Brookline real estate prices still holding up, bucking trend

Published by YourTown Brookline

Brookline--If there is one thing Vladimir Jovanovic appreciates most about Brookline, it’s the town’s European feel. It reminds him of his native Serbia.

A year ago, when he and his wife were expecting their first child, Jovanovic moved
from Allston to Brookline, swayed by the town’s appearance, as well as its reputation for strong schools and safety.

Jovanovic, who had lived in Allston for more than three years, is just one of the many people investing in Brookline real estate. In Brookline, counter to a statewide trend, home sales and median prices rose in the last year, and realtors say the market is healthy. The town, along with several others in the state, is bucking the slump that the Bay State has been trying to recover from since home values peaked in 2005.

An unemployment rate lower than the national average, a prime location, a prestigious public school system, and access to urban transportation, make Brookline appealing to home seekers, experts and new residents say.

“It (Brookline) has superstar qualities for a town, things that aren’t too susceptible to the fluctuation of the general economy,” said Shira Steinberg, real estate consultant for Keller Williams Realty. “[It] has more stability because of its built in excellent attributes.”

Statistics conducted by The Warren Group, a company that tracks real estate, show that the median sales price of single-family properties in Brookline went up to $1.2 million a 6.73 per cent growth in the first ten months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. In contrast, the state as a whole experienced a decrease of 1.68 per cent from $298,000 to $293,000.

Steinberg said that even though Brookline prices are not at their peak, they are on a healthy trend. Chobee Hoy, owner of Chobee Hoy Associates Real Estate, agreed. “Numbers have increased, certainly not in the same way the have in other years, but it’s a much more stable real estate market in Brookline than in other communities,” she said.

Although Brookline offers more condos than single-family homes compared to Newton, experts find them very similar in terms of real estate. Saul Cohen, president of Hammond Residential Real Estate, said the Brookline market is 80 percent condos and 20 percent houses; Newton is considered to be the other way around. Still, Brookline’s median sales prices for a single-family home, a category in which Newton has the advantage, were up four percent more than that of Newton.

Statistics from The Warren Group also show that this year, single-family home sales in Brookline grew by 8.66 per cent from 127 in the first ten months of 2010 to 138 in the same period in 2011, even though the state had a decrease of 8.86 per cent

Brookline draws families for many reasons, including town’s convenience to the city and its own abundance of amenities.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” said Paul Epstein, a Brookline resident and brother of the former Red Sox general manager, Theo Epstein. “[It’s] right in a major urban center but you also have incredible resources that are usually associated with more suburban centers like great schools to attend or work in, great people.”

Like Epstein, many people choose Brookline for its school system. “Brookline has excellent schools. Boston is not considered competitive with Brookline (in terms of public schools),” said Steinberg. “Most people who can afford expensive housing are more likely to send their children to a private school in Boston and in Brookline they’ll go to public schools.”

Others move to Brookline to escape the fast pace of the city. “It’s a quiet area, but [still] close to practically everything,” said Nadim El-Fata, a homebuyer and potential Brookline resident.

Timothy Warren Jr., CEO of The Warren Group, agreed that location is an important factor. “The access to medical institutions, hospitals, research facilities, etc. make it (Brookline) somewhat recessive proof,” he said.

Michael Goodman, professor of public policy at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, echoed Warren’s assessment of the Brookline real estate market’s ability to survive a recession. “Brookline is a major exception… the unemployment rate is very low, the income levels of the people who live in the town are very high [and] the amenities that the town provides to home owners… have made the town relatively immune,” he said.

Another variable is relative affordability, said Stacie Yellin, a real estate agent who has been in the business since 2004. Even though prices are on the rise, the median sales price of a single-family home is still $750,000.

In the near future, experts expect prices to rise slowly. “If interest rates stay low and the economy improves… you’ll start to see some stability,” said Goodman.

For places like Brookline, where the market is already healthy, this means prices will continue rising. “Most economists seem to think that the healthy markets will go up maybe four percent every year on average,” said Steinberg.

But at some point, could home prices cause Brookline to lose its appeal? Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Association of Realtors, doubts that. “Brookline is a desirable place to live,” he said. “If some people get priced out of Brookline, there will always be others coming in.”

