Tufts Blogs

Moving from Hawaiʻi to Massachusetts was more than just a long flight, but a leap into a completely different world. The air felt colder, the trees changed color, and suddenly, I was 5,000 miles away from everything familiar. I remember wondering how I would find my place here — where I would feel grounded, who I’d spend time with, and which places would welcome me as I am. What I didn’t know in my first weeks was that Tufts would offer me countless spaces and communities that slowly began to feel like home.

The Indigenous Center and ISOT

One of the big reasons why I chose Tufts was the Indigenous Center (IC). Through the Tufts’ Virtual Voices program, I learned about the various DSDI (Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion) Centers, and the IC immediately stood out. Before I even arrived, I knew I wanted to find a place where I could just be, without having to explain myself or my background.

Through the center and ISOT (Indigenous Students Organization at Tufts), I met others who understood what it was like to come from far away and build community from scratch. Whether we were planning events, playing Mario Kart, or just talking story in the IC's living room, I began to feel that same warmth and familiarity that reminded me of home.

Beyond the people who make it special, the space itself fills me with joy as I’m surrounded by Indigenous artwork, soft lighting, and cozy pillows. The IC’s fridge is always stocked, and I love being able to cook when I don’t feel like eating at the dining halls. Whether I’m studying or napping on the couch in the living room, I truly have found my home away from home.

This year, I am a Community Coordinator intern for the IC, helping to plan events that bring people together and create the same sense of belonging I felt when I first arrived.

Full Sound

At the start of my first year, I auditioned for Full Sound, one of Tufts’ ten a capella groups. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and joining Full Sound gave me more than just an outlet to sing – it gave me a family. Between late-night rehearsals, post-show bondings, and way too many packets of Buldak ramen, I found people who made me feel grounded.

A love for singing brought us together, but what keeps me there is how genuinely supportive everyone is. Whether it’s cheering each other on during solos or checking in after a long week, Full Sound has been a constant source of joy and connection.

The Asian American Center Peer Leader Program

During my first year, I joined the Asian American Center Peer Leader Program (PLP) as a mentee. My Peer Leader made Tufts feel smaller in the best way. She gave me helpful tips, introduced me to new resources, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in navigating a new environment. It was also one of the first places at Tufts where I connected with others who shared a similar Asian American identity and understood the mix of cultures, experiences, and stories that come with it. Now, as a Peer Leader myself, I get to do the same for incoming students, and it’s been a full-circle, significant experience to be on the other side.

Kappa Alpha Theta

As my sophomore year began, I found community in an unexpected place: Greek life. Since Tufts only allows students to rush sororities and fraternities after their first year, I went in already feeling established in my routines and communities on campus. Joining Kappa Alpha Theta added another layer to that. It provided me with a sisterhood of women who are genuinely supportive, kind, and fun to be around.

Now, I see Thetas everywhere: in my classes, walking around campus, or at events. It always feels like there’s someone to wave to or sit with. That familiarity has made Tufts feel even more comfortable.

Looking Back

When I think about how far I’ve come (both in miles and in growth), I realize that “home” doesn’t have to be one place. The Indigenous Center, Full Sound, the PLP, and my sorority all gave me different kinds of comfort and connection. Together, they’ve shaped my Tufts experience and reminded me that belonging isn’t found all at once; it’s built slowly, through shared laughter, care, and showing up for one another.

When I walk across campus from rehearsals in Grannoff to late-night ISOT meetings, I can feel pieces of home woven into my routine. It may not be Hawaiʻi, the place and people that raised me, but it’s my own version of it here at Tufts.