“It's not just about the classes, it’s about your mental health and growing as a person by being around people every day. It can be really hard for athletes after retirement because they've been in a bubble and now they have to face reality. Many of them don't know what they want to do, they don't even know what's next. But being in school, taking classes, and engaging in discussion helps you keep your mind busy and improve and be the best you can be.” - Reuben Ayarna, former Boston College Men's Soccer standout who's studying corporate systems at the Boston College - Woods College of Advancing Studies after retiring from a 14-year career as a professional player | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/GoalOriented

"Black History Month represents resiliency and resistance. When Carter G. Woodson co-created curricula with Black teachers to highlight the accomplishments of Black people in the United States, they designed their lessons to disrupt the narrative that African Americans were ahistorical and did not contribute to the creation of this country. Many educators who taught 'Negro History Week' in the 1920s put their livelihoods and lives on the line. The month of February reminds me that our work to dismantle deficit perspectives of Black people in the United States is still needed and is not always safe work—but courageous educators do it anyway." - Earl Edwards, Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development Professor READ MORE about Prof. Edwards: https://on.bc.edu/EarlEdwards

“Black history month means a lot to me, it’s a chance to celebrate Black stories, culture, and voices. It’s an awesome time to appreciate other people and find empathy in one another. Being named the first Black captain meant a lot to me; I just hope that one day someone that looks like me can be in my shoes.” - Marshall Warren '23, BC men's hockey first Black captain | READ MORE on NHL.com: https://bit.ly/BC_Warren

"My maternal grandmother's job was pressing the button on the elevator at a large office building. I have been blessed to become the Vice President of Student Affairs at Boston College. She laid the foundation from which I grew, learned, and hope to make it less challenging for those that come after me. I am my grandmother's legacy and together, we are Black History." - Shawna Cooper Whitehead

"Having a month dedicated to Black history is important because it serves as a dedicated time for the country to reflect on the contributions and experiences of Black Americans throughout history. It is a time to learn about and celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and acknowledge the systemic racism and discrimination they have faced. Additionally, it serves as an opportunity to educate future generations about Black history and culture, which is often overlooked in mainstream education. It also serves as a reminder that Black history is American history and that it should be an ongoing effort to learn about it." - Destiny Chimilio '23 Photo taken by Yating Wang '24

"I was diagnosed with cancer my freshman year and had no idea what I was walking into. After my first chemo session I struggled with side effects I’d never heard of like bone pain, dry mouth, and having everything I ate taste like metal. I learned from nurses and other patients about products that can help, and that’s what started Care for Chemo. At first I was dropping off boxes of products for patients at my local clinic, but now I have three board members and a bunch of volunteers and we’re sending out 10 boxes a week to people all over the country. I never saw it going this far but I’m so glad it has. It’s helped me accept what I went through and move forward from it." - Zarah Lakhani '24, founder of Care for Chemo [www.careforchemo.org]

“I don’t see myself as being in politics. I don’t care if my ally is a Republican or a Democrat. I don’t care about party lines in that sense. It’s really just a matter of who is willing to help us at that moment.” - Gunnar Esiason '13, cystic fibrosis and rare disease patient leader| READ MORE in Boston College Magazine: https://on.bc.edu/Breathtaking

“Jordan has long maintained its central role in Middle East geopolitics, and regional conflicts have significantly impacted its social demographics ever since the Gulf War. There is political and economic stress, and increasing levels of domestic violence, which are reflected in the inhabitants’ mental health...Most collectivist countries like Jordan that emphasize the group’s necessities and goals versus individual needs and desires tend to stigmatize mental health disorders as taboo. My investigation determined that although the internalized public and personal mental health shame is fading, it needs increased attention.” - Faith Drescher ’25, who received the Omar A. Aggad Travel and Research Fellowship to pursue her research | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/AggadFellowships

"Turning pro is cool at a young age, but nothing is guaranteed. I want to play until I'm 40, but who knows what's going to happen? To me, having some sort of stability in a profession that is not that stable allows me to go with the flow, roll with the punches. I enjoy every day at the rink more knowing that when my career is over I can pull out my degree and do something good with it.” - Spencer Knight, who plays for the Florida Panthers and is currently enrolled at the Boston College - Woods College of Advancing Studies | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/GoalOriented Photo: JC Ruiz

“We work with freshmen a little more intensely, which just lays the foundation, I think, for their time here. I do weekly meetings with all freshmen on my teams. Some might only be 15 minutes a week, but they always have that time to ask me questions and they know if they need tutoring or something's going wrong, I will help them in any way I can. My favorite part of my job is the relationships I’ve built with players. Seeing their academic progress over four years, or however long they’re here, and watching them graduate is so rewarding.” - Patrice Bouzan ’91, a Learning Specialist and Academic Counselor who helps Boston College Athletics student-athletes reach their academic goals | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/GoalOriented

As I have been working at Boston College for 36 years, it has become my second home, and my colleagues and friends are an extension of my family. I work in one of the largest and most diverse departments of the University. I consider the BC Dining Services employees unsung heroes. Their hard work and dedication provides the best nourishment, which plays an important role in the development of our students. My job is challenging yet very rewarding. Each workday can be different: one moment I may be answering questions and helping employees and the next, dealing with a complaint. My goal is to promote a positive work environment and that our employees feel valued and respected." - Marcela Norton '04, '16, Employee Relations Officer | READ MORE about BC's "Hidden Heroes" on campus: https://on.bc.edu/HiddenHeroes

"As a member of Boston College Arts Council, I felt a holiday craft fair would be a great way to highlight the artists and makers on campus. From creating and hanging flyers, to sending out emails, to churning out my own crafts, the event kept me busy and wrapped in anticipation throughout the semester. I was so happy to have the opportunity to sell my creations in the holiday, gift-giving season, and I found that other crafters were equally as enthusiastic and pleased with the event. It is wonderful to meet other students who share a passion for creating, and the Boston College community really came out to support and appreciate the hard work and talent of their peers. In a busy finals season, the Holiday Craft Fair provided a cheerful study break and a festive close to the semester." - Margaret Ryan '25, organizer of the Holiday Craft Fair