Holiday How-To: Party Style

Originally published by BUQuad

There comes a time in every college student’s life when he or she needs to learn how to host a killer holiday party. Here is the crash course on party planning. Follow these tips and host the ultimate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s or end-of-the-semester party.

Step 1: Send out proper invitations.

Before anything happens, guests need to know about the event. It is very important to send out the invitations early enough that guests have time to respond. Yeah, college is all about doing everything at the last minute, but when it comes to a dinner party, planning is necessary. The invitation can be anything from a massive Facebook message to a bunch of consecutive Twitter mentions, from a creative e-vite to a good old letter delivered through snail mail. Avoid general invites, such as a Facebook event or a casual tell-him-and-her-and-everyone-else-that-I’m-having-a-party text to a friend.

Step 2 (Optional): Choose a Theme.

Themes are a great way to make a party more fun. Plan it correctly and be surprised at how entertaining it can be, for the host and the guests.

A delicious twist to the traditional holiday party is a cookie swap. Make guests bring a batch of cookies to share—potentially allowing store bought goodies for those who are culinarily challenged. Then all you have to do is warm up the milk and stuff your face with as many cookies as you can.

The idea of inducing a sugar coma surrounded by your closest friends does not sound appetizing? Throw an ugly hat party. Let’s face it, ugly sweaters get all the attention, but there are some horrendous hats out there on which the spotlight should be shining.

Some people love theme parties; others hate them. Regardless, it is important to make sure that all guests are on the same page. So if a theme is in order—be it ugly sweaters or classy attire—let everybody know about it.

Step 3: Decorations.

Adorning your place for a party can be a hassle and taking it down is usually much worse. But decorations can add that extra oomph, so give it a shot. Even just the classic mistletoe or dreidels filled with goodies will make the party more fun. Other ideas are magazine Christmas trees, a glass bowl full of round tree ornaments or a homemade Menora.

Step 4: Create a playlist.

A party without music is like a cupcake without icing; it is just not right. And while it’s perfectly acceptable for the music to play quietly in the background, it is a must. No music, no mood.

When deciding what to play, think about your guests. Low music is good for mingling and conversations; turn it up when you want the dance party to start. As for choosing the type of music, think outside the box. Mix different genres and time periods, but do so wisely. In other words, do not go Kanye-Adele-Michael Jackson in the first seven minutes; a good way to switch genres is by playing songs that do so anyways. For example, use Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling” to ease from rap to pop or vice versa.

Also, keep in mind that theme related songs make the party more exciting, but don’t go overboard on the holiday music. Here are some tips for making a winter holiday playlist.

Step 5: Set a menu.

If the occasion is a dinner party, decide what kind of food is to be served: a meal made from scratch, an array of fancy canapés or classic store-bought party trays. They are actually pretty tasty.

When deciding what to serve guests, think about all the possibilities. It is better to stay on the safe side than to spend the whole party stressing over the lack of appetizers because the home made salt and vinegar potato chips burnt while you were trying to decide whether to ice the red velvet cupcakes or assemble the hand tomato pies first. Not to say that serving chips made from scratch along with velvety cupcakes is a bad idea; just make sure your skills are up to par.

The easy way out is serving an array of easy to make canapés. Guests will be entertained trying the different treats available, and everybody’s belly will be satisfied by the end of the night. Whip up some ricotta bruschetta, wrap some baby potatoes in bacon strips, fill some bowls with candied nuts. Put out a platter of crudités with a side of ranch and a fruit-cheese plate and show off your Martha Stewart skills.

Step 6: Set up the other menu.

Drinks are a party must—regardless of their alcoholic content. There’s two options. Keep it low-scale and serve casual drinks like soda, sparkling water, juice  or beer (if you’re twenty-one) or bring the party up a notch and mix fancy cocktails (virgin or not).

Before deciding what to serve, look back at your theme and food menu. If a cookie swap is happening, skip the soda and replace it with a piping mug of peppermint hot chocolate; if canapés are being served, pair them up with a pitcher of virgin sangria.

Step 7: Get Ready.

Make sure you have time to set everything up. Decorate the party space hours before the event. Put out plates, make sure enough cups or glasses are available and leave out a big stack of napkins—whether you are serving food or not, napkins are always useful. Then put on your party attire, press play and enjoy the night because you know you deserve it!

