Nostalgia

Hello everyone,

Well, I officially feel like a senior in college. It took about two and a half months for the feeling to kick in, but it is definitely here to stay. It all started when my sister, a senior in high school, nonchalantly emailed me the other day to tell me she applied Early Decision to college. I knew she was close to finishing her application, but I was still taken aback at the idea of her completing the process. My sister and I navigated similar trials and tribulations this fall. We both took daunting standardized tests. She took the SAT and I took the GRE, the Graduate Record Examination. When she told me she sent in her application I could not help but sense my quickly approaching graduate school application deadlines. 

My little sister, still a 14 year old in my eyes, will graduate from high school this May. I know from our emails, texts, and phone calls that she is getting antsy and is suffering from Senioritis. I, on the other hand, feel the the exact opposite. Time is passing too quickly and I cannot believe I head home this week for Thanksgiving (I'm leaving a little earlier than most students). This weekend, the football team played Notre Dame in the 'Holy War' game, a beloved tradition on campus. I felt nostalgic by the end of the game because it was my last home football game as an undergrad.

Eagle fans before the game

The student section at the 'Holy War'

As the semester starts to wind down, I've been noticing more and more of my 'lasts.' I registered for classes for the last time. I went to my last home football game. I booked my last flight home for the school year. I call and text my parents more frequently to thank them for sending me to school here. My nostalgia helps me appreciate BC's role in my life on a daily basis.

On a different note, I finally decided on my Spring Break plans. I will spend a week in the Appalachia region with the Appalachia Volunteer program, one of the largest student organizations on campus. I did a week of service with the Appalachia Volunteer program this summer in Exmore, Virginia. A group of 11 of us spent a week in Exmore and worked on a house for Habitat for Humanity. I could not be more thrilled to get the opportunity to do another week of service this spring. 

My 'Appa' group in Exmore, VA

I first started doing regular service at BC through the Pulse program. The Pulse program fulfills the Theology and Philosophy core requirement for students. On top of class, students serve 8-10 hours a week at a placement in the Boston area. I worked at the Boys and Girls club in Allston. Without a doubt, Pulse was my most influential and memorable class at Boston College. The combination of philosophy, theology, and weekly service helped me understand social justice in a tangible and meaningful way. I would recommend the Pulse program to any student, no matter their major.

Finally, I do not know if I will get a chance to blog again before Thanksgiving break so I want to wish everyone safe travels and a Happy Thanksgiving. By the time classes resume after the quick break we will be almost ready for finals.

Emily

PS-Here are some pictures from this week

One of my favorite spots on campus. The lawn by Bapst Library.

BC was hit by a Nor'easter earlier this week
Gasson, beautiful as always, after the Nor'easter passed.