Tufts Blogs

Recently, I was talking to a friend who though I have known for less than a month, he has become a good friend. He is very chatty and easy going. You know those people who make you feel so comfortable just by their presence? That’s him. He mentioned how there are two things he hates most: silence and the sound of his voice. Strangely enough, he always seeks to fill silence with his voice. His hate of these two stems from the fear of his own thoughts. 

Which brings me to my point: This winter break, as the majority of Tufts students traveled back home, a few of us - mostly international students - stayed back on campus. The campus was deserted, cold, quiet and quite frankly, miserable. We binge-watched shows, visited Boston and slept in more than usual. Eventually though, the sun would set and I would be back in my quiet room missing hearing people walk up and down the hallways.

Then the power of my own thoughts would kick in. I swear I thought about and analyzed my entire life, my future and all its possibilities, my friends and many of the people I have ever met. It was scary at first, but gradually I started being at peace with myself and my solitude. I regained control of my mind and the direction I wanted it to take. And as cliche as it may sound, I became so content and relaxed with my inner self. It helps that I slowed down, thought about my first semester of college, and used that very awareness to make more viable promises and resolutions on what I want college to be like.

No matter how refreshing that was however, I missed and still miss home (this has been the longest period of time I have gone without seeing my family). I am grateful that the International and Africana centers brought us food or organized small events that reminded us that this is our home away from home.

Happy 2017 everyone (Let’s just say January and February have been our free trial), Here’s to more ramblings this year! Don’t forget to take some time to connect with your inner self.

Cover Image thanks to The Friendly Otter (Flickr Creative Commons)