A few weeks ago, Tufts Student Giving hosted a “Sophomore Halfway There” celebration to celebrate the class of 2026 on making it halfway through our college experience. I must admit, when the email first came through, I laughed out loud. I thought to myself, “There must be a mistake, there’s no way I’m halfway through college already,” but much to my surprise, I am. Since receiving that email, I have been reflecting on my past two years at Tufts. There have been so many things that have made my first two years at Tufts special. When reflecting, there are a few things I have learned that have shaped both me as a person, as well as my Tufts experience. Here are a few:
Joining clubs
Since coming to Tufts, I have tried out for or joined, many different clubs. Though I am not involved with every of these clubs, when I look back, I am proud of myself for trying new things, and for continuing to foster the passions I had before coming to college.
Making new friends, always!
Though I was lucky that I met some great friends during my first year at Tufts, I did not meet many of my close friends until further into my time at Tufts. I wish I could go back and tell my freshman self that it’s possible to make friends anywhere, but you have to leave your dorm to do so! I would also tell her that you will make more friends throughout college, and the friends you make freshman year may not be close friends by senior year, and that is ok.
It’s never too late to switch directions or try something new
When I returned to Tufts for my sophomore year, I had this ill-informed notion that it was too late for me to try new things or switch directions. This is not true! Many of the clubs I joined, friends I made, and activities I participated in this year I only began this year. I know it sounds cliché, but it truly is never too late to begin a new friendship or join a new club.
Uncertainty is inevitable
This year, possibly more than ever, was filled with a lot of uncertainty for me. Whether it be figuring out where to study abroad, if I would find an internship or something to do for the summer, or something else, there always seemed to be some aspect of my life that was up in the air. At first, I felt very alone in this, but the more I spoke with my peers, the more I realized that most people had lots of uncertainty in their lives. I learned to live with this uncertainty and to realized that no matter what, everything will work out for the best.
Grades are important, but other things are important too
Academics in college are important, don’t get me wrong, but they are only a portion of the college experience. Friendships, personal development, and other opportunities are important as well, and having a good balance is vital for succeeding both personally and academically.
Growth only comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone
So many of the amazing experiences I have had since coming to Tufts have been things that I was terrified to do. Also, the first time you try something new is always the scariest. The first time I went to a meeting for a new club I wanted to join, I was so worried that people would think it was weird that I was there. Now I go to the club meetings every week and am on the executive board.
There are countless other things I have learned during my first two years at Tufts, but these are some of the things and lessons that have shaped my experience here at Tufts. Looking back on my first two years at Tufts makes me feel extremely nostalgic, but also hopeful and excited for the future.