Interviewing My Roommate!
This week, I decided to interview my roommate, Zanna. In my unbiased opinion, she is easily one of the coolest people on campus; she can strike up small talk with any stranger and turn it into an introspective conversation, and her warm and bubbly personality has made my transition into college all the more fun and enjoyable -- she also has impeccable style and a massively impressive earring collection to boot. I hope you enjoy her answers as much as I enjoyed chatting with her!
Where are you from?
I’m from New York City -- Lower East Side of Manhattan.
What are you studying and why?
I’m in the Combined Degree Program with the SMFA, so through the College of Arts and Sciences, I’m currently trying to concentrate in Film & Media, as well as Entrepreneurial Leadership. Through the SMFA, my focus is screenwriting and photography. My interests range across a broad variety of studies, so I thought the dual degree program would be a great way to combine all of my interests into one seamless education. My dream is to create my own movie, and be the director, producer, and screenwriter -- I want to learn all of the skills involved in filmmaking so I can really be involved in all the good stuff.
What was the college application process like for you, and why did you choose Tufts?
When I was applying to college, there was no one singular school where I felt like, “Yeah, this is where I want to go,” until I found out about Tufts! It made me believe, “I can actually do exactly what I want to do at this school, and there are so many services that will aid me into growing into this person that I’ve always wanted to become,” so I knew automatically -- if I got into Tufts, I had to go there.
What class are you loving this semester?
My favorite class at the moment is Media Ethics, because I feel like the subject matter is very relevant today. Especially with social media infographics and the upcoming election, we rely so much on news sources to relay to us the important happenings of society, and we have to figure out how much to trust them. It’s super interesting and just feels like I’m living through the things we’re learning about in the course.
Favorite thing about Tufts so far?
This might sound a tad bit cliche, but honestly, the people here are amazing. I remember watching those YouTube videos before getting on campus where everyone says, “Yeah, I just LOVE the people,” and feeling a bit skeptical, because obviously you have to say that. But now that I’m here, it really is this magical place where everyone is so kind, generous, and multi-faceted in the most original ways, and we’ve found common ground in this space. It feels like everything that I’ve ever wanted in a college experience is being handed to me, so I just have to be grateful for the fact that I’m here and I’ve made it.
Any complaints?
Probably the hills. I have asthma, so you know… with COVID, having to wear a mask, and walking up the hill, it’s been a bit difficult for me. [laughs] But I’m making do.
Best spot to study on campus?
That little section in the basement of Barnum Hall, where you have a nice view of the outdoors through the paneled wall of windows, but it’s secluded and quiet enough that you can focus.
Go-to lunch order from Tufts Dining?
Obviously the Balsamic Chicken Sandwich from Commons! [laughs] I’ve never tried it, but I can’t wait to try it, because I’ve heard so many good things about it, and I know it’s gonna be amazing. I’d get it without tomatoes though.
Craziest thing you’ve seen on campus?
I was sitting in our common room at 2 AM on a weekday, and when I looked out of the window, I saw this girl running through the sprinklers on the quad, and then she looked up at me, and started laughing and waving. It was surreal, like I was watching a scene from a movie. I just knew in that moment -- this is exactly where I’m supposed to be right now.