At home or at Tufts
It’s Finals Season, and honestly, it isn’t just about the finals. It’s the point that I look back on the semester and just think about the ups and lows. When you look at what your GPA would turn out to be and wish you had a “Take Me Back” card to any point in the semester. But well, next semester is just around the corner, meaning I get a second shot at everything – at least that’s what it feels like. But apart from the numerous amounts of lows this semester, we all still have things we are grateful for. Whether it’s Tufts in general, new friends, old friends who are still friends or just something. And as for me, it has been my Passport Mentor Family.
Passport Family? Tufts has this volunteer program called the Passport Program, sponsored by the I-Center, which helps incoming international students by introducing them to the Tufts life, helping them with the social support they might need and basically just aiding their transition into college. Speaking about the transition, I remember when I was just starting at Tufts. Back to the flight from Abuja all the way to Boston. I remember when my flight landed and I was at the Logan airport. All through the check-in process, I received calls upon calls from my Mamabhats: my Passport Mentor asking how I was, how the process was and telling me Papabhats would be there soon to pick me up. Well, the check-in was pretty fast for me but it felt so nice to step out and find a ride for me to Tufts. It was Papabhats and that’s how it all began with the Bhatia family.
Over the semester, their home was just there when I needed one. The first time, it was Parents Weekend at Tufts and since my mom was just too far, she couldn’t come. So, my Parents Weekend would have just been one with me either in Dewick or on my bed but instead I had somewhere that I could go. Instead of the lonely Parents Weekend, I spent those days with my new family. We had dinner as a family, shared our stories on the dining table, watched Netflix after, (although Papabhats went to bed halfway through the movie). It was nice having that feel of a home surge through me so when it was Thanksgiving, you can just guess where I was. I spent Thanksgiving with this awesome family and I was basically thankful for the people I was thankful with. It was also my birthday so, double the joy: I had a cake waiting for me!
As I’ve said, it is Finals Season: a point of reflection for most, or for me at the very least. Looking back at the semester, there are lots of lessons learned and even though I’d be starting next semester with a whole new mentality, there’s one thing I’d be sure of still: I’m part of the Bhatia family and I am indeed grateful.
Cover Photo Credits: Neha Bhatia