Class of 2009 – So Much to Do, So Little Time
Dear Friends in the Boston University Class of 2009,
A few of you have asked me a question that has left me stumped: “Dean, I’ve just finished my last exam, I’ve got some time on my hands and a week before I take the great walk to pick up the sheepskin, so what should I make sure to do before I leave?” A great question. Not sure I was actually stumped – I just wanted to think about the question. Here’s my long-winded answer: before you take advantage of your glorious graduation weekend, and, in between your Senior Week activities, be sure to:
- ask for a recommendation from a faculty or staff member;
- if you haven’t done so, have someone look at your resume;
- work the “room” at the Senior Champagne Reception – it’s a great time to catch up one last time;
- find a way into historic Fenway Park – even if you don’t like baseball, it’s worth going and soaking up the vibe;
- see the Big Apple Circus;
- visit Mt. Auburn Cemetery, in Cambridge, and stand under an apple tree – it’s a place full of history (or historic figures) and quite peaceful;
- read a hard copy of the Boston Globe;
- canoe on the Charles River. Paddle out towards Concord; get out; and, check out the historic scene at the Concord Bridge;
- take an afternoon swan boat ride with your sweetie on a beautiful day;
- eat Dim Sum in Chinatown;
- can’t beat a walk to the North End of Boston to pick up a big, fattening, delicious cannoli;
- plan your own reunion – re-connect with friends and roommates from freshman year;
- go to the BU Pub – it’s a good scene;
- see history yourself – put on your most stylish, comfortable pair of kicks and walk the Freedom Trail;
- write a letter to an incoming student about your experiences here – don’t forget to wish her or him well (drop the letter off in my office and I’ll make sure he or she gets your inspiring note);
- visit the Top of the Hub;
- pull out those stylish, comfortable kicks again and walk a big chunk of the Esplanade with friends;
- have a cup of espresso with an interesting person in Boston you’ve been dying to meet;
- visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – a truly unique Boston experience;
- visit the USS Constitution to see history and another side of the Boston Harbor;
- take a faculty member to lunch;
- take a Duck Boat tour or Boston trolley tour – you can learn a lot;
- strut from one end of campus to the other;
- write down some of your memories – keep them forever;
- firm up your network;
- pay it forward and volunteer. Make one of the last and lasting things you do in Boston, be about serving a community or person in need.
- don’t be a stranger – leave me your contact information so we can touch base again;
- say thank you to someone who has made a difference during your time at Boston University; and,
- stay free. Hug and kiss those you love. Leave with a clean slate and an open heart free of hatred or ill will towards anyone.
Big thanks to Josh S. for being the first member of your class to get me thinking on this. I hope this answers a cool question. Wishing you a life of inner peace and outward success. Be good. Stay well.