The Student Ambassador Program Post- Yearbook Edition, Spring 2016- FINAL VERSION
- 1. THE STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM POST I S S U E 0 4 Photos from the 2015-2016 SAP | Staff Spotlight: Mike Lantvet Ethan Lang's Escape from the City: Walden | Goodbye to Our Seniors F R E E Yearbook Edition: Spring 2016 Presented by:The Center for Career Development & Educational Resource Center
- 3. A LOOK BACK AT THE YEAR Our Most Successful Year Yet! S E E W H A T W E ' V E B E E N U P T O . . . Planning for the 2015-2016 school year began as early as May 2015, with Student Ambassadors Allie, Lauren, Sana, and Sophia tackling SAP logistics along with promoting our services to the Class of 2019 at Orientation. The fall semester brought changing leaves and the most workshop requests yet for the SAP, with our October event "Tip of Treat" having Student Ambassadors dress up in costumes, hand out candy, and distribute advice. Our Fall Career Fair also brought many students into the GSU, and resume reviews and an increasing number of twitter followers kept the ambassadors busy up until the holidays. 2016 began strong with updates to our Tumblr, and our Spring Career Fair had Student Ambassadors juggling coats and bags while attending the Fair themselves. Recruitment for next year's SA's began early as well- with a record-breaking forty- nine applications being submitted by April 1st. The year ended with the first ever Student Leadership Symposium- with a total of six presentations- by SA's to SA's. As another year comes to a close, the statistics (and photographs!) don't lie- not only has this year been our most successful yet, but the Student Ambassadors have also developed their own professional skills, and added more to their college experience as well as the BU population.
- 7. MIKE LANTVET Staff Spotlight: What is your educational background? I attended undergraduate at UMass Amherst, where I majored in psych and minored in Spanish. I attended grad school at BU, where I got my Masters in Education with a concentration in counseling. I'm currently working on an MBA at Questrom. What are the duties/functions/responsibilities of your job? I am responsible for the management of the Peer Tutoring Program and Orgo Prep here on campus. I also maintain a caseload of individual advisees, and help them with study strategies, academic support, and counseling. I collaborate with other offices as well, largely the staff that either provide additional resources at the university, or faculty that participate in courses and subject areas that we offer tutoring in, so a large part of my job is maintaining relationships. Why did this type of work interest you? I'm able to apply my counseling knowledge while additionally having lots of opportunity for project management, training, student development, education structures, and a lot of different components that have to do with counseling. I can then take these components and expand beyond the regular limits and borders. What is a typical day like? The great part about my days here, is that there isn’t a typical day, there aren’t things that happen regularly or every day except for big topic pieces, and how they get done are always different. Mornings- I'm usually checking emails, and sending out follow-ups. Tutors are always contacting me with questions, and student requests are coming in. The morning sets the tone for how I need to manage my time for the day, and helps me prioritize. Afternoon is my time for scheduling students, and I have individual advising appointments coming in, and it's also the best time to get in touch with the tutors. Other kinds of meetings, setting up observations of actual tutor appointments occur as well. An interesting part of the job is that we really flow with the academic life. When students are busy with finals or exams, I’m busy too, because we’re getting a lot of requests for different types of support at those peak times. We truly know how you feel in some ways. If you have one, what is your favorite aspect of this job? Variety and challenge. I’ve been here for 8 years and I still have days that are so surprising. It’s great to be able to work with students of all years (freshman to grad students) and then working with the staff and faculty at BU as well. Everyone has a different focus, people are working on all different projects or initiatives, it’s really amazing to hear. What has been the most rewarding part of this job? When a student comes in for some kind of assistance, and you work with them in some way (helping them to use a service or talking about their academic needs) and seeing that they are making some sort of improvement, and seeing that they are coming a stronger student. Seeing a student grow and change at your time here at BU, and truly portraying what the university is after, a challenging learning environment. It’s great to see them rise to the occasion, and find their own way of being successful and defining their own success. Do you have any special projects going on right now? Yes! Right now I’m working with Maggie regarding some services that we’re going to roll out for the upcoming study period. We're going to have an event that includes yoga, coloring, mindfulness exercises, and tea time. It's a way for students to relax and get centered, to move on from the stress of study period and use that positive mindset and energy to tackle whatever finals they have left. We're also going to have Study Plan Consultations, 15 or 20 minutes appointments to lay out a plan for how they’re going to study for finals so they can fit in whatever they have to do, and overall gives them the best chance of success. Interview conducted by Lola Adeosun
