In a September 17 ceremony designed to mirror their graduation march four years hence, first-year students held a torch-lit “First Flight Procession” from Upper Campus to Conte Forum to attend First Year Academic Convocation. According to Fr. Joseph Marchese, director of First Year Experience, Convocation “is an opportunity for members of the Boston College community to welcome the incoming class into the academic conversation already resounding throughout the Heights.” This year’s event featured a keynote address by Ann Patchett, author of the novels Bel Canto and Run. Last summer, members of the incoming Class of 2013 were given copies of Run and asked to reflect on the story’s themes of family, identity, sacrifice, vocational calling, and duty to others. In her speech, Patchett, considering the exhortation of St. Ignatius to “set the world aflame,” told students, “If you want to know how to change the world, start by turning up the flame inside yourself, and from there you can be an example.” Following her address, Patchett (above, left) talked with first-year students James Keeley and Margaret O’Neill.