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
Raahi Mehta
- Hometown: Secaucus, NJ
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Journalism and Advertising
- Extracurriculars: Daily Free Press, ADClub, AAJA, Alpha Theta Nu
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: I wish I knew how many possibilities there are in the city of Boston and just within campus itself, especially for aspiring journalists. There is always a story somewhere around you; you just have to look for it! I quickly learned that there is nothing to be intimated by when it comes to joining clubs and meeting new people. I would say to just go for it because everyone in COM is always here to help!
- Contact: raahi@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: BU on Broadway, BU Buzz
- 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: Executive Producer and Anchor for ‘Good Morning BU’, Politics/News Editor for Boston University News Service, News Coordinator for BUTV, Anchor for ‘The Wire’
- 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!
Dabi Lee
- Hometown: Milford, Connecticut
- Class Year: 2029
- Major: Advertising (Kilachand Honors College)
- Extracurriculars: COM Student Government Assistant Director of Visual Strategy, AdClub, Daily Free Press
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: What you get from your clubs is exactly what you put in! Making connections with the E-board, participating in meetings, and making an effort will go such a long way in the future.
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, AdLab
- 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.
Peyton Bliley
- Hometown: Arlington, VA
- Class year: 2027
- Major: Film and TV
- Minor: English
- Extracurriculars: Her Campus, Slippery When Wet, Forte, BU Theater
- One thing I wish I knew before coming to BU: Every year, every semester even, you’re a whole new you! Change is inevitable and the maturity that comes with it will seem so impressive to you the further you get into your college experience!
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.
Alyson Yam
- Hometown: East Williston, NY
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Journalism and Public Relations
- Extracurriculars: Her Campus, Fashion & Retail Association, COM Student Government
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Sign up for all of the clubs that interest you at Splash! It’s okay to not commit to all of them, and don’t feel pressured to, but you never know what you’ll end up being involved in and the friends you’ll make along the way.
Diya Kapoor
- Hometown: Bay Area, CA
- Class Year: 2029
- Major: Advertising
- Minor: Psychology and Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Extracurriculars: BU Buzz, Wandering Minds, BU Shakespeare Society, AdClub
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: There are so many different types of clubs that you can join, so try different things because you never know what you will like!
Chase Pasekoff
- Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: AdClub, WTBU, Off the Cuff Magazine, Boston Political Review
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Utilize the opportunities being in a big city gives you! Explore different neighborhoods, visit the landmarks, and take advantage of the unique experience of going to college in a city!
Elaine Liu (First Generation Student)
- Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
- Class Year: 2029
- Major: Public Relations (Kilachand Honors College)
- Extracurriculars: PRSSA, Daily Free Press, BU Telefund, FLIP, BU Uprising
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: You should definitely make the most of your college years by hanging out with friends and trying new things, but it is very important to maintain a routine as well! Even if it’s just eating at certain times or writing in a diary entry at night, it really makes every day feel fulfilling.
Elena Pejic
- Hometown: Tewksbury, MA
- Class Year: 2029
- Major: Journalism
- Extracurriculars: The Daily Free Press, Boston University News Service, BUTV, COM Student Government, The Boston Political Review
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Before coming to BU I wish I knew how important it was to get involved and say yes to every opportunity, as you never know where one connection can take you!
Siena Vitucci
- Hometown: Warwick, RI
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Public Relations
- Minor: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Extracurriculars: BUTV’s theWIRE, Boston University Shakespeare Society, the BU BUZZ Magazine
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Don’t be afraid to try things that seem out of your comfort zone! There are so many opportunities, people to meet, and clubs to join, and what feels daunting in September can quickly feel like home come the end of the year if you are willing to put yourself out there.
Amanda Ciminello
- Hometown: Purchase, NY
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Journalism and Public Relations
- Minor: Philosophy
- Extracurriculars: Sports Information Director (SID) for BU Club Squash, BUTV (Offsides and Terrier Nations), HER Campus Events Team
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Go with the flow and say yes! It’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. College is a time for new experiences, growth, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Get involved early in anything that interests you—you’ll open the door to new connections, opportunities, and leadership roles. And remember, your advisors and professors are always there to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Olivia Fletcher
- Hometown: Glencoe, IL (northern suburb of Chicago)
- Class Year: 2028
- Major: Public Relations
- Extracurriculars: VP of Marketing for ADPi, Guerrilla Marketing Society Marketing Consultant, & COM Ambassador!
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: I wish I knew that I didn’t need to have my major/life figured out! Hitting the ground running and trying as many new things as possible helped me figure it out though. Also, I wish I had tried to master the BU bus earlier instead of relying on the T all the time…
Madeleine Martin
- Hometown: Lithia Springs, Georgia
- Class Year: 2029
- Major: Film & Television
- Minor: Theatre Arts
- Extracurriculars: Liquid Fun, Fenway Neighborhood Hall Council, BUTV, BU On Broadway, Posse Scholarship, Scarlett Speaker
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: I wish I knew how impossible it would be to feel alone here. There is always something to do and always someone to hang out with, so I wish I spent less time worrying about making friends!
Ellie Posen
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Class Year: 2029
- Major: Advertising
- Extracurriculars: WTBU Radio, The Daily Free Press, Outreach Coordinator for BU Rotaract Club
- One thing you wish you knew before coming to BU: Take advantage of all the incredible opportunities to try new things and meet new people at BU; there’s a never-ending amount of possibility!