- 10. A TRIP TO WALDEN By Ethan Lang E S C A P E F R O M T H E C I T Y : If you do not hail from New England, there is a very good chance you have never been to Walden Pond. This stunning natural beauty is in Concord and can be accessed through a short ride on the Commuter Rail. Walden is where the great Henry David Thoreau worked for three years in a tiny cabin in the woods, leading to him writing his acclaimed book Walden. He was a transcendentalist whose writing both affected his contemporaries and a large population even today. So if you love reading, you should take this book- or another- out to the pond. You can sit along the shoreline and read about the beautiful trees, paths, and water that Thoreau wrote so diligently about. If reading is not something you enjoy, then take a walk around the trail with a friend or a loved one and you will see all of the beauty. With all of the concrete in Boston, it can be hard to remember what true natural beauty looks like. Walden Pond will help you remember. PUBLICDOMAINPHOTOGRAPHS:WIKIMEDIACOMMONS T H E B O S T O N B U C K E T L I S T
- 12. SAM MOSEMAN SOPHOMORE, CAS 2018, MATH AND COMPUTER SCIENCE Sam is so laid back, whenever stress stress hovers around the SA suite, Sam is a calming presence! Working with Sam is very exciting and interesting. We are in the same team, practice workshops together and I even have him for my kindness buddy! It makes me so happy to hear Sam say, "Wowwww, XXX(my name), good job! " I guess now you know who I am, but never mind, haha :) We will miss you so much when you go abroad!! Always being headless in all of the group pictures #tootall #hoverboad #tallestoneever Sam is an extremely successful member of Partnerships, but, most importantly, Sam is a great team player and everyone enjoys his company. We will miss you next semester! Sam is a connoisseur of men's style. He delivers effective out reach for the CCD and ERC with drive and passion. Sam is a leader! Sam is always very positive about everything, I've never heard him complain! He always works really hard, and is such a great person- everyone wants to be friends with him! Sam is always super proactive about his work and always, always willing to help out with additional projects. Also just a great person and friend all around. And so stylish! (Except on Fridays... Ripped jeans? Come on... Jk) Sam is a great team member and great friend. He always approaches situations with a fun and positive attitude and is amazing at working with people, both within SAP and also with the student groups we reach out to on PAR. Sam, we’ll miss you next semester but have an incredible time abroad!! Always the first to say "I'm done!!" with projects, and ask if he can help anyone else- either on his team or off. Incredibly dedicated and always has a great sense of humor! Come back to us after Singapore! Second the great sense of humor!! Really amazing SA who is dedicated to his work. Sam is the most approachable person I know. He is always willing to listen, help, or just radiate positivity. He is an essential member of the team, and will be sorely missed next semester! Sam really listens to people. He is right there with you whenever you’re having a convo with him and that makes him such a relatable person. Sam always suits up like a pop star. Love your taste~ Sam is always so nice, calm, and helpful. He also puts a smile on his face and I wish I were as collected as he always is. Here's what people in the SAP suite are saying about him... STUDENT AMBASSADOR OF THE SEMESTER:
- 15. Allie- We never really have had the chance to talk much, but from the conversations we've had and what's I've seen, I can tell that you are so intelligent and accomplished! Not to mention cool!! Good luck with your after graduation plans! Allie: Thank you so much for the best book and coffee shop recommendations, for making me smile, and for your endless genuine excitement of the world around you. You inspire me, and any student would be beyond lucky to have you as a professor! Allie: Thank you so much for everything. You are not only my team captain, but also my mentor. Whenever I need some help, you are always there. I can see that you will be an excellent professor! Allie: I will never forget your smile!!! I enjoyed the time working with you in the morning and talking about our career development plans~ I believe you will become an awesome professor in the future (I wish I could take your art history class someday in the future :) ). Good luck with everything and we will miss you so much! You are so odd, funny, and just a generally nice person to be around. The fact that you can be so passionate and yet so down to earth with everything you do is a quality that I want to emulate. N O M A D I C | 2 4 Goodbye to Our Seniors: Allie Gressler When I learned I was going to work with an art history major I was secretly really excited about all the art discussions to be had. My hopes were confirmed during hours in the SAP office, flier distribution in CAS (what a hoot), and that one time we stood outside elevators in the GSU for like 4 hours straight, when we not only got to talk about what distinguishes African from Western art, but also possible career paths, terrible experiences with contacts, and all the other pertinent things of other super pertinent things. You'll bring joy to everyone you meet. You are one of the most genuine souls I know. It has been great getting to know you this year and I hope your sense of curiosity and passion for helping and learning from others will take you far in life. Good luck across the pond next year and namaste :) Allie, you are a big sister to me. When I face challenges, you always encourage me to try and give me useful suggestions. It was very excited to dine out with you, you shared me with the interesting stories and let me know how to actively make friends with people around me. I will miss you so much and hope you have great success in your career! Allie will be continuing her education at Oxford in the fall, with plans to eventually pursue her PhD in Art History either abroad or in the US. COM '16, Communication Studies CAS '16, Art History
