Despite being on campus for only two short months, I’ve been lucky enough to already find myself at home.
Sundays at Carmichael Dining Center
I’ll be honest and tell you I’d much prefer going to Dewick, but I’d make the trek uphill any Sunday for my FOCUS group. Getting to familiarize myself with the cities of Medford and Somerville while having the opportunity to serve others was the main incentive for me to sign up for FOCUS (besides getting the chance to move in early of course).
What I didn’t expect in the itinerary was being so candid with a group of strangers so quickly; we listened to each other’s insecurities about starting college, shared what we treasure the most in our lives, and basked over how we all ended up in the same room together. Through this group of eight other people, Maya, Simran, Reese, Rebecca, Naftali, Priya, and our leaders Jordan and Grace, I realized that I wasn’t alone with any thoughts of imposter syndrome or uncertainty.
Every Sunday, we sit at Carm to share more mem(e)s and finish off with the classic round of Rose, Bud, Thorn.
Tisch: Study Room 218D
What I love about the library is simple: I am surrounded by productivity and familiar faces. Whenever I need my study breaks, I take a lap around the library, weaving through the aisles of shelves of books and scattered tables. There is always someone to wave hello to.
You can find me virtually anywhere on the main floor of the Tisch Library, but from nine to midnight I’m probably in room 218D. The best nights consist of snacking in shared silence with people I hold dear and seeking out an alternative location to talk after the library closes.
The Common Area of Metcalf Hall
Usually, that area is enclosed somewhere within the walls of Metcalf Hall.
When you mention Metcalf to some students at Tufts, they might say that the bright orange brick dormitory looks completely out of place in comparison to the other muted buildings. To me, it encompasses ramen nights, Spyfall, Super Smash Bros, and spending time with good people.
Hill Hall
Funny enough, my actual dorm is Hill Hall. It is the place I can turn back to whenever my social battery runs out and where the traces of my hometown, Worcester, MA lie. Home is the jar of Polaroids on my desk, the little mementos, and the plushies I brought along with me. The fairy lights my roommate and I set up has created the perfect atmosphere of tranquility and warmth.
At night, Hill is where I can realize that without fail, I’ve managed to admire and fall in love with at least one thing about every person I’ve met here at Tufts.
Tufts became a home thanks to those I’ve encountered. That is a blog for another day.