West Roxbury grandfather to ride in 23rd Pan-Mass Challenge

Originally published by West Roxbury Transcript

West Roxbury —Twenty-three years ago, Emile Bielawa lost his only brother to leukemia, a type of cancer affecting white blood cells. Not long after, his parents also died, his father from leukemia and his mother from myeloma, cancer that affects the bones. The deaths were a turning point for Bielawa and pushed him to become personally involved in the fight against cancer.

For the 23rd year, Bielawa, 72, will tackle 163 miles on his bike as he rides the Wellesley–to-Provincetown route in the 2011 Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, raising money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

The 40-year West Roxbury resident will join in the two-day-long bike ride from Aug. 6-7.

How does it feel to travel such a distance on bicycle?

“It’s tremendous, exhilarating, when you see the last mile … it’s an accomplishment,” said Bielawa.
Once you see Bielawa roll his Trek 2.1 bike, it’s clear he’s not a novice. His first PMC was in 1988 and this year the ride has even more significance: His wife, Catherine, was recently diagnosed with colon cancer after being successfully treated for another type of cancer just last year. “I guess I’m dodging the bullet,” he said.

The father of three and grandfather of eight said that what has made his wife’s treatment bearable is the fact his daughter, Christine, is a nurse. “She is able to talk to the oncologists and get them to adjust the medication (to make it) more tolerable,” he said.

His experiences with cancer are what motivate him to keep riding. The course is hilly at some points and the weather is not always perfect, but that does not stop riders from participating.

“We’ve done it in all kinds of weather,” Bielawa said. His first ride, he explains, “was very hot and sticky… (then) all of a sudden (we got) a downpour … when it passed it became hot at hell.” Now, he said, “if it’s not heavy, drenching rain, it’s not too bad.”

Riders help each other through the trek, he said. “Everybody is very supportive … it’s all one big family,” he says. On top of that, authorities rope off many areas along the routes. In order to maintain the riders’ safety, cars are not allowed on several roads.

The riders who choose the two-day routes (there are a variety of routes ranging from 25 to 192 miles) can register automatically to sleep on the Mass-Maritime Academy campus in Buzzards Bay.


“It can get crowded in the dorms,” he explains. Alternatively, participants can stay off-campus or sleep in tents. “I usually get a room by myself … but if it’s nice weather, they (other riders) go out in tents,” he said.
The PMC attracts riders from all around the world and the country, as well as celebrities. “We’ve had some famous people too, Greg Lemond … Sen. Brown and Kerry,” says Bielawa.

It has become an annual event for many riders, but there are new people every year.

Bielawa’s words of advice for first-time riders: “If they’re doing it for experience, the first 50 miles are the toughest. You get past that, you should be alright.”

All riders must raise between $500 and $4,200, depending on the route they choose to ride. The money goes toward advancing the fight against cancer.

Bielawa says that the economy has not affected his fundraising that much. “Even with the tough economy … it’s increasing, I get a lot of $50s and $100s,” he said. “It (cancer) affects a lot of people, I guess.”
The PMC has been around for 31 years, and, according to the event’s website, it raises more money for charity than any other event in the country. This year, Bielawa plans to raise $6,700 before the big day. So far, he has raised more than $6,000. “It’s not all in, but I have pledges,” he said.

The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon that was created in 1980 to raise money for cancer research. The challenge offers 11 routes that pass through 46 towns in Massachusetts. Since its creation, it has raised $303 million; for 2011, riders are aiming to raise $34 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Donations to the PMC can be made online or by check. For more information, visit www.pmc.org/donation.asp.
To donate in Bielawa’s name, visit www.pmc.org/profile/EB0004

Roslindale Scavenger Hunt a real find

Originally published by Roslindale Transcript

Roslindale —Tony DeBenedictis, owner of Tony’s Market in Roslindale, seemed perplexed when Daniel Pray walked into the store asking what style of dance keeps him moving when he is not selling specialty Italian foods.

“Why (do) you want to ask about my dance?” said DeBenedictis. Perhaps he didn’t realize his store, located at 4253 Washington St., was one of the destinations on the first Roslindale Scavenger Hunt. The event, which began July 7, runs through July 16.