- 16. Caroline: We bicker, we snicker, I couldn't think of a third thing to rhyme. As my work sibling, you give me a hard time but we really work well together and I'll miss that. Framingham Buddy & Calendar Queen: I'm so glad the SAP has given me the opportunity to know you better- your ambition and genuine thrill of everything from organizing to higher ed is contagious and is such a positive influence on all of us. You're so hilarious and so wonderful- I'm sure I will see you around, and am so glad of that! Caroline- Did I ever tell you that your voice is so appealing? Since I am a new SA and I usually worked in the morning, I did not get any chances to really talk to you. But you are always there: I always received the google invitations from you! :) I hope everything goes well after you graduate and you will definitely succeed in your field because you are such an organized and creative person. Your work ethic is inspiring. I don't know anyone who could've dealt with our crazy SA schedule as well as you did. Also your family's Christmas cookie factory is probably one of the coolest (and tastiest) family traditions I've ever heard of. If you affect others in your future the way you've affected the SA's, I know you'll have no problem succeeding. Best of luck:) N O M A D I C | 2 4 Goodbye to Our Seniors: Caroline Lynch Oh Caroline, you were the first person I met in the SA program at our mini-orientation in September and I remember being so relieved to meet someone so funny, down to earth, and approachable as you. You continually inspire with with how well you work with others, talk to people, manage a long-distance relationship, BAKE!!!, juggle school/work, the list goes on… and who else will I accidentally twin with every day next year? I will miss you so much but I know you’ll be close by! Caroline- I always enjoy talking you you in the suite, even though you're always so busy, you take the time out to really ask everyone how they are doing and it's so appreciated! Higher Ed is exactly where you need to be, and I wish you luck in all your endeavors! Caroline, It is great to work with you. You are energetic, funny and passionate. I love your big and sunny smile~~Also, I really enjoyed the icebreaker you organized and it was a great fun! Will Miss You!! Wish you have a great success in your career. ^_^^_^ Caroline, you are such a hardworking person and it's great to have you in my team. You make our work much easier! I sincerely hope you can get a job at BU! Caroline is looking at a career in higher education in the Boston area in the fall, as her job as an SA has solidified her passion of helping college students with their paths to success. COM '16, Communication Studies
- 17. N O M A D I C | 2 4 Goodbye to Our Seniors: Harini: You're the first SA I really got to know. I'll never forget tabling with you those first few days (and all the times after that) and how you gave me the down-low on the SA program so I could feel even more excited than I already was. You'll rock wherever you go:) I will really miss your sense of humor, witty gifs, and general advice you bestow onto me…not to mention the delicious samosas you always bring to potlucks! I can’t believe we’ve become so close this year; there is no one I would rather share Mr. Darcy and RBG gifs with :) Good luck next year and congratulations!!! Harini: You are so eloquent and humble, sincere in everything you say. You have given me so much help both in the SA program and for thinking about my future career. Thank you. Harini, I will miss you so much! Thank you for always supporting me. It was a great memory when we did tabling together at the mid-night breakfast! Keep in touch even after you graduated from BU! Come back and visit us~~~~ Harini recently decided to pursue a dual degree! She will be finishing Economics over the summer, while helping the SAP with orientation, and is then looking for a PR related career in the US. COM & CAS '16, Public Relations and Economics Harini Natarajan Harini- You're so hilarious and you always exude such warmth. I always know I can come to you for anything, whether it be a conversation or help with a project! I know you will be extremely successful with everything you do, but you will be so missed in the SAP!! Harini: Thank you for being WONDERFUL with the twitter! You've been such an incredible influence on the PR team these past two semesters, and our twitter followers will certainly miss your wonderful gifs! You are such a warm, sunny human being who brightens up any room you're in! Harini: You did such an amazing job on twitter! Your jokes always make us happy. It's always a pleasure to talk to you, and you are very helpful and share with me lots of useful information, thank you Harini! Harini: I feel blessed to have you in the PR team. You are always so funny and warm, I just can’t help myself from not talking to you. You always make me smile. As a PR major, I can visualize a bright future of you: suiting up and distributing tasks with a steady and determining tone; shining while giving presentation or chatting with colleagues. you will become someone! Love you!!
