Meghan Heckelman

Class of 2025

Serving as an Orientation Leader for incoming first-year students marked the most transformative experience of my college journey. Connecting with students and families reminded me of what makes Boston College so special, and fostering 38 new friendships with the OTeam gave me a new definition of family.

Hometown: Mineola, NY

School: LSEHD

Majors: Applied Psychology & Human Development; Political Science

FYE Programs: Orientation Leader, 48hours Leader

What piece of advice would you give to a first year student at Boston College?

Remember that you are a whole person. You hold dozens of identities, characteristics, relationships, and roles that make you, you. None of us can be the perfect student, roommate, son/daughter, fun friend, gym-goer, laundry-doer, and healthy eater all at once. Give yourself grace, be patient, and celebrate the little wins!

Jamareeh Jones

Jamareeh “Bugg” Jones

Class of 2025

Participating in FYE showed me how important community is for me personally and how much join I find in being that light that someone else may need.

Hometown: Richmond Va

School: MCAS

Major: Human Centered Engineering

FYE Roles: Orientation Leader, 48hours Leader

What piece of advice would you give to a first year student at Boston College?

Just do it, you’d be surprised at how fast time flies in college and it really is one of those experiences you just want to make the most of

Lawrence Kim

Class of 2026

Through these programs, I came to understand that building community means listening, learning from others, and showing up with empathy. Just as importantly, I learned that caring for others begins with caring for yourself. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.

Hometown: Seoul, Korea

School: MCAS

Major: Neuroscience

FYE Programs: Orientation Leader, 48hours Leader

What piece of advice would you give to a first year student at Boston College?

I’ll have two pieces of advice that sound cliché—but they’ve genuinely shaped my experience here. First, say yes (to everything!). Say yes to the random late-night conversations, the clubs you weren’t sure about, the opportunities that feel just a bit out of your comfort zone. Those “yes” often become the most defining ones. Second, remember that your BC experience is your own. Don’t measure it against anyone else’s. Whether you find your place on the first try or it takes some time, trust that there’s no single way to belong here—only YOUR way.

Brianna Im

Class of 2025

Being part of these FYE programs, as both a participant and leader, has deepened my understanding of leadership as a form of accompaniment. To walk alongside others in their BC journey—to listen, support, and be present—is truest expression of servant leadership. I've learned that the most impactful leaders in my life don’t just give advice—they genuinely see and care for the person in front of them.

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

School: CSON

Major: Global Public Health

FYE Roles: Orientation Leader, Compass Program Participant, 48hours Leader

What piece of advice would you give to a first year student at Boston College?

Be open to opportunities to connect with others in meaningful, intentional spaces—and remember to extend grace to yourself and those around you.
If you're hoping to build community at BC, seek out environments that encourage authenticity, like the 48 Hours Retreat or the Compass Program. These programs make room for vulnerability, reflection, and conversations that'll help process your first year experience.

Kofoworola Omotoba

Class of 2026

Being a part of FYE has made me understand that leadership is about giving support. It is about wanting to guide other people and ensure that they have good experiences. It is about being there when they struggle and being there to celebrate successes. It is about creating spaces and relationships where people can reach out when they need it.

Hometown: Evanston, IL and Nigeria

School: MCAS

Major: Biology

FYE Roles: Compass Mentor, Compass Program Participant, 48hours Council, 48hours Leader, 48hours Retreat Participant

What piece of advice would you give to a first year student at Boston College?

I would tell a first year student not to be too hard on themselves. Starting college is really difficult, and you will experience things that you have never experienced before. You are going to make mistakes, and it is really easy beat yourself up with those mistakes. It's not about being perfect, but just making sure that you're learning for the next time.

Mary Moran

Class of 2026

FYE has connected me with students, faculty, and staff across campus and a wide range of backgrounds. FYE has played a vital role in helping me find my home at BC, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to help new students find theirs, too.

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Schools: MCAS & CSON

Majors: Biology (MCAS) and Public Health and the Common Good (CSON)

FYE Roles: Orientation Leader

What piece of advice would you give to a first year student at Boston College?

There are courses, clubs, retreats, and other programs that set Boston College apart from other universities. A cornerstone class like Courage to Know, a service club like 4Boston or Appa, or a 48-hours or Kairos retreat are opportunities that make BC special and could shape your time as a student or even your broader personal growth more than you would expect. It can't hurt to try! And it might make all the difference.