Discover Boston College

Mock Trial: Practice, Pressure, & the Power of Teamwork

On this episode of Discover Boston College, host George Kaparis ’27 sits down with Natalie Garayeva ’27 and Jacquovia Higgs ’27, co-presidents of the BC Mock Trial Program, to pull back the curtain on a competitive team that trains like a courtroom — and bonds like family. Hear how four equal “A” teams, an entirely student-run structure (no stacked teams, no external coach), and intense preparation weeks shape both performance and friendships. From the logistics of traveling coast-to-coast for invitationals, and a messy-but-memorable opening statement at Berkeley, this conversation shows how practice, grit, and laughter come together when the stakes are highest. 0:00 | Welcome to Discover Boston College with George Kaparis ‘27. 0:17 | Introducing Natalie Garayeva ’27 and Jacquovia Higgs ’27, co-presidents of Mock Trial. 0:55 | What is BC Mock Trial? — overview of teams, roles, and season structure. 1:25 | What makes BC Mock Trial unique? 2:13 | Team structure explained — names, culture differences across the four teams. 3:00 | How do they prepare for a tournament? 4:11 | Tournament formats — 1-2-1 and 2-2 structures; performing both prosecution and defense. 4:58 | Who are the judges? 5:16 | High-pressure memories — a real round at Berkeley: spilling a water bottle five minutes before an opening statement and pushing through. 6:48 | Another tournament highlight — flying across the country to Berkeley and winning first place (ballot-blind surprise). 7:43 | Building community — barbecues, team dinners, holiday parties, and studying together. 8:40 | What Mock Trial means to them. 9:24 | Travel and bonding elements of Mock Trial (and why those shared experiences matter). 10:17 | How to follow and get involved — Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bcmocktrial/?hl=en], website [https://www.bcmocktrial.com], and upcoming events. 10:55 | Thank you for tuning into this episode of Discover Boston College!   Stay tuned for the latest updates on Discover Boston College, a Boston College Student Affairs and D100 Media podcast. Have an idea for this podcast? Text [https://bcrw.apple.com/urn:biz:45c5ff10-e447-4db6-bad2-bb4492ddecbc] D100 Radio on Messages or email bcsa@bc.edu [bcsa@bc.edu].

AeroK: Movement, Music, & Momentum

AeroK — the Aerodynamic Dance Crew at Boston College — blends urban hip-hop, jazz, and student-driven creativity into high-energy performances on and off campus. In this episode, host George Kaparis ’27 talks with AeroK leaders about the group’s history, rehearsal philosophy, and what makes the team uniquely beginner-friendly and community-focused. Hear about longtime traditions like Momentum, how choreographers balance individual expression with tight team work, and why AeroK has become a second family for so many students. 0:00 | Welcome to Discover Boston College with George Kaparis ‘27. 0:17 | Introduction to Sarah You '26 (president) and Stanley Jiang '27 (VP). 0:44 | What is AeroK? 1:06 | Signature events (AXIS, ALC Showdown, RTA) and the spring showcase Momentum. 1:34 | Dance philosophy — blending powerful individual expression with cohesive team choreography. 2:00 | What sets AeroK apart? 3:35 | Leading AeroK — favorite parts of leadership and watching members grow. 4:43 | E-board perspective — the return on the time and effort invested in the team. 6:02 | How AeroK shaped their BC experience — community, confidence, and lifelong friendships. 9:31 | How to stay connected — follow them on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aerokdance/?hl=en] for events, behind-the-scenes, and auditions. 10:09 | Thank you for tuning into this episode of Discover Boston College!   Stay tuned for the latest updates on Discover Boston College, a Boston College Student Affairs and D100 Media podcast. Have an idea for this podcast? Text [https://bcrw.apple.com/urn:biz:45c5ff10-e447-4db6-bad2-bb4492ddecbc] D100 Radio on Messages or email bcsa@bc.edu [bcsa@bc.edu].

