By Nick Schaufelberger, For the Gavel
When I was young and naive, way back in high school and just starting to apply to colleges, a half dozen different colleges bombarded me with images, fact, and reasons why I should attend their school. But one reason stood out among the rest–the Jesuits. While other colleges touted their academic standings, records of their alumni, proximity to beaches and cities, financial aid packages, and diversity, Boston College blew them all out of the water when they unveiled their ace: BC is a Jesuit university.
The Jesuits, who are a religious order dedicated to educating the world and combating ignorance in all forms, are the closest thing the world has to the Super Friends. I didn’t need to hear any more. The second I learned about them, I knew where I wanted to go. I wanted to go to BC, be taught by this almost five hundred-year-old academic order, join this ancient tradition, and embrace higher learning.
A few months later, my dreams came true, and I was accepted to one of the most prestigious Jesuit universities in the entire world. I couldn’t wait to attend and finally meet the illustrious Jesuits that would help me through my four years of higher learning.
When I arrived, I eagerly awaited them, constantly expecting a Jesuit to emerge from the shadows with advice and guidance to share. My eager waiting quickly turned to dejection when I did not find Jesuits running back and forth out of the building singing songs of welcome to me. As the days went by, I realized these famous intellectuals were nowhere to be found on campus. The Jesuits are truly an elusive sort. I did see numerous priests and professors, but which ones are Jesuits and which ones are regular faculty?
I remained hopeful, however, as my classes neared. My “Jesuit experience” was about to begin as I was bound to have at least two or three world-famous Jesuits who had traveled far and wide just to meet students just like me. BC wouldn’t have left me without any Jesuits, would they?
But no! Not one of my teachers turned out to be a Jesuit! Sure, there were professors who were experts on their subjects and who spent decades collecting their knowledge. But what is that compared to the Jesuits? If there were no Jesuits, who would help me find my classes, join clubs, and give me advice in college?
My dreams were dashed. I was student at a Jesuit university and yet was unable to point out any Jesuits. Luckily for me, another group made themselves abundantly helpful. Each morning, noon, and night when I swipe my card in McElroy, a member of the BC Dining staff greets me with a kind word and an encouraging smile.
I have received more advice from members of dining staff than I have from the Jesuits, my dean, and the Office of First Year Experience combined. They have helped me manage time, stay healthy, join clubs, and even meet women. Perhaps one day I will be able to identify and name some Jesuits here. But until then, I will have to rely on the BC Dining staff to guide me.
I graduated from a Jesuit high school, and because of that I also took BC’s Jesuit status into account in my college application process. In high school I only had one class actually taught by a Jesuit, my freshman theology course. Despite this I had a fantastic relationship with many of the Jesuits at the school, and that is because I actively sought them out. While other kids spent their breaks doing homework or playing sports, I would often venture into the school’s pastoral office and chat with Father Tom or Father Carl, and those men helped form me into the man I am today. Many of the other students at my high school had as little experience with the Jesuits as you seem to, but the discrepancy occurs not because I had a courseload packed with Jesuit teachers but because I actively an consciously chose to seek them out. Perhaps your problem isn’t with the lack of BC Jesuits seeking to guide you, but your failure to seek them.
Exactly, Jesuits are helpful, but you have to seek them out at St. Mary’s and lunches with them can be arranged.
There is a large Jesuit presence on campus, and there are plenty of programs and functions designed to help students like you meet and talk with the Jesuits here. It is your job and responsibility as a student to seek out the opportunities on campus, and not passively let them go to waste. And just because you haven’t had a Jesuit professor in your first few classes at Boston College does not mean they are not an active part of the teaching here. If you want to take classes with Jesuits, register for classes taught by Jesuits.
If you are looking for a Jesuit to blow your mind and offer guidance, I suggest the famed Richard McGowan. He will not disappoint.