Joining New Groups on Campus
My favorite thing about Tufts is that it’s never too late to get involved in any group or club you discover at Tufts. My freshman year, I attended the Club Fair where I found out about countless incredible groups on campus, but wasn’t able to join all the ones that interested me. I am a big believer however that you will end up finding your places and people at Tufts because of the welcoming community that exists here. I have never been part of an environment where I felt a collective sense of solidarity and encouragement in which everyone encourages and supports one another.
My freshman spring I made more friends in the grades above me through my major specific classes and dance classes I decided to take. One friend in particular told me about a dance team I had only heard a little about: Spirit of the Creative (SOC)- a hip hop choreography dance team on campus. Having danced from the age of three, I had joined another dance team my freshman year: Harlem Grooves- a dance group dedicated to honoring Black American dance styles. To continue dancing in college was a dream come true, but I never considered being on two teams. As the year went on, I met more people on this team who are now my suite-mates and two of my closest friends.
As the fall semester rolled around this school year, many of my friends encouraged me to audition and looking back I remember how hesitant I was having never danced hip hop before, but I am beyond grateful that I did. I was so honored to get onto the team, and am now participating in my second semester with SOC. I have made such incredible friends and gained countless role models in people I otherwise never would have known personally. This team has helped me grow exponentially as a dancer and I feel very fortunate to dance alongside such incredible talent. I remember watching SOC shows as a non-member leaving absolutely flabbergasted at the level of skill in the dancers- and never thought I would have the opportunity to join them.
Without the encouragement of my friends at Tufts who brought me to learning sessions and auditions, I would never have found and joined this incredible community that I love with my entire heart. It goes to show that at Tufts you will be surrounded by people who want to see you be happy and see you succeed. I was lucky enough to experience this support and encouragement that has improved my Tufts experience ten-fold. Although it was my sophomore year, I was able to expand my sense of community here at Tufts to include many others I now call my close friends.