Daniel and Lynn Pray, of Roslindale, heard about the hunt through friend and event organizer Vernee Wilkinson. They decided to participate to learn more about Roslindale. “We wanted to learn some stuff (and) have fun,” said Daniel Pray.

“The Colgate Kings,” as the Pray couple calls themselves since they live on Colgate Street, arrived at the Colorwheel Collection, at 4266 Washington St., at 6 p.m. sharp, eager to start their quest. Daniel said he was excited to get to know more people while doing the hunt.

They were not the only ones signed up that evening. According to Wilkinson, Colorwheel Collection owner, a few teams registered online and others did so in person. The excitement seemed to be building up. “One group that came in … the kids had already figured out a strategy and (began to) answer questions,” said Wilkinson. “They already knew where (to go) and were already excited about it,” she said.

The Prays had previously devised a strategy. “(Daniel) thought we should do it as quick as we could, maybe run,” said Lynn. But after seeing the game card, they decided otherwise. “Say we do some tonight and leave some for later,” said Lynn and Daniel agreed.

Wilkinson said the hunt was designed to be done in more than one leg. “It gives people the flexibility to work with their schedules … they can take a photo after work or they can take a photo on the weekend … whatever works for them,” she said.

The hunt requires teams to take photographs with foods like cactus, tomatillo and queso fresco, all available at the Mexican market, El Chavo, at 4254 Washington St.
Daniel Fram, employee at The Thrift Shop of Boston at 17 Corinth St., joked around with the Prays after watching them take pictures of themselves on a brown suede chair wearing straw hats. “Do we charge some kind of rental fee for people using our stuff?” asked Fram.

Each photograph was worth two points. Another way to collect points was through the detailed questions targeted at revealing a quirky side of Roslindale’s history. The questions ask for specific products, dates, names and personal details of business owners. “I want to find out Tony’s favorite dance,” said Daniel while at the market. DeBenedictis told them he doesn’t have a favorite dance. “Wherever the music takes you,” said DeBenedictis. He splits his moves between the tango, cha-cha and rumba.

An hour-long stroll around Roslindale proved more than enough time to get the Colgate Kings through 3/4 of the hunt. Places left for them to visit included Peter’s Hill - an extra credit option that asks for a picture of the view from the top of the hill. “We like Peter’s Hill, so any excuse to go up there works,” said Lynn Pray.
The Colgate Kings, as well as any other teams that participated in the hunt, can expect a prize ceremony on Saturday, July 16 at the Roslindale Farmer’s Market held in Adams Park. Prizes have yet to be determined, but something involving the businesses on the game card can be expected, according to Wilkinson.

For more information about the Roslindale Scavenger Hunt and the rest of the Summer Stroll Series (running through mid-August) visit http://www.roslindale.net/summerstroll

Piece on a Massachusetts Bill

False Alarms Put Price on Search and Rescue Operations

By Estefania Souza

BOSTON—State Rep., Stephen Kulik’s bill to modify the Massachusetts law regarding search and rescue operation expenses was passed by the Senate in January, but it has been stuck ever since. Kulik, D-Worthington, proposed to change the law (General Laws Chapter 6A Section 18L) so that in the future the government can be reimbursed for certain search and rescue operations.

Bill H00650 would directly affect the government and certain people. If the bill gets passed, two types of persons would be responsible for paying the cost of a search and rescue operation:

First, people who recklessly put themselves in a dangerous situation. “[One] reckless spelunker had to be rescued (for a second time!) at considerable cost to the town in money and personnel,” said Kulik. Cases like that—in which persons practically create the situation from which they have to be rescued—were what prompted him to propose the bill.

The other group affected by the bill includes people giving authorities false information that leads to search and rescue operations. The bill holds people who knowingly provide false alarms liable.

Under the bill, both groups would have to pay the operations. However, according to Kulik, no costs to the taxpayer will come from this bill. “There is no cost other than the nominal work needed to add up the costs expended for a response and sending a bill to the violator,” said Kulik.

However, the bill states that offenders will only be charged for an amount equal to the total cost of the operation—including salaries, equipment and fuel.

According to Kulik, no other bill of the sort has been filed in Massachusetts, but several states in the country have similar laws. For example, New Hampshire has a law that holds citizens, who because of negligent acts require search and rescue operations, accountable for the expenses of the operations.

