Reflections
When I look back on the person I was when I first started BU and who I am now, I can’t help but smile. The amount of growth I have done over the past four years is tremendous. As a freshman at Boson University, I was a shy girl – timid, with passions that I did not know how to articulate. (Have you ever met a timid tall girl? The one that tries her hardest not to stand out in a crowd but naturally because of her height she does? That was me my freshmen year!) I am your local girl. I grew up in Dorchester and went to high school in Roxbury. I must admit that prior to applying to Boston University, I had never stepped foot on the Charles River Campus nor truly explored that area of Boston. So surprisingly, my freshmen year was a new experience for me.
As a freshman, I knew what I wanted out of my BU experience. I created a mental checklist of things I wanted to gain from my BU experience and at the end of each year, I reflected and expanded my list. Immediately some of the things I wanted from my BU experience included a quality education (check), confidence (check), amazing friends (check), and words (check). What do I mean by words? I wanted to learn the discourse to articulate the issues I am passionate about, to also be able to reflect and critically analyze my experience. Some of my favorite classes at BU thought me how to do just that. I learned how to take it a step further and apply these skills to the field of my interest, healthcare.
With graduation fast approaching, I know I wouldn’t be the young woman I am today without the Admissions Student Diversity Board. My experience with ASDB has given me confidence. I have shared my story to so many families. I have learned to own my story and to be proud of it. I have incredible friends many of which are involved with this group. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to be an ASDB Coordinator. I was given the chance to be able to work closely with Phebe, Judith, and of course Bobby. That has been time of tremendous professional growth working so closely with professional staff at the university. Most importantly, I was able to aid in advancing ASDB’s mission, which is so incredibly important at Boston University.
Finally some words of advice: Boston University can be everything you want it to be if and only if you come in with an open mind and willing to make the most of your experience. I suggest making a list of things you want to get out of your BU experience whether this list is a mental list like I did, or a physical list you return to at the end of each year. Please make sure that list is more expansive than just listing “parties.” As a wonderful woman told me, “BU will be the most expensive party you will ever paid for.” Goodbye everyone!
All the Best,
Tamika Jeune
