Our first mother-daughter trip to Boston

Courtney and I had a great time touring Boston University this past weekend. Wanted to tour Northeastern University as well but we couldn't fit both in one weekend. I know most of you probably have no interest in college planning but I am capturing my thoughts here for memories. When Courtney was 11, someone asked "what does she want to be when she grows up?". I replied - I think she wants to be an anesthesiologist. That person said "Is that what she wants or what you want?" I chuckled. Becoming a doctor requires lifelong commitment, dedication, passion and certainly, sacrifices. It's not something that can be forced on a child. Fast forward 4 years later, her interest hasn't changed. I knew I had to nurture and support her dreams and goals. As mentioned in this post, we signed a contract with a college planning firm last year to start guiding her through the chaotic college admission process. College is an investment and I want to do it right. She spent the last 6 months focusing on career development. She explored different specialties (neurology, emergency medicine, pediatric..) but always goes back to anesthesiology. After multiple rounds of research, Courtney loves the career even more. I am glad the career development has confirmed her interest. We narrowed down a list of colleges that she is going to to apply (listed in order of interest). She plans to study a pre-med track in biological science with the goal to eventually head into medicine and become an anesthesiologist. 

• Boston University
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of San Diego
• University of Santa Barbara
• Northeastern University
• Ohio State University
• Case Western Reserve University
• University of Cincinnati 

BU is #1 on her list. After the orientation, she is falling deeper and deeper in love with BU. Here are some of my notes:

• Campus safety: The BUPD is located in the heart of campus. We had no concerns walking around at night. Public transportation is great and easy to navigate.
• Diversity: BU is a diverse institution that caters to the needs of students from all over the world. 24% international students for the class of 2021. 450+ clubs allow a creation of smaller groups with the larger community
• The opportunities are spread over many different colleges and majors and this is probably the best thing about Boston University. Internships with local hospitals are integrated in pre-med tracks.
• First-Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP): Provides first-year students with the education, connections, and resources to responsibly navigate the transitions.
• With the acceptance rate of 20% and the cost of $80K per year (including room and board), it's a reach school for Courtney (both academically and financially). I told her up front that we just simply cannot afford the sticker price. Definitely chasing after merit but how much? I have no idea.
• High-achieving college = higher rates of stress and anxiety. Perusing a medical career is a rocky and full of challenges journey. I don't necessarily want her to compete with a group of high achievers. I want her to have the best college experience while persuing her career.

Lots to consider, lots to think about – One school down, seven more to go =)

Where we stayed: We stayed at Boston Marriott Copley Place, located in Back Bay. I really love the location. It's so convenient and close to everything. We were on the 22nd floor. The room was a decent size and really quiet. Our room has amazing views. The hotel connected to Copley Shopping Center and the Prudential Mall. There are tons of high end stores (Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Christian Louboutin) as well as department stores (Neiman Marcus and Saks). If you like to shop, this is the place to be. I had a chance to try on the Prada Re-Edition 2005 and the Dior book tote. Love both bags but I couldn't justify another bag right now. There is a grocery store right across the street and endless restaurants. I would definitely stay here again when we're in Boston.

What we did: I had a list of places that I like to explore but unfortunately, the weather was brutally cold that we didn't want to spend much time outside. We did visit the Boston Public Library (10-minute walk from the hotel), visited the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, did some shopping on Newbury St, Chinatown, Beacon Hill, Seaport area. Did not make it to the Boston Public Garden nor walk the iconic Freedom Trail. Courtney and I really love the city. We felt safe taking public transportation and walking everywhere. Can't wait to go back in the summer so we can enjoy the outdoors more.

Where we ate: There are endless places to eat if you're in Chinatown. We tried Coco Leaf (boba tea place - che Halo Halo was amazing), Shabu Zen (hot pot), Spring Shabu Shabu (all you can eat hot pot), Hei La Moon (dim sum). A few small places in Chinatown that I honestly don't remember the names.

It was a quick but memorable trip for us. I am so thankful for the time I had with Courtney. I want to spend as much time as I could with her before she's off to college.

{Outfit details: Everlane jeans | Sweater *the quality is amazing, runs small*| Speedy 25B bag | Gucci belt | Teddy coat}

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Our first mother-daughter trip to Boston