Meet the Students of CGS: Vaishnavi Kothapalli
College of General Studies 2017
Questrom School of Business 2019
Major: Business Administration with a concentration in law
What made you decide to attend the College of General Studies?
I liked the fact that it gave you that liberal arts foundation and it gave you that background in core subjects that you need to know for all majors. If you have that knowledge already in your head, then it will really help you even more when you are pursing your actual career.
What is your most memorable CGS experience?
My most memorable CGS experience was going to London and just being in a whole different country. It gave me that benefit of being able to study abroad so early on in my college experience.
What is your favorite College of General Studies class and why?
I would probably say Professor Shawn Lynch. He was my Social Science professor all of freshman year. Whenever there was something big going on, like the election, he would interact with us and have us do a debate about it. He would make it really interactive and fun.
What are some of your extracurricular activities?
I am in CGS Student Government as one of the senators. I am also the secretary for Club GiiVE, which is the other CGS community service club. I am one of the Cabinet Directors, specifically for Department of Outreach, in BU Student Government. I’m also in BU Senate. I am an Admissions Ambassador, and on the side I also do play on the Tennis Club.
What is your favorite place in Boston?
I think my favorite place would probably be the Esplanade, especially when it’s late at night. I just love the whole calmness and tranquility around it.
If you could give one tip to incoming freshmen, what would it be?
We are one of the only college campuses that is right in the middle of a major city like Boston. We have some great places around here– shopping, eating, anything. I would really recommend, if you have time, to go out and explore because that’s one of the best parts of going to BU.
What value did the Boston-London Program add to your education?
I think the fact that I was able to study abroad in a foreign country so early on in my college experience really helped me to understand the fact that I can do exactly what I want to do but in another country. It’s helped me realize there is another world out there. If I ever do want to go study abroad again, I would know exactly how it works, what I can do as an internship there. Just being exposed to that new environment gave me that perspective. Go to the London Eye. Go to the Tower Bridge. Go to the major landmarks because those are once in a lifetime opportunities for you.
Tell me something fun about yourself!
I wrote a children’s book two years ago in high school and actually got it published. It’s called Emily’s Extraordinary Expedition. It’s completely in German. I wanted to do something that enhanced my language skills, so I decided to write that book for my [senior] project, and getting it published was just the extra step to go above.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.