Tufts Blogs

“Love your institution, but be critical of it.” 

I heard these words from an older student on my very first night at Tufts, and such set the precedent for my understanding of a mindset that I find all over this campus. In the fifteen months since, I can genuinely say that I have grown in my ability to reason, to criticize, and to connect — and I can feel that the Tufts community is positively influencing me during these incredibly formative years.

This month I have been critical of Tufts and of a system in which I voluntarily partake. The publication of an op-ed exposing lewd and inexcusable practices of a fraternity here at my university catalyzed conversations and actions more quickly than I think anyone expected. Instead of shying away from the weight of confronting such issues, I found the women in my sorority talking seriously about the implications of our organization’s existence, of our collective actions, and of our individual involvements in it all. Our discussion was honest, emotional, and thought-provoking, and I went to bed on November 7th feeling proud of the women around me, while aware that we need to reform the ways we contribute to this Greek system.

On November 8th, bedtime brought a much different conclusion to an even more unsettling day. I saw the person I recognize as the most qualified candidate to ever run for office take a devastating loss to a man who I believe misled a large population of our country, but who also reflects a will much different from that which is commonly found here at Tufts. The election brought many issues to fruition — issues of disillusionment and distrust toward the federal government and issues of dangerous rhetoric that permeate communities all across the country. 

One weekend, I had the chance to canvass in New Hampshire with Tufts Democrats! The organization