Lilly Bolandrina of Douglas spoke at Boston University (BU) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean’s List Reception. Bolandrina is a full-time senior majoring in Economics and minoring in Hospitality Management and Administration with the School of Hospitality Administration.

Bolandrina is a 2020 Douglas High School alumna where her activities included National Honor Society: Member; Peer Tutor; Marching Band: Color Guard Performer; Student Council Member; Girls’ Varsity Cross Country Runner; Girls’ Junior Varsity Field Hockey: Athlete and Captain; Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey: Marching Band: Color Guard Performer; Student Council Member; Girls’ Varsity Cross Country Runner; Girls’ Junior Varsity Field Hockey: Athlete and Captain; Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey: Athlete. 

She graduated from DHS with a college preparatory track featuring advanced placement classes in statistics, chemistry, and economics. Bolandrina is also an alumna of Boston’s Iskwelahang Pilipino where she was a member of its Rondalla Ensemble. She played banduria, a 14-stringed instrument which is the smallest and highest pitched member in the laud family.

In her student reflection, Bolandrina spoke about her experiences at BU/ in CAS and gave some advice.

“My first semester at BU was a little goofy because it was the fall of 2020, the beginning of the pandemic,” she said. “We had COVID testing every day, green badges as requirements to enter buildings, and a really, really empty campus. But honestly, I’m glad that I started at BU at that time because I could constantly say with confidence that things could only get better. I’m really glad to say that things have been trending upwards for me at BU.”

Bolandrina said she didn’t come to BU knowing exactly what she wanted to do. She said she didn’t come with a solid plan of action. She tried a lot of things she thought would be fun or interesting, like various clubs on campus, working at the Dining hall, and exploring downtown Boston with new friends.

“I think around the time my first year was ending, I found what was really best for me,” Bolandrina said. “There was definitely a lot of trial and error, I committed myself to groups I ended up disliking, and worried I was wasting my time! But the overall process helped me find an internship that inspired me, I gained wonderful friends and roommates, and better understood who I am and what I want to do.”

She believes, “attacking your challenges and fears with positivity helps strengthen and prepare you to do your best.” To her, staying positive after hearing a disappointing result means that you can stay open and ready for the next opportunities.

Bolandrina’s activities and societies at BU includes volunteering at the Center for Career Development: Filipino Student Association: Elected Co-Productions Coordinator & Internal Representative; First Year Experience: Peer Mentor & Peer Fellow; Marching Band: Color Guard Performer; Undergraduate Women in Economics; Center for Career Development: Volunteer; Filipino Student Association: Elected Co-Productions Coordinator & Internal Representative; First Year Experience: Peer Mentor & Peer Fellow; Marching Band: Color Guard Performer; Undergraduate Women in Economics: General Member.

“An amazing resource that helped me grow and prepare for life after college is the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program,” she said. “I had an unpaid internship with Iskwelahang Pilipino, a non-profit cultural organization that teaches Filipino-American children about their culture and heritage. Through BU’s Yawkey Program, I received living allowance stipends allowing me to further focus on learning from my internship experience. This is a truly uplifting program that I am very grateful to have participated in.”

Stacy Ulrich, BU CAS Director, Office of Student Programs and Leadership, said “every year we host a CAS Dean’s List Reception for all first-year students who made the Dean’s List in the fall. It is a celebration of their starting out on the right foot academically and also a way for us to encourage them to get more involved during their time at BU. As part of the celebration, we always have a CAS senior speak.  This year, we loved that that senior was Lilly Bolandrina.”

“I am extremely grateful to have spoken at Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s List Reception for First Year Students! It felt somewhat surreal to be introduced by Dean Sclaroff and share my experiences and advice with nearly 300 bright and wonderful BU First Years!” Bolandrina said.

Bolandrina is noted to have an incurable thirst for learning, has grit, passion, and has strong work ethics. Considering Bolandrina’s achievements, her speaking at the BU event cannot be emphasized enough. She comes across as a fierce and strong, accomplished young woman.

“I truly love that the CAS Office of Student Programs & Leadership has been an integral part of my BU journey from its beginning,” Bolandrina said. “It has truly been an honor to work with and be constantly inspired by the Director of CAS Student Programs and Leadership, Stacy Ulrich, during my undergraduate experience. I›m tremendously thankful to my parents for supporting me throughout my academic endeavors, coming to hear my speech, and taking photos (plus live streaming the event on Facebook)” Bolandrina shared with a laugh.