The BC Career Center has a fascinating Outcomes website (bit.ly/BCOutcomes) which says that for the latest year studied (Class of 2021) 2% were participating in a volunteer or service program. There will be others who take a break for service later in their careers as well.

This is a really hard question to answer. It depends so much on what your lived experiences and worldviews are – what book will expand, challenge, or flip your perspectives? Someone else may say some classic of the Western canon is the go to book for changing the way you think. And another may give you some recent social science tomes. Personally, I think the world of science fiction and fantasy can really help us think about our existence in new ways. I’ve been taken with Becky Chambers’ work recently. Anyway, maybe other passers-by will write notes with their own answers to this question?

No, probably not… probably not the answer you were looking for, but it’s the answer I have for you.

Often, a day is bad because you’ve fixated on things that went wrong. Stop, take a few deep breaths, and focus on how you feel, and where that feeling is in your body. Maybe it’s disappointment and your shoulders are sagging. Maybe it’s anxiety and your stomach is churning. Then take a few more breaths, and focus on which parts of your body feel OK. Now think about a few things that went right, even small ones. Maybe you got to class on time, or the fries at Lower hit the spot. Finally, think of a few small things that happened in the past week for which you’re grateful. If one of them was the result of something someone else did, reach out to them and thank them.

Totally! I don’t see any down side to giving it a try.

Black – We have this WONDERFUL book in our collection called “Black is a Rainbow Color” written by Angela Joy and illustrated by Ekua Holmes and it solidified my love of the color black. Check it out at the Education Resource Center: https://bit.ly/BlackRainbowColor

I’m sorry your experience of grad TA’s has involved annoyance. If their instruction isn’t working for you, you can ask them why they’re doing something a certain way. If that seems risky or unproductive, you could also go to someone in the department, especially if their behavior is unprofessional. But if they’re genuinely just “annoying,” remember they’re both human and likely stressed about their own classes. Grad school is usually about 110% more demanding than undergrad.

Depends on who you ask. Might I suggest starting with a few of the many books on the subject we have? https://bit.ly/bc-god

I’m not a huge fan of making a fuss about Valentines, so my true love (The Lobby Door) and I plan to spend a quiet evening in (the library.)

I would truly hate to do this, and make a scene and ruin the day, but would if absolutely necessary. For instance, if I discovered immediately before the wedding that the intended had previously done in several spouses for insurance money…

I think I’d make a good cooling rack. Please don’t cut things up on me!

When things go well, it feels good to believe it’s because I’m good at what I do. When things don’t go well, it feels good to be a victim of fate.

There are a million reasons that have nothing to do with you why someone might not like you. Don’t take it personally, and hang out with people who do like you.

I recommend Pat Benatar’s All Fired Up for that, because I’m an 80s kid.

I don’t know, because I don’t know what you’re doing. But the fact that you’re concerned about causing harm is a good sign. Keep that concern in the mix of your decisions, and keep going.

Clarity. Nicely and sweetly wrapped up in kindness.

Why is he so annoying?

It’s probably a stage, as my wise Dad (a NYC apartment who has seen it all…) used to say. He might outgrow it – or it could be his personality. In any case, you are free to make your choice about how to deal with it.

Is that a thing? My librarian friends have gone and been fine.

I have faith in you that you can accomplish what you set out to do. Keep your goals in mind, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!