- 18. I’m so glad I got to know you this past year through SAP. Through hilarious PAR team meetings, early morning chalking shifts, and all of the times we worked together in the suite, it has always been so fun working with you. You’ve been an amazing captain and I know your leadership and drive will take you so far in life. I’ll miss all of your Questrom and plane- ticket-hunting advice but I know you’ll have an incredible time in England, grad school, and beyond! We’ll miss you so much! Good luck :) Bri- Chalking with you is always fun! You have been a great captain and I know everybody will miss your down to earth-ness in the suite! You are so approachable and lovely to talk with. Your ambition will take you far in life! Thank you for being so welcoming from day one, and for helping me along and showing me the ropes- whether it be with PR Team Captain tips or a funny dog video. I'm so excited your future plans abroad, & can't wait to see all the amazing things you do :) Bri: Even though we never had the same shifts and did not get get so many opportunities to talk, I still like you as a person. I like the way how you did the presentation on Sunday, which was calm, smooth, and convincing. The best wishes to you! N O M A D I C | 2 4 Goodbye to Our Seniors: Bri: I don’t have lots of opportunity to talk to you, but I really admire you that you can manage core curriculum and SA captain together and do both perfectly. You are so approachable and you are always happy about nearly everything! I wish you all the best! Bri: Thanks for being an amazing team captain. Your compassionate, light-hearted, and humorous attitude instantly made all of my anxiety about being a new SA disappear. You've showed me a side of leadership I probably wouldn't have seen otherwise. I know you'll succeed wherever you go. Bri, you are a great leader, presenter and friend! I feel so happy when you actively asked me about the Chinese culture and share your stories with me. Working with you in the PAR team is a valuable experience for me because you are very organized and supportive. Also, you listened carefully for our feedback in the team meeting, and encouraged us to explore, think about new outreaching ways to improve the efficiency of the whole team. I will miss you very much, keep in touch!!! ^_^ Bri: Your work ethic is so incredibly tough and I know you can always be relied on. Keep helping others because you make a big difference when you do. Bri is going across the pond like Allie, and will be getting her Masters in International Business at the University of Surrey. The SAP fully expects to be sent pictures of them in England together! PAR & QSB '16, International Relations & Business Administration & Management Briana Swift
- 20. The Student Ambassador Program Post Lauren Backus Lola Adeosun, Lauren Backus, Caroline Lynch Harini Natarajan Lola Adeosun, Lauren Backus, Ethan Lang Allie Gressler Mike Lantvet Ethan Lang, Claire Lenz Lauren Backus, Shine Tang, Harini Natarajan, Lola Adeosun, Briana Swift, Claire Lenz, Jameson Hollis, Ethan Lang, Windy Wang, Qing Li, Allie Gressler, Sam Moseman, Caroline Lynch, Masha Vernik Amy Collinsworth Tesla Abrego Boston University, Apples to Apples, Trader Joes (raisins), J.Crew, Henry David Thoreau, Kanye West, and lots and lots of chalk Editor: Main Photographers: Design Supplier: Staff Writers: Logo Designer: Staff Contributor: Additional Feedback: Student Ambassadors (Spring 2016): Student Outreach Manager: Student Outreach Coordinator: Special Thanks: The Yawkey Center for Student Services 100 Bay State Road Boston, MA, 02215 www.bu-ccd-erc.tumblr.com@CCDERC_SA THE CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER Yearbook Edition: Spring 2016 BOSTON UNIVERSITY'S ccdercsa@bu.edu COMING SOON!