By Thomas M. Menino
Welcome to Boston. You are among thousands of other students from across the United States and around the globe who are here to study and learn. As you explore your new home, you will discover that the charm of Boston lies within its old-world atmosphere and its contemporary, international flavor.
Boston is truly a hub of activity and diversity. You will discover the vitality of our nightlife, the richness of our cultural attractions and the beauty of our natural resources. Take advantage of our great city and all it has to offer.
Boston is fortunate to have so many institutions of higher learning working with my administration and neighborhoods to make our city great, and I am proud of Boston’s reputation as an academic center. Institutions like yours are important economic and cultural engines for the city. Much is expected of your school, and therefore, much is expected of you. Students who attend the schools in Boston are vital to the city’s vibrancy. From coaching little league teams, to tutoring the next generation of Boston’s students and conducting groundbreaking research, I have seen and admired the positive things students have done throughout the city. However, I have also seen how a few people have tarnished the good name of all students by being disrespectful to their communities.
Remember that by attending school here, you are joining not only the community of your particular institution, but also the diverse community of Boston. Boston is not just downtown, and I often say our city is only as strong as its neighborhoods. Protecting the quality of life in these neighborhoods is my top priority as mayor, and I look to all citizens of Boston to help carry out this mission. Whether you live in Mission Hill, Fenway, Allston, Brighton, Beacon Hill or the South End; I hope you will continue the legacy of your urban college or university by becoming actively engaged in your community. Join a civic association, mentor a neighborhood kid and strive to make your community a better place to live.
Most important, be a good neighbor. Keep in mind that the person who lives next door might not be a student. She may be the mother of three young children, or he might be a retiree who has lived in that house since he was born. Respect and help maintain the quality of life for the people in your neighborhood. After all, it’s yours now too.
I challenge you to become an active, informed citizen of Boston. Call my Office of Neighborhood Services to find a primary point of contact to communicate with my administration. Keep your apartment safe and habitable by reporting sanitary and building code violations to the Inspectional Services Department. Learn about tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities from the Rental Housing Resource Center. Request a recycling bin for your home from the Public Works Department. Receive a voter registration form from the Elections Department. You can reach my Constituent Services Office 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 617-635-4500, or visit www.cityofboston.gov for more information about the city’s services and resources.
Boston has a great past built on the traditions of our neighborhoods. We take pride in our rich history, and I am glad that you have become part of our even better future. I wish you much success in your academic endeavors, and I look forward to hearing about your many accomplishments in our communities.
– Thomas M. Menino is the mayor of Boston.