Bill H00560 is yet to undergo a public hearing during which, according to Kulik, strong opposition may surface. “[But for now] local officials and public safety personnel who know about it are supportive,” said Kulik.

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 Visit this website for more information on how a bill becomes a law.

Piece on a Story Released by Boston Police Department

Crack in Crack Causes Arrest of One

By Estefania Souza

BOSTON—William A. Cobb, Jr. was taken into custody by Boston Police Department yesterday for alleged drug dealing. The 25-year-old Boston resident was charged with drug distribution and selling drugs near a school zone after being caught with cocaine in his buttocks, said the police department.

A plastic bag containing ten individually wrapped packets and eight separate pieces of cocaine was retrieved by a doctor from the suspect’s buttocks, said officials. Cobb was searched under a warrant after refusing to allow a body search despite the plastic bag protruding from his behind, the police department said. Following the body search, police confiscated the drugs, along with more than $500 of what officials believe was drug sales revenue.

Officials first observed Cobb outside a store near Boylston St. The suspect was participating in a drug deal, officials claimed, with two other men. After the incident, Cobb was followed until Tremont Street, where he and his companion were arrested. Both men were taken to the police station suspected of drug dealing. Cobb was further examined and charged for the previous charges. He will be arraigned tomorrow at Boston Municipal Court.

Cobb’s accomplice, whose name was not released by authorities, was given an outstanding warrant.

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Piece on Public Reaction to U.S. Involvement in Libya

Obama's Speech Fails to Reach the People

By Estefania Souza

BOSTON--President Obama attempted to clarify U.S. involvement in Libya in his speech Monday night. But there was on problem with Mr. OBama's address: many people did not watch it.

"I couldn't find the broadcast, said Gerrit Petersen. Petersen claimed to have looked for the president's speech on television, but was unable to find it.

Still, Petersen has a strong opinion regarding the U.S. involvement in Libya. "It's a complicated situation... but he (Obama) could have done better selling it to the people," said Petersen.
"[This time] we didn't have to be the world's cop," said Petersen, who considers himself liberal but Democrat at times. The U.S. is not acting alone, but in cooperation with other nations of the U.N. Security Council. "It's a multi-lateral effort...supporting rather than attacking," said Petersen.

Richard Lehr, a professor and Democrat at Boston University, was also unable to watch the president's speech. "I haven't thought [much] about it (U.S. involvement in Libya). [But] we have to be doing something," said Lehr.

"As commander in chief, [Obama] has to do something," said Allison Wensley, a graduate student and Democrat at Boston University. She also did not watch Obama speak on Monday, but she stands by his decision. "It wasn't our decision... it's the right thing," she said.

On the other hand, Lauren Seesel, a College of Arts and Sciences student and Democrat at Boston University, said that the U.S. should have waited longer to act. "I don't think they have much to do [there]," said Seesel.

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Piece on BU Disaster Reporting Conference

Conference Sheds Light on How Media Should Cover Disasters

By Estefania Souza

BOSTON—A panel made up of a reporter, a coordinator, an editor and a UN senior policy adviser answered questions Thursday afternoon regarding media coverage in countries affected by natural disasters. The panel, Getting the Information out—Immediate Crisis Response, was part of a conference held at Boston University to address how natural disasters are reported.

The underlying issue seemed to be the relationship formed between the media and the disaster-stricken country. “Journalists [place] burdens on a country that has been hit by a disaster,” said Donna Leinwand Leger, a reporter for USA Today.

To answer the question of how reporters should behave in the aftermath of a disaster, she said the media has to be conscious of their presence. “You must be self-sufficient…ought to be mindful,” she said.

The panel explained how it is hard for an affected country to deal with international media. “The media com[es] in… expecting immediate response,” said Nancy Dorsinville, senior policy advisor of U.N. Office of the Special Envoy to Haiti. Journalists, she said, often forget that they are dealing with destroyed countries.

Dorsinville went on to tell the anecdote of one media team in particular, “One French rescue team in particular… said ‘we need someone to go to the local fire station and get us ladders and ropes.’ Fire stations. Plural? Hello!”

