Frequently Asked Question

By: Connor Lenahan

This was the final day of the first orientation session for the Boston University Class of 2018. According to every person I talked to that attended the session it was exhausting. Having seen behind the curtain and having stared at Oz I can tell you that it’s exhausting for everyone running the sessions as well. I cannot imagine how they keep it up all summer long. These are some incredible people working to get kids excited for BU in the fall.

I had the pleasure of interacting with and corrupting the minds of tons of incoming Terriers this week. I had written just a few days ago about how excited I was to try and help these new students fall in love with BU the same way I have. I was blessed with the ability to do this in some small capacity just by interacting with our new freshmen. Or at least I hope I was able to.

I did get one question this week that made me think. I tend to get asked a lot of questions, that’s literally my summer job, but this was one that struck me as important.

“Why do you love BU?”

This might not be the exact phrasing, but the aim is the same. My answer was simple and honest.

I love BU because it has allowed for my dreams to come true. I have been blessed with the ability to do things I’ve loved from the moment I’ve stepped on campus. I’m a music obsessive that is blocks away from brilliant musicians and incredible shows at any given moment. I’m a movie buff that is capable of seeing Academy Award nominated films months before millions will sit down for a midnight premier. I’m a sports fan that attended a championship parade weeks after changing my address. I was adopted into a new family that has made my life better. I have made countless friends that have made me into a better, happier, healthier person. I have been able to work with some of my passions at a professional level. I have already started living the life I dreamed of having.

The common thread through this all is Boston University. There is a two mile stretch of pavement that houses the ability to change your life. It’s right in front of you. It works. I’m proof.

The greatest advice I will ever be able to give anyone is this: do not be afraid to take chances. It’s the best decision you will ever make. If you are willing to put fear and embarrassment by the wayside, anything is possible. You’re reading this from a guy who has been knocked down ten times and gotten up eleven. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.

That’s why I love BU, and if you’ll let me, I want to make your dreams come true too. That way we can love BU together.

Connor Lenahan (@ConnorLenahan) is a sophomore at Boston University, majoring in journalism.