so racist?

Although I wish it weren’t the case, racism does persist at Boston College. For an article detailing one Black alumni group’s reflections on race at Boston College, see “The Tenth” https://bit.ly/3ScJnPC. Like The Tenth, many student groups and staff members at Boston College continue to make strides in anti-racist activism today. The student group FACES is a student-run anti-racist organization, and their instagram is @faces.council. Remember that institutional support is available through the Office of Institutional Diversity (https://bit.ly/3TzU6EP). Everyone has a right to feel a sense of belonging here.

Why don’t the people here like queer people? :(

Why don't the people here like queer people? :(
Why don’t the people here like queer people? 🙁

Sometimes the judgement can feel overwhelming, but please know that there ARE plenty of people here–both queer and otherwise–who will embrace you with open hearts and arms. Building queer community despite hostility from others has always been central to queer resistance. I encourage you to look into the LGBTQ support services offered by Boston College, and consider joining a queer student group! Queer people have as much of a right to be here as anyone else. Keep on being unapologetically yourself–the world is better for it!
Much love,
The Wall (they/them/theirs)

Are you religious?

Are you religious?
Are you religious?

I’m a wall; I’m neither religious or non-religious. I can tell you I care so deeply about our BC community – including you. And I feel uplifted by everyone every day. Thank you for being part of this community!

No clue what to do in future.

What should I do if I have no clue what I want to do in the future?
What should I do if I have no clue what I want to do in the future?

I recommend making an appointment with the Career Center (bit.ly/BC-career). They have guided thousands of BC students with the same question. Also… for most career paths, you don’t have to make a final decision about it right now; changing careers is common.

Easiest language for native English speakers to learn.

What's the easier language for native english speakers to learn? Also what is the best method for learning a new language?
What’s the easier language for native English speakers to learn? Also what is the best method for learning a new language?

The US State Department keeps a list of languages by how difficult they tend to be for English speakers to learn: https://bit.ly/bc-language. The best way to learn is more about what’s best for you, and what your goals are. You could take classes at BC. Some people react well to private tutoring. You could try apps like Duolingo or Babbel. The real key is persistence. 15 minutes a day is way better than the same total time once a week.

Feeling like dreaming.

Feeling like dreaming every day-any solutions?
Feeling like dreaming every day-any solutions?

I think it is a solid plan to dream your dreams all the time, but I think that’s not what you’re asking. Sleep is so important! If you’re tired all the time it’s hard to do anything well. You might try checking out a few of BC’s suggestions about how to sleep better: https://bit.ly/3g6fdQX