The problem, according to Dorsinville, is that the international media forgets about the vulnerability of the affected country. “Everything is already fragile…and the media is coming and saying we want this we want that… everything has to be done right away… [and] that’s a real challenge,” she said.

However, Dorsinville also said that media coverage is necessary in the aftermath of a disaster. “[It’s about] how the media contributes to [the] implications,” she said. According to her, it depends on how the media makes a connection between what happened and what is reported.

The fact is that “25 percent of news in general is about some kind of natural disaster,” Dorsinville said. “There seems to be something in the general public that really is curious… by those kinds of things.” News have to be covered regardless of the gory details, she said.

Manolia Charlotin, editor and business manager of the Boston Haitian Reporter, added to this point. “For journalists… its important for us to respect this institution and this profession,” she said. According to her, the media should continue to report on natural disasters and their consequences. “We (the public) need reporters to keep covering the facts.”

In her opinion, the media plays a very important part. “At the end of the day, without journalists, we don’t have any information to work with,” she said.

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Piece on Obama's 2012 Budget Proposal

Obama’s Budget Under the Republican Knife

By Estefania Souza

BOSTON—President Barack Obama submitted his 2012 budget to Congress on Monday and emphasized the need to cut back on spending in order to support the United States’ economic recovery.

Soon after, House Budget Chair Paul Ryan, R-Wis., expressed his disapproval of the plan. According to the House Budget Committee chairman, Obama’s proposal will not help the country grow.

“It would be better doing nothing than if we would actually pass this budget for the sake of our economy, for the sake of our future and for the sake of our jobs,” said Ryan.

The 2012 budget caused controversy in both political parties, prompting Democrats and Republicans to question Obama’s leadership.

“[The] budget proposal raises a lot of questions about where the priorities of this administration are,” said Senator Jon Tester, D-Mont., in a statement released after the President’s proposal was announced. Like many of his fellow Democrats, Tested expressed concern for Obama’s focus.

The president said his proposals are rooted in the country’s economic growth. Four main points make up the budget: a five-year freeze on discretionary non-military spending, a cessation to the tax-cut for high-earning families, a solution to future unemployment liabilities and a supplement to the health-care reform.

Still, Obama did not only focus of cutting back. He also proposed an ongoing funding of programs he called “investments.” “As we move to rein in our deficits, we must do so in a way that does not cut back on those investments that have the biggest impact on our economic growth because the best antidote to a growing deficit is a growing economy,” he said.

According to Ryan however, the budget is ore expensive than helpful. “This budget does more spending, more taxing, more borrowing…[and] it’s going to cost our country its credibility,” said Ryan. He said the budget is not adequate for the current American situation.

Ryan stated that Obama’s plans would not help the country. “You really cannot borrow and spend and tax your way to prosperity,” he stated.

He called the president’s budget “a punt” and said it did not even take into consideration the advice suggested by the Fiscal Commission.

While Obama stated that “[The United States] must fund those investments that will help America win the race for the job and industries of the future,” Ryan said that what the country borrows today will inevitably have to be paid in the future.

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Immigration-Related Piece

From Harbin to Boston

By Estefania Souza

BOSTON—A petite girl with onyx-black hair and eyes that could make anyone doubt her Asian nationality sits cross-legged on a futon, just as any other college sophomore would. Deedee Sun can’t help laughing when she tells the story about her elementary school in Ilinois. “Everyone had sleeping bags… [and] I had a blanket,” she says. “Someone asked why, and I was so frustrated that I couldn’t explain.”

But it didn’t take Deedee long to adapt to life in the United States. After elementary school in Decatur, Illinois, and high-school in the prestigious Mathematics and Science Academy, Deedee seems more like she’s from the Windy City, than from China.

Yuchen “Deedee” Sun was born in Harbin, China. As an only child, she explains that while her mother grew up with a privileged family in Harbin, her father was from the country province of Jilin.
“The original plan was to have me in the United States,” she says. But the Cultural Revolution in China impeded her mom from leaving the country and because of that, Deedee was born there instead. Just three months after, Deedee’s mom unexpectedly got the opportunity to study at Lawrence University in Wisconsin and took it. So her mom immigrated to the U.S. while Deedee and her father moved to the countryside. In little time, Deedee’s dad got a spouse visa and joined his wife in the U.S., leaving Deedee under the care of her grandparents.

