My first semester is slowly winding down. To be honest, I am in dire need of this Thanksgiving break. The events of the last few weeks and months have thrown me in a loop of a variety of emotions. I am extremely ecstatic that Tufts now feels more like home. Maintaining a decent social life, taking 5 classes, while still being involved in extracurricular activities and working makes me feel emotionally and physically exhausted. U.S. politics and the recent elections make me uncertain and a little scared of the future. But above all, I’d say I am blissfully happy and grateful to God.
Throughout these changes, most, if not all, of the people in my life have reminded and encouraged me to take time to care of myself. In keeping with this spirit of self-care, this post is about all the small but memorable meaningful firsts. The events that have been monumental for this girl from rural Kenya. Enjoy...
1. First time Ice-Skating
Well, this one happened when I was still back in Nairobi, Kenya. A friend took me to the (only Kenyan?) ice-skating rink at Panari Hotel. To be honest, Ice-skating is way harder than I thought. Ice-skating, kinda like learning to swim or ride a bicycle, is accepting that you will only learn through falling down and getting up. Here I was trying to hold on and smile through the fear.
2. First time Bowling
The bowling event was organized by Tufts International Center as an activity for Passport program mentors and mentees. Passport is a program that connects selected incoming international students to Tufts alumni, staff and parents who help through the transitioning and adjusting process. Here we are bowling. I did really well hitting most pins actually. Beginner’s luck maybe? Well, we’ll see how the second time goes.
3. First Crush (at Tufts)
Hehe. I feel embarrassed and cringe-worthy writing about this. It has been forever since I had a crush so please indulge me? Let’s call him Guy X. I met Guy X at a Model United Nations Conference I attended. We were in the same UN committee. We talked and spent those few days together and that’s pretty much it. This has been me these past few days:
But if anyone asks:
Guy X, you know yourself, save me from my misery and message me sometime?
4. First time Kayaking
So, I attended Global Orientation which is one of the many pre-orientation programs. Among many other fun activities like an amazing race around campus and cruising around Boston we went to Rockport, MA for a day out kayaking/ lazing on the beach. Your girl is super scared of large water bodies. But after a few screams and “false starts,” look who overcame her fear?!
5. First snow
Coincidentally, this one happened just as I was working on this post. Though my poor body is freezing and feeling all numb, this is definitely one of the many reasons why I came to Boston for college. Here I am taking in the beauty that is snow...