An important Q+A inspires me to return

I've been slacking on the blogging lately - sorry everyone! Final exams are one week away, and as a result I've been scrambling to get caught up on my reading, work on my papers, and finalize my summer plans.

But I was inspired to post again when a reader sent me an email asking an important question about BC.

The emailer asked me about the sense of community at BC. Specifically, he wanted to know whether BC felt like a community, or just a bunch of people going to college in the same place.

My answer:

"First and foremost, congratulations on being admitted to [School X] and to BC. Both are great schools and whenever someone has a tough decision like this, it’s because they have multiple great choices to pick from.

Honestly, in my opinion, nothing defines what it means to be a BC person more than cultivating a sense of community. BC was founded by underprivileged sons of immigrants. They became successful by looking out for fellow BC grads and creating a great network that allowed the university to flourish. If it weren’t for the strong sense of community that has always existed at BC, we never would have risen to the level that we’re at today.

So, in short: yes! A sense of community is a big part of what makes BC what it is, and you’ll find it on service trips all across America and around the world, in cultural clubs and organizations that create vibrant life on campus, or at Conte Forum cheering on the Eagles.

Good luck with your decision-making process and take full advantage of your opportunities wherever you end up going."

**An important addition to the above: The idea of the BC community extends well beyond the students and alums! One of my favorite things about BC is that the staff - from the faculty, to the maintenance workers, to the dining staff, to the admissions office, to the coaches and trainers in the athletics office - all share a deep commitment to doing their part to make BC a better place. You'll find a fierce loyalty among BC employees and that dedication enriches the life for all of us on campus.

Yours,

Joe Gravellese
Boston College 2010
gravellj@bc.edu