“Why Tufts?” - I’ve been asked this question a substantial amount of times in the not so distant past. I’ve yet to find an answer to that question because it’s honestly a beautiful amalgamation of so many different things. And although I can’t put down the reasons quite yet, I still remember the indescribable joy I felt when I learnt that Tufts had chosen me.
The application season felt like a never ending nightmare of endless college applications and sleepless nights. Being utterly clueless about the future trajectory of your life can SUCK, especially when you’re haunted by the realization that your future happiness is potentially at the mercy of the Admissions Committee. That being said, the joy laced with relief when the acceptance letters finally started arriving was paramount.
I remember the acceptance letter I received from Tufts. I also recall staring at the word “Congratulations!” for the longest time. The weight of that word and what it meant to be a Jumbo resonated within me to the very core. It was more than just a feeling. More than an accomplishment. More than another significant milestone. It was one of those unmistakable moments of chilling charity when you “just know.”
I was two hundred percent committed.
Getting hopelessly lost during the first week of classes was my thing. I didn’t have the faintest idea where most halls were located and seriously contemplated the idea of asking a professor for directions. It turned out that not only was she super helpful, but also very nice. Literally two minutes before I reached Dowling Hall, she pulled up her car next to me and asked, “Hello sweetie, do you need any more help finding where you need to go?”
That’s what honestly touched me most deeply- the kindness that the Jumbo folks embody. They can do the smallest things with great love and are very approachable. You can literally walk up to a stranger and ask them for help. They will try their best to solve your problems and wish you a good day. Most times, it’s even possible to hold a meaningful conversation with a person you’ve met for the first time or with a professor even if you’re not enrolled in their class.
As I inch towards the end of freshman year, I can’t help but think how blessed I’ve been in terms of forming good friends. I’ve come across some incredible people during my short time here, and I’d like to argue that it’s not a just matter of mere luck as far as friendships are concerned.
Half the people I share a floor with are from Massachusetts and the other half are all international, from the Asian, European and African continents (what are the chances of that?!?). The fact that we mesh really well together despite our individual and cultural differences says a lot about Tufts students. They are usually easy-going and accommodating.
From struggling and despairing over midterms, planning group trips during Spring Break, and eating cereal on the floor at 2 a.m., you’re guaranteed a quality bonding experience. You also never run of conversations because you can always relate to people on one level or another.
People here are always curious to get to know you better, and at the end of the day, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised by what you learn about each individual and what makes them unique.
Living in the college town has its perks. I love how Tufts is so conveniently located with Davis Square just fifteen minutes away (seven if you take the power walk). From visiting friends from other universities to watch the football games together, watching movies at the Somerville Theatre, signing up for volunteering activities, spending a Thursday evening at Starbucks listening to jazz music, and getting on the commuter rail to explore different areas on the T-lines on the weekends- there’s always something to do in Boston!
I remember going moon and Saturn gazing at the Museum of Fine Arts with my FOCUS family. Lying on the museum roof after midnight, while gazing at the starry sky and soaking in the beauty of Downtown Boston made for a wonderful experience.
Flip slops, shorts, sandals, raincoats, winter jackets, hideous snow boots and casual denim wear- New England weather can be such a tease! You’re probably at risk of experiencing several wardrobe malfunctions because the deceptively named spring semester is actually Narnian winter in New England. However, the breathtaking beauty of the fall foliage and the long awaited summers make the wait absolutely worth it!
I realize that I’m probably rambling at this point, but that’s the irony of such perfect moments. You fail to describe their beauty in so many inarticulate words because you can only feel it. Hence, although I’m yet to come up with an accurate answer as to why I chose to go to school here, I can’t think of a single reason why I would choose any other college but Tufts!