“We tried to apply for a visa for me… right after my dad left, but it took many years for my visa to get approved,” she says. It wasn’t until she was 5 that Deedee was able to join her parents in the U.S.
“My parents definitely had to sacrifice a lot coming to the United States,” she says. While her mom attended graduate school, her dad waited tables to support the family. Deedee explains that immediately after graduating, her mom began working with Metlife in order to keep her visa. “My mom had to get a job that’s not really what she was interested in at all,” Deedee says, acknowledging her mother’s efforts to stay in the U.S.

When asked if she remembered any specific struggles, Deedee doesn’t seem to remember too much. “I remember we lived in this small apartment… but I was little then. I didn’t notice much if money was tight or anything like that.” By the time she was “a pre-teen and things started to matter,” her dad had moved on from his job as a waiter and money was less of an issue.
Nowadays, Deedee Sun is a rising sophomore at Boston University working towards a double major in broadcast journalism and economics. B.U. is a very diverse school, with students from all over the world, but that doesn’t bother Deedee at all. In her opinion, student visas should be easy to attain.
“Why would you want to prevent spreading knowledge?” she says. “It makes sense for people from other countries to come here.”

What doesn’t make sense to her is the issue regarding illegal immigrants. “I’m not fully versed on this subject,” she admits. But she says there is no reason for American citizens to have to pay the insurance of those who illegally enter the U.S. Deedee claims that it is unfair for illegal immigrants to be treated medically when they are not paying anything back. Unlike in China, where medical assistance won’t be given to you unless you have personal insurance, in the U.S., all patients are treated in emergency rooms.
She explains that there is a difference between handing out student visas and simply making it easier for illegal immigrants to stay in the country. “My parents definitely had to sacrifice a lot [to become American citizens], she says. From Deedee’s perspective, immigrants should be allowed to stay in the country as long as they follow the law and work for their citizenship.

Amidst a student body with more than 20% international students, Deedee is no longer the one that stands out because of her nationality. But she has not forgotten her heritage and realizes that the issue of immigration is complicated. She says she doesn’t have enough knowledge to answer it in depth. But she poses an important question, “Where do you draw the line?”

Here is a map illustrating Deedee's immigration:


View Deedee in a larger map


Deedee Sun is an active reporter for Inside Boston. She spends time creating and editing stories for BUTV, BU's student-run news channel. 

Click here for more of Deedee's videos.

SHORT NEWS-PIECE: SOTU 2011

Obama urges Americans to unite in the fight for the future.

By Estefania Souza

In an hour-long State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama encouraged members of both political parties to work together to maintain and maximize America’s super power status. The main concern he expressed was the advancement of the United States over the rest of the world through innovation, education, job creation, and debt reduction.

Obama said he believes that the key to success in the future lies in breaking the barrier between political parties and restructuring the government. He promised to make more jobs available to the citizens of the United States and to give everyone the chance to receive a proper education.

He stated his willingness to work with new ideas so as “to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world.” According to Obama, barriers must be broken, and the United States should take advantage of its diversity to move forward as a country.

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SHORT INTERVIEW: ANNIE ROPEIK

Annie Ropeik, a 20-year-old Boston University junior from Silver Spring, Maryland, sits calmly answering questions about her choices. The curly-haired undergrad decided to come to B.U. after a process of elimination. Out of the three schools she got accepted to—Maryland College Park, American University, and Boston University—she claims her choice was almost clear-cut. “I wanted a city [and] I wanted out of D.C.,” she says.
Born and raised in the suburbs outside Washington, Ropeik attended B.U. for four semesters, but was later forced to stay home due to a spinal injury. Sitting on a swivel chair with her cane perched carefully on the desk behind her, Ropeik explains her story. Last August, “a random stranger” stabbed her in the back, nicking one spinal cord and causing her to lose movement in her left leg. “It’s a lot of physical therapy,” she says about her life now.
Even though recovery was something that made Ropeik appreciate her hometown more, she was still happy to return to Boston. “I love Boston…[it has] a really cool culture,” she says of the diverse city.
Although an aspiring journalist, Ropeik has declared Classics and Philosophy majors. “I have a minor in Journalism,” she explains, but she “is not planning on finishing it. I am using it to take COM classes.”