Fisk House Appreciation
Expertise, diversity, philanthropy, and fellowship are woven throughout Boston University Women’s Guild, Women of Color Circle, and the greater BU community. Tapping into the University’s professional, academic, and philanthropic network, BUWG proudly welcomes a variety of presenters—all of whom share their experiences within their specified professions.
About Fisk House
Fisk House is a cooperative residence for women graduate students enrolled at Boston University. Administered by the Office of Residential Life and supported and maintained by the Boston University Women’s Guild since February 2020, Fisk House provides a residence for 16 students at a nominal cost. It is the only subsidized graduate student residence at Boston University. Claire Ronan is a first-year student at BU Pardee School and a Fisk House resident.
Fisk House Appreciation by Claire Ronan
I am currently a first-year student at the BU Pardee School, working towards a Master of Arts in International Affairs with a specialization in Security Studies. I am a first-generation student, and I have paid for all my schooling on my own through scholarships and loans. Last semester I received all As on my transcript and this semester.
I have a deep, personal connection with, and appreciation for subsidized housing. My family has faced homelessness in the past, which has left a profound impact on my life. I have seen many of my peers leave school due to the cost of living associated with their education. Especially during COVID times, it has been difficult for many students to find reliable and affordable housing. My roommates and I have all had to worry at some point about how unsustainable living situations may delay or halt our education.
I would not be able to attend Boston University if it were not for the Fisk House, which the Women’s Guild so generously maintains for my roommates and me. Each day we come home to a safe, comfortable, and welcoming home filled with the most intelligent and kindhearted women I have ever met. I am so grateful to the Women’s Guild for granting us a space where we can build such a wonderful and uplifting community.
“I am so grateful to the Women’s Guild for granting us a space where we can build such a wonderful and uplifting community.”
With support from the BU Women’s Guild, I have been able to pursue internships and jobs related to my interests and career goals, rather than for strictly financial reasons. I believe that living in the Fisk House where I am surrounded by encouraging and uplifting peers, where I am in a financially sustainable situation, and in a safe space, was truly the foundation by which I could branch out and achieve such high marks.
Living in the Fisk House means that I do not have to worry if I can afford my tuition and rent on top of utilities, groceries, or any other necessities I need to live as a student. I simply get to focus on being a student. I have never lived in such a safe, dependable, and comfortable home, nor have I ever lived in a space with peers that were so supportive of my endeavors.
“Living in the Fisk House means that I do not have to worry if I can afford my tuition and rent on top of utilities, groceries, or any other necessities I need to live as a student. I simply get to focus on being a student.”
Living in the Fisk House has been an absolute pleasure and has allowed me to flourish both as a student and as a professional young woman. The Fisk House has been integral for my success at Boston University, and I hope to continue my academic career in the space. Thank you to the Women’s Guild for allowing my roommates and I such a wonderful opportunity to grow and learn in the Fisk House!
About the author: Claire Ronan is a current resident of Fisk House and in her first year at BU Pardee School for Global Studies, working towards a Master of Arts in International Affairs with a specialization in Security Studies.
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