On-Campus Quirks

It is where everyone can see. The Golden Eagle, the Gasson bells, and St. Mary’s Chapel encompass it as its branches reach heavenward, entwining its limbs that stem from the solid base. A tree made of bronze, but filled with maroon and gold. It inspires us, enriches us, and teaches us. It is the "Tree of Life" statue that stands in the middle of the fountain on the edge of O’Neill Plaza.

The sculptor, Peter Rockwell, wanted it to represent an olive tree with its characteristic bifurcated trunk, the space in the center resembling two hands cupped together. They hold a laughing infant with two children climbing up its side. A dead body in the middle symbolizes the body of Jesus Christ, connecting the two trunks. There is a crucifix on the right side of the tree while another child is placed on the left side where the flowers grow almost as if it were flying between the branches while reaching for the cross. Uniting the two parts of the tree is a bird meant to symbolize the Holy Spirit. Water is spit out of the four masks at the base of the fountain. This is what the sculptor, Peter Rockwell, meant it to be. But I see it differently.

Four years ago, I arrived here not knowing what to expect. I was waiting to see what Boston College would offer me to make this my school, my home.

In one month, I will be graduating. I have explored the wonders of BC—the faces on Fulton, the Gasson Bells, St. Mary’s Garden, the St. Ignatius statue, and the view from the top of St. Mary’s. But I realized I wasn’t opening my eyes to the most obvious wonder. This fountain didn’t unveil itself to me until just recently. I have noticed it many times walking to class, but I never asked necessary questions. Now I know that’s exactly what it is meant to do.

My journey to discovering the "Tree of Life" is what BC wants every student to experience. From the day we step on campus, we are given the mission to set the world aflame with our gifts. It wants us to ask our own questions, to find out who we want to be, to encourage us to grow. We are the tree that is constantly thriving from its surroundings. Whether it is when the Gasson Bells’ toll or the Golden Eagle ready for flight, the "Tree of Life" is us. It wants us to reach for the sky, entwine ourselves with the lives of others, and grasp the unattainable.

Just like the masks that face each direction on this tree, BC is telling us to choose a direction and make it our own. During my four years here, BC has taught me to discover the unknown, to make connections and to grow.

We start as seeds. By the end, we are flourishing trees with branches extended to the sky ready, for an eagle to land before once again taking to the skies.

 unattainable.In one month, I will be graduating. I have explored the wonders of BC—the faces on Fulton, the Gasson Bells, St. Mary’s Garden, the St. Ignatius statue, and the view from the top of St. Mary’s. But I realized I wasn’t opening my eyes to the most obvious wonder. This fountain didn’t unveil itself to me until just recently. I have noticed it many times walking to class, but I never asked necessary questions. Now I know that’s exactly what it is meant to do. Four years ago, I arrived here not knowing what to expect. I was waiting to see what Boston College would offer me to make this my school, my home. The sculptor, Peter Rockwell, wanted it to represent an olive tree with its characteristic bifurcated trunk, the space in the center resembling two hands cupped together. They hold a laughing infant with two children climbing up its side. A dead body in the middle symbolizes the body of Jesus Christ, connecting the two trunks. There is a crucifix on the right side of the tree while another child is placed on the left side where the flowers grow almost as if it were flying between the branches while reaching for the cross. Uniting the two parts of the tree is a bird meant to symbolize the Holy Spirit. Water is spit out of the four masks at the base of the fountain. This is what the sculptor, Peter Rockwell, meant it to be. But I see it differently.It is where everyone can see. The Golden Eagle, the Gasson bells, and St. Mary’s Chapel encompass it as its branches reach heavenward, entwining its limbs that stem from the solid base. A tree made of bronze, but filled with maroon and gold. It inspires us, enriches us, and teaches us. It is the “Tree of Life” statue that stands in the middle of the fountain on the edge of O’Neill Plaza.