24-hours of cumulative flights, 7182 miles later, I am finally at Tufts.
6 weeks ago, I was still in Kenya constantly documenting my thoughts and fears about starting college and moving to a different country in my journal. I wrote, “Hi Diary! It’s crazy to think that I am now counting down days till I move to Tufts. I won’t lie. I am so scared about the transition and whether or not I will find my niche at Tufts.” I was nervous about the different education system, culture and society. I was also apprehensive that college would become too time-consuming and stressful. And that life back at home: my friends and family will basically “move on” without me.
Class work has just started to pick up now. And this is literally me:
Just as I expected, college has been extremely busy. But Tufts provides so many resources and people to advise you and ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. I have student, staff and alumni mentors who I can always call just to talk. It’s refreshing to know that I am not alone and many have gone through this phase too.
In other news, I finally met my roommate after we had talked virtually for months. As much as we deliberately chose to room together, we were both working on gut feeling based on the short time we spoke. So far it’s been good. I’d say we have become friends too. Be it in classes, through groups like the Tufts Debate Society (for me), or bumping into people on hallways - everyone is so genuine and welcoming. There is an authenticity about Tufts and the people here that's enigmatic. Unlike some, I did not make instant friends day 1. Then again, I'm in a constant search to find my niche yes?
I would be lying if I said I have completely adjusted to the differences. I’m getting there though! I still don’t get this whole Fahrenheit thing (its Celsius people!). My poor stomach still acts up when I eat something new. As much as fall has begun and it’s pretty outside, this girl who has never even experienced the seasons is already freezing. And I’m still trying to find a good balance between life here and maintaining everything back home. Stay tuned…
Photo creds: Carola Cappellari (Flickr Creative Commons)