Tufts Blogs

If you grew up in New York City like me, where movement, noise, and constant activity are part of your everyday life, you’d understand why Tufts’ campus initially felt… foreign to me. For eighteen years, I was constantly surrounded by crowds, busy streets, and the rapid pace that defines NYC. Upon arriving at Tufts, I was met with something entirely different: open space, quiet paths, and a pace of life that felt much slower. It was a complete 180° from everything I had grown to know.

As I explored campus and the surrounding communities of Medford, Somerville, and Boston, I realized that the chaotic energy I could always expect at home could not be found here. The environment was serene, the streets were pristine, and the nights were still. At first, this difference made me feel far from home. I had to adjust not only to a new campus but to an entirely new rhythm of life.

One of my first real challenges was navigating Boston’s public transportation system. Understanding the differences among the MBTA’s subway lines, their various colors, and their slower paces was all part of adapting to this new environment. It reminded me that even familiar activities, like getting from one place to another, can differ vastly elsewhere. Over time, what once felt confusing became routine, marking another step in embracing Tufts.

Slowly but surely, Tufts began to feel more and more familiar. What I initially saw as too quiet or too slow became something I learned to appreciate. Tufts offered me a pace that allowed for room to breathe, reflect, and grow. I could walk to class without rushing through crowds. I could lounge on Pres Lawn and just take it all in. If not for Tufts, I wouldn’t have this space to simply stop and think.

With almost two years of attending Tufts under my belt, I’ve come to understand that peace and stillness have their own kind of energy. Within my first semester at Tufts, this campus became a home away from home; not a replacement for Brooklyn, but a place that complements where I’m from. I’ll always still cherish returning to New York, but coming back to campus now feels grounding and similar to a breath of fresh air.

I would have never believed it if someone were to tell me that this little area of Massachusetts would become such an important part of my life. Yet here I am, proud to call myself a Jumbo and grateful for the chance to explore this new environment, meet new people, and grow far beyond what felt familiar.