Pre-Dental Society: Em-'Bracing' the Path & Community

In this episode, host George Kaparis ’27 sits down with Angelina Li ‘26, a senior biology major and president of the Pre-Dental Society, to explore how BC students prepare for careers in dentistry. Angelina discusses the club’s mentorship network, its hands-on volunteer work through the Urban Teaching Program, and how being part of a small but intentional community shaped her own pre-dental journey. Hear how students find support, discover flexibility in their paths, and build the foundation for future dental careers. 0:00 | Welcome to Discover Boston College with George Kaparis ‘27. 0:18 | Introducing Angelina Li '26, a biology major & Pre-Dental Society president. 0:38 | What is the Pre-Dental Society? Community, purpose, and who can join. 1:05 | More about the Urban Teaching Program — volunteering, dental hygiene presentations, goodie bags. 1:52 | What’s inside the goodie bags? Floss, toothpaste, toothbrushes…and bubble gum flavor. 2:17 | Preparing for dentistry — mentorship structure & academic guidance. 3:07 | The close-knit nature of BC’s pre-dental community. 3:40 | Personal takeaways — leadership, flexibility, and building your own path. 4:30 | How to get involved — email list, Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bcpredental/], upcoming events. 4:57 | Thank you for tuning into this episode of Discover Boston College!   Stay tuned for the latest updates on Discover Boston College, a Boston College Student Affairs and D100 Media podcast. Have an idea for this podcast? Text [https://bcrw.apple.com/urn:biz:45c5ff10-e447-4db6-bad2-bb4492ddecbc] D100 Radio on Messages or email bcsa@bc.edu [bcsa@bc.edu].

Turkish Student Association: A New Organization at BC

This episode features Elif Yigit ’27, the founder and president of the Turkish Student Association, in conversation with host George Kaparis ’27. Elif shares how a simple idea to connect Turkish students at BC turned into a growing cultural community open to everyone. From organizing game nights and Turkish coffee gatherings to planning dance workshops and Independence Day celebrations, Elif talks about the excitement of starting something new, the challenges of leading a young club, and her hopes for its future on campus. 0:00 | Welcome to Discover Boston College with George Kaparis ’27. 0:17 | Meet Elif Yigit ’27 — founder and president of the Turkish Student Association. 0:40 | What is the Turkish Student Association? 1:12 | Role as a president: building a new community and connecting Turkish students at BC. 1:58 | How the club celebrates Turkish culture and traditions. 2:23 | Game nights, Turkish coffee, and collaborations with other cultural clubs. 2:52 | Signature events — from dance workshops to Independence Day celebrations. 3:35 | Plans for outdoor events and community-building activities. 3:44 | How students can stay updated and get involved (Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bc_tsa/?hl=en], GroupMe, newsletter). 4:10 | Thank you for tuning into this episode of Discover Boston College!   Stay tuned for the latest updates on Discover Boston College, a Boston College Student Affairs and D100 Media podcast. Have an idea for this podcast? Text [https://bcrw.apple.com/urn:biz:45c5ff10-e447-4db6-bad2-bb4492ddecbc] D100 Radio on Messages or email bcsa@bc.edu [bcsa@bc.edu].

TEDxBC: Student Voices & Ideas Worth Spreading

What happens when Boston College students bring TED’s “ideas worth spreading” to the Heights? In this episode, host George Kaparis ’27 sits down with Colin Kesler ’27, a junior and core member of TEDxBostonCollege, to pull back the curtain on a student-run series that turns campus curiosity into polished talks. Colin walks us through the fall student-speaker competition, the spring professional conference, and the hands-on curation work that helps ideas grow from a spark to a stage-ready presentation. Along the way we hear how a talk on grief moved the team, why auditions and interviews matter, and exactly how you can apply, attend, or get involved. This is a show about ideas, community, and the confidence it takes to share your story. 0:00 | Welcome to Discover Boston College with George Kaparis ‘27. 00:18 | Introducing Colin Kesler '27, TEDxBC and his role. 00:47 | What is TEDxBostonCollege? 01:29 | How did Colin first get involved? 02:19 | How do they promote events and reach the BC community? 03:27 | How do they choose the six student speakers? — passion, research backing, interviews, and fit. 04:21 | A talk that landed — Mina’s grief talk and its personal impact on the team. 05:26 | How to get involved — follow them on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tedx_bostoncollege/?hl=en], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tedxbostoncollege/], message organizers, and attend events. 06:26 | Thank you for tuning into this episode of Discover Boston College!   Stay tuned for the latest updates on Discover Boston College, a Boston College Student Affairs and D100 Media podcast. Have an idea for this podcast? Text [https://bcrw.apple.com/urn:biz:45c5ff10-e447-4db6-bad2-bb4492ddecbc] D100 Radio on Messages or email bcsa@bc.edu [bcsa@bc.edu].