Just as my first three months in the” real world” come to a close, I feel like it is a good time for me to reflect and write my first blog post. Within a month of starting work, I was on the road, visiting as many high schools as possible in the span of two months. I am responsible for reading all applications from the wonderful states of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Delaware, as well as parts of New Jersey (Hunterdon, Monmouth, Morris, North Passaic, Sussex and Warren Counties), Connecticut (Hartford County) and Massachusetts. With my travels came many new experiences, such as driving in New York City (absolutely terrifying...), seeing the Midwest for the first time (St. Louis!) and visiting the school where Dead Poet’s Society was filmed. After being on the road for about a month total, I have learned a few key things and gained some useful skills that I think are worth sharing.
The most important thing I learned during travel season? It’s nice to be alone. At Tufts, I chose to constantly be surrounded by people, because I was scared to be by myself. I kept my dorm room door open, I studied in the conversation area of the library and I always made plans with people, whether it was for a quick cup of coffee or a trip into Boston. My busy schedule meant that I bounced from meetings, to group study sessions and back to more meetings. I can honestly say that I never once ate in the dining hall alone. Travel season taught me that alone time is not just nice, but it is also important for one’s well-being. I learned that going to a restaurant by yourself is oddly fun, and that the independence that comes from being alone is empowering. I can’t decide if my first travel season went by incredibly quickly or painstakingly slowly, but I know that I had a lot of fun.