13 Lessons I've Learned: From California to Boston (and back)
AKA the things I wish I could go back and tell myself before I started Tufts this past fall...
1. Go The Distance: Moving 3,000 miles from home will be terrifying. “Adulting” carries actual responsibilities: voting, laundry, and ensuring those precious 8 hours of sleep. But, this will be undoubtedly the best decision you’ve ever made.
2. Always Check For Toilet Paper: No explanation needed.
3. Saying “Yes”: People will come into your life in ways you never expect. They will change how you view the world. Embrace new experiences, even if you think you won’t like them, and remember to savor every moment. Trying new things is underrated. The unknown is never as terrifying as you think. The best decisions you will make will often be on a whim.
4. College is hard: High school is over. Accepting that you are now academically average is not accepting defeat. Prepare to work harder than you ever have before because it’s true that it’s harder to get an “A” at Tufts than it is almost anywhere else.
5. Be Unfailingly Gregarious: Everyone at Tufts is an expert in their own right. Be daring enough to have those academic arguments over the efficiency of the QWERTY keyboard or if locations on the Tufts hilly campus can be accurately described by equipotential lines. Be friendly—people will come back into your life when you least expect.
6. The Mistakes You Will Make: You will make mistakes. They will be painful, trying, and often overwhelming. You will cry, but friends will be there for you. Take three deep breaths. In the end, do what is best for you. It is ok to put yourself before others occasionally. Don’t be afraid of asking your support system for help.
7. Listen to Advice: Put aside your stubbornness. Listen to upperclassman. When they tell you to take it easy your first semester, listen to them. You are not superwoman who can soar through the college transition process.
8.Procrastination is Death: Senior words of wisdom: “Freshman year is the year of all nighters in Tisch. After that, you learn to manage your time”. Learn this and learn it fast.
9. Be Prepared For Disappointment: You will tell yourself "There is no way that ______ could ever happen!". It will. Please just hope for the best and expect the worst—that way, you will never be disappointed.
10. Coffee is the secret to life: Overcaffeination is key. You are a hyper person, but your lack of sleep will begin to wear you down so remember to get a cup of coffee because some days. Black tea will not be enough.
11. Being a “student athlete”: The term student athlete is daunting—it always has been—but team lifts will make you strong (do you even lift, bro?). Your team will support you and give motivational speeches when you didn't even know you needed one.
12. King of Desserts (The Dessert Waffle): At Tufts, the dessert waffle is the epitome of ingenuity. Waffle + Ice Cream + Sundae Bar = No Dinner Needed. Beware: the Freshman 15 is real. You think the Tufts food is good now, but it will continue to impress you at every meal.
13. Have fun: This sounds cheesy now, but build social time into your schedule. You will be happier and more productive. College is a lot of work (as you expect) but even more fun. Sailing in the dark with a flashlight on your mast so you can see your telltales will be most fun moment of your frosh fall season.