I was born in a crossfire hurricane—kidding. I was born in Chicago, Illinois and Prentice Hospital on the city’s north side. My family and I moved about five minutes outside of the city when I was almost two-years-old and my parents decided that they wanted to have more kids and start a family.

I mention my birthplace because I think growing up in the Chicago area has helped shape who I am. I’ve got a Chicago attitude about things. The definition of a “Chicago attitude” would have to be “an outlook on life that allows you to take the bad with the good, believe in yourself even though you might not be ‘the best,’ and to care strongly about other people who you meet on your life path.” The Chicago attitude entails being a certain kind of patient sports fan as well.

My first and most important influences in life are my parents—who made me believe that I can do whatever I want with my life if I try really hard and believe in myself. They taught me never to give up on things I care about. They’re the biggest reason that I never gave up on my dream of making movies—a dream I realized in fourth grade. I’m here at Boston University because I feel it best equips me to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a movie star.

I have no doubt I’ll be successful one day. There are a lot of definitions of success and I believe I already have the most important one—I have a loving network of people who believe in me. I don’t know exactly what waits in store for me in the future, but I know I’m ready to take on anything.

In a way, this fearless attitude has led me to work for the Student Working Group here at Mugar Memorial Library. I knew that it would be challenging to put together a Public Relations campaign that let all of the Boston University that we want people to come to the library. I am ready to work with my colleagues and BU’s students to figure out how to get the maximum use out of our exciting library.

Billy Kirland, Chicago, Mugar Libary Uncategorized