Meet the COM students to answer your questions — whether you’re considering COM or are already here.
Kenna LaFitte
- Hometown: Sacramento, CA
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Advertising
- Minor: Film & Television
- Extracurriculars: WTBU, Off the Cuff Magazine, Gamma Phi Beta
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Getting around the city is surprisingly easy. The T can take you anywhere in the Boston area in under an hour!
- Contact: klafitte@bu.edu
Anaya Williams
- Hometown: Singapore
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: GMBU for BUTV10, It’s On Us, COM Student Government
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Hit the ground running! I would say it’s never too early to get involved and begin to scope out communities and activities you’re interested in. BU has so much to offer so reach out, be yourself and you will feel at home.
- Contact: anayaw@bu.edu @anayawilliams.x
Jess So
- Hometown: Manila, Philippines
- Class Year: 2025
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: BUTV10, BUISO, BUFSA, ADClub, Tennis Club
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Go out of your comfort zone! Challenge yourself to join clubs and orgs on your own, you never know who you will meet. Also, ALWAYS check the weather app before going outside (especially the wind).
- Contact: jyuloso@bu.edu / @jyuloso
GT Nguyen
- Hometown: Orange County, CA
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Media Science
- Extracurriculars: VSA, BU Sports Business Club, Girl Gains
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Download the Terrier Transit app and purchase a CharlieCard to get around campus and Boston! Don’t be intimidated by your peers / their accomplishments because you are on your own path and you are right where you’re supposed to be. Dedicate your time and energy into what you’re interested in, get out of your comfort zone, and you will find what’s best for you. Trust the process and most importantly, trust yourself.
- Contact: gtnguyen@bu.edu
Michaela Shunney (Transfer Student)
- Hometown: East Greenwich, RI
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Public Relations
- Extracurriculars: Marketing Chair for DKA, The COMmunicator, BU Ski and Snowboard Club
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Change is a good thing! Exploring new places and meeting new people can only bring more joy to your life, and BU is a great place to get out of your comfort zone!
- Contact: mshunney@bu.edu @michaelashunney
James McIntyre
- Hometown: Tiburon, CA
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Film & Television
- Extracurriculars: BUTV10 – Offsides & Shadows, Redlist independent short film production club
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: There are a million things to do on campus and building in time to try a lot of new things can lead to new passions and friends!
- jameshm@bu.edu
Morgan Oakes
- Hometown: Guilford, CT
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: WTBU, BU Quadball
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Putting yourself out there is extremely important, even if you’re more introverted. Try out any club that piques your interest, even if doing so feels like a risk. You will find your people if you push yourself out of your comfort zone a little!
Elaina Fuzi
- Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Journalism
- Minor: Psychology
- Extracurriculars: BU Stage Troupe, BU International Adoptee Club, The Daily Free Press, Journalism Department office assistant
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Even though it may be daunting, challenge yourself to get out to meet new people and try new things! There are many opportunities at BU in terms of jobs, internships, clubs, and classes. For example, there are many classes that are worth up to one credit you can take in addition to your main classes like First-Year Experience or a PDP class like yoga, fencing, ballroom dance, and more!
- Contact: efuzi@bu.edu / @elainafuzi
Teagan Keane
- Hometown: Naperville, IL
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Journalism & Public Relations
- Extracurriculars: Boston University Dance Team, Pre-Law Review, Daily Free Press, Women in Law, Pre-Law Society
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: I wish I had known how useful the faculty at BU can be. Whether they help you with class material or use their network to get you different career opportunities, the faculty at BU wants to help you, and all you need to do is ask.
Emily Frank
- Hometown: Granby, MA
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Film & Television
- Minor: Education
- Extracurriculars: BU on Tap, BUTV10 (COED), StageTroupe
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Make sure your jacket is wind-proof! The wind gets pretty bad here, especially in the winter.
- Contact: emfrank@bu.edu / @Memily03
Eleanor “Ellie” Schiener
- Hometown: Geneseo, NY
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: BU Pep Band (Clarinet), BU on Broadway (assistant producer), and LIME
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: The wind tunnels are intense and everywhere on campus. They will break your umbrella, so definitely bring a good raincoat.
- Contact: eschiene@bu.edu
Diya Shah
- Hometown: Sayreville, NJ
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Media Science
- Extracurriculars: BUTV10’s the wire, BU Fatakada Dance Team, and Com Stu Gov committee
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: You will find your place if you just give it some time :)
- Contact: shahd122@bu.edu
Delia Rune
- Hometown: Austin, TX
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Public Relations
- Extracurriculars: PRSSA, Student Government, Pre-Law Review, and Gamma Phi Beta
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: I was overwhelmed by the size of BU before I came here, but I wish I’d known how small and close-knit it can feel once you join orgs and get to know the people in your college!
