By
Hometown: Burlington, Conn.
Majors: Chemistry, theology
Notable Activities: Finnegan Award finalist; editor-in-chief, The Heights; crew chief, Eagle EMS; teaching assistant, Adj. Prof. Neil Wolfman (Chemistry); research assistant, Asst. Prof. Jeffery Byers (Chemistry); Scholar of the College candidate; van driver, Eagle Escort; resident assistant, Office of Residential Life; student employee, Office of Continuing Education, Connell School of Nursing; volunteer, Newton Wellesley Hospital Emergency Department.
Post-Graduation Plans: Program coordinator for the Department of Neurosurgery in the Neuroendocrine/Pituitary Center at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Medical school candidate for 2015 or 2016.
Overview: One of Boston College’s most active, talented and appreciative students and a model in effective time management, Cote leaves an indelible impression on nearly all facets of University life. Selflessly devoting up to 60 hours per week for volunteering and work activities outside of the classroom, he served with distinction as a writer, editor, researcher, program administrator, EMT, ambulance and escort van driver, mentor, scholar and campus leader – leaving nothing behind in his quest to fully maximize his collegiate experience.
How have your activities influenced your four years at Boston College?
My experiences have contributed to my overall growth as a student and allowed me to develop as a person and a leader. In addition to gaining so many friendships, they will also help me in my work life in the coming years. I am glad that I was able to take advantage of all of the opportunities that were offered to me at Boston College.
Which faculty members had the greatest effect on your personal development?
Fr. Jim Keenan was my most influential professor. He took a strong interest in me when I took his class HIV/AIDS & Ethics during my junior year. He encouraged me to pursue my interests and helped me to earn an Advanced Study Grant for thesis research that allowed me to go to Kenya last summer. He has been an unwavering supporter of me and everything I do, as well as a great person, mentor and friend.
Professor Jeff Byers also has been a huge supporter. I learned so much in his lab and gained invaluable experience that will help me in my future endeavors. His was one of my favorite and most intellectually challenging classes, and he kindly wrote my recommendation for my medical school application. He was really invested in my success and I appreciate all that he has done for me.
How has Boston College made a difference in your life?
I came to BC as a freshman from a high school environment where I did not always perform to the best of my ability. I found myself at Boston College and developed in so many ways as a person. My classes have made a huge difference in my intellectual capabilities. I had never really asked the big questions before I came to BC, but my classes broadened my perspective so that I am not just interested in chemistry, but in much larger questions in a number of fields.
If you told me four years ago that I would be writing my thesis on theological ethics in Kenya in relation to HIV/AIDS, I never would have believed you. I did not intend to be a theology major, for example, but ended up taking 15 classes in the subject. BC has been huge for me intellectually and socially. I am a totally different person, all for the better.
What will you miss most about BC?
The thing I will miss most is the sense of community – walking around this beautiful campus with friends, classmates, professors and administrators who know and care about you. I will also really miss the classes. I was in class the other day thinking that soon I will no longer be able to sit here and avail myself of all this knowledge. Every semester I have overloaded on classes just because I can’t get enough of it. It will be very strange not to be able to take advantage of all of this next year. BC has given me so many opportunities, I am truly grateful, and know that it has made me a better person.
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