- Contact: deliar@bu.edu
Ali Cook
- Hometown: Rochester, NY
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Journalism and Media Science
- Extracurriculars: The Buzz, The Daily Free Press, WTBU, BU On Broadway, Stage Troupe, Admissions Ambassador (Campus Tour Guide)
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Prioritize time for things other than school work! You live at school so it can feel like you have to be productive all the time, but this is your life so enjoy it! Join a fun club or hangout in your room – you get to live right next to all of your friends. Also, a diffuser, a phone wallet, and a mini vacuum are dorm essentials.
- alircook@bu.edu @ali.coook
Kristin Rosenmund
- Hometown: Oxnard, CA
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Film & Television
- Extracurriculars: Film Business Club, Daily Free Press, Spoon University, It’s On Us Club, BUPOI Club
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: It can be really daunting your first few weeks on campus trying to figure out who you are when no one knows you, but take the opportunity in that and try as many new things as possible! You don’t find out who you really are until you experience the new things life has to offer while you grow.
- Contact: krose999@bu.edu
Emily Wyrwa
- Hometown: Scotch Plains, NJ
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Journalism
- Extracurriculars: The Daily Free Press, Society of Professional Journalists, BU on Broadway, WTBU News, BUTV
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: It’s totally normal to get off to a rocky start! I don’t know anyone who had the perfect first semester, but with time, you find your people and your passions that will make this place feel like home! There are so many resources and people who have your back, too!
- Contact: evwyrwa@bu.edu/@emilywyrwa
Daisy Levine
- Hometown: Hoboken, NJ
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Journalism and Public Relations
- Extracurriculars: The Daily Free Press, The BU Buzz, WTBU, BU SPJ
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Get to know the people in your classes! Don’t count the first week as the only time to make friends.
- Contact: daisylev@bu.edu/@ddaisylevinee
Sana Muneer
- Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Journalism and Psychology
- Extracurriculars: The Daily Free Press, BU Book & Ink, South Asian Student Association
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Make time for yourself! It’s easy to get caught up in schoolwork and socializing, but don’t forget about your hobbies and activities that make you feel fulfilled and happy :) Taking time for yourself is crucial for your overall well-being and happiness, especially while in college!
- Contact: smuneer@bu.edu/@sana.muneer26
George Lehman
- Hometown: Frankfort, IL
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Journalism and Political Science
- Extracurriculars: Lifestyle Correspondent for Good Morning BU, Reporter for The Daily Free Press, Society of Professional Journalists, BU Italian Students Association
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: At BU, there’s so many opportunities for students to gain real-life experience in their field through networking. Boston is a fantastic place for COM students to meet and work with mentors in the field of their interest. Don’t be afraid to jump in and start talking to people! Whether it be with a COM Ambassador or upper years in the extracurriculars you join, we’re all here to help you succeed!
- Contact: ghlehman@bu.edu
Kerlin Campos (First Generation Student)
- Hometown: Atlanta, GA
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Film & Television
- Minor: Business Administration
- Extracurriculars: BU Athletics Video Production, BUTV10, Migration Tales, Delta Kappa Alpha (Professional Film Fraternity)
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Don’t be afraid of asking for help! College can be a very different environment for everyone and it can feel very overwhelming at times, but know that there are people who want the best for you and will help you, you just have to ask and not be afraid to put yourself out there!
- Contact: khcampos@bu.edu/@kerlincamposh
Miranda Westerlund
- Hometown: San Francisco, CA
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Media Science
- Extracurriculars: BU Running Club, BU AdClub, Photography, BU Ski & Board Club
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Seek out all of the resources that BU has to offer. I participated in the First-Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP) before starting at BU and it was a great experience. Since becoming a student at BU, I’ve also learned to take advantage of the tutoring services and have tried out clubs that I’ve really enjoyed. Trying new things at BU is something I recommend to everyone.
- Contact: mirwest@bu.edu/ miranda_west11
Zoe Rahaim
- Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Advertising
- Minor: Business Administration & Management
- Extracurriculars: WTBU Radio and AdLab
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: BU is not as big as it seems, but you have to be proactive. Talk to your classmates, go to your professor’s office hours, and join clubs you’re interested in! COM is a great way to make a big school feel small and there are so many ways to find your people at BU. College is really what you make of it!
- Contact: zrahaim@bu.edu
Saya Ghinea (Transfer Student)
- Hometown: Ridgewood, NJ
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Public Relations
- Extracurriculars: Japanese Student Association, Strong Women Strong Girls, The Urban Garden Initiative, COM Student Government
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Even though it’s scary, getting out of your comfort zone is so important. Being at a new school is intimidating, but if you join clubs and get involved in what you find valuable, I promise it’ll be worth it!
Christina Chen
- Hometown: Wadsworth, OH
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: Marketing Director of Asian Student Union, Varsity Art Director in AdClub, Advertising Team member of Strike Magazine, Contributing Artist for Untangle Zine, Marketing Team member of COM StuGov, and Campus Manager for Fresh Prints
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: There’s so much to do on and off campus! Don’t be afraid to try new things and it’s never too late either. Get out and explore! It’s really easy to get around Boston.
Maya Lubaroff
- Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Public Relations
- Minor: Sociology
- Extracurriculars: Her Campus Boston University, WTBU News, Students For Reproductive Freedom
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: It’s perfectly okay if you don’t find your core group of friends right away. What truly matters is stepping out of your comfort zone, exploring new opportunities, and getting involved in clubs and activities. Saying “yes” to new experiences will naturally connect you with like-minded people!
Jack Schwed
- Hometown: Merrick, NY
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Journalism
- Extracurriculars: The Daily Free Press, COM Student Government, WTBU, BUTV
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: It can seem daunting at first, but go out of your comfort zone! At first, you may feel stressed and hesitant to do so, but that is completely normal. Once you actually take that step outside your comfort zone, it will feel extremely rewarding. Also, never be afraid to ask for help and guidance. The COM community is super welcoming and always happy to help!
Chloe Huang
- Hometown: Bay Area, CA
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: BU Taiwanese American Student Association, BU AdClub
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Boston is such a walkable city! While there are so many convenient transportation services, walking is an easy way to get around the city and take in all the sights.
Kyla Foreman-Andrade
- Hometown: Harrisburg, NC
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Film and Television (Kilachand Honors College)
- Extracurriculars: DEI Chair for Delta Kappa Alpha, Writer for Baystate, STUDS (BU’s student screenwriter’s guild)
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: You aren’t confined to one thing! BU is full of opportunities and it is never too late to join a new club, take a class outside of your major, and to meet new people. Explore everything BU and even Boston has to offer!
Nina Wang
- Hometown: Shanghai, China & San Diego, CA
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Film and Television
- Extracurriculars: Peer Mentor, Photography, Music
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Don’t hesitate to make more friends!
Derek Olson
- Hometown: Hanson, MA
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Undeclared
- Extracurriculars: COM Student Government, WTBU Sports, BU On Broadway
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: The professors are amazing! Don’t waste the opportunity of getting to connect with them outside of class.
Ian Katan
- Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: AdClub, WTBU Sports, On-Campus Internship, Intramural Soccer
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Get involved in clubs and activities early on! It’s a great way to try things out and see if you like them.
Olivia Ming
- Hometown: Shanghai, China
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Media Science
- Extracurriculars: Phi Gamma Nu, AdClub, West Campus NHC
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: There’re lots of opportunities and chances here, take your time to explore and you WILL find everything you want eventually!
TracyVi Nguyen (Transfer Student)
- Hometown: Boston, MA
- Class Year: 2027
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: Vietnamese Student Association, Photographer for BUCFA, Pickleball Club, ADClub
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Work hard in everything you do and be comfortable with getting out of your comfort zone! BU has so many experiences and opportunities for everyone so don’t be afraid to try new things. :D
Willem Schiener
- Hometown: Geneseo, NY
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Film & TV and Public Relations
- Extracurriculars: Pep Band, BUTV10, Drama, Improv, Starbucks Barista, and Pickup Soccer
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: I wish I had known how useful the T was, how to use laundry machines on campus, and how many amazing things you can do in the city of Boston.
Mason Jablonsky
- Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
- Class Year: 2026
- Major: Journalism
- Extracurriculars: BUTV, WTBU, BU Athletics
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: I wish I knew how welcoming and kind everyone in the COM community would be!
Isabelle Zhang
- Hometown: St. Louis, MO
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Journalism and Political Science
- Extracurriculars: The Daily Free Press, The Boston Political Review, Pre-Law Society, Asian Student Union, Working at the Library
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Don’t hesitate to get involved! Your first semester is the best time to explore your interests, join different clubs, and just generally try new things. There’s so much to do at BU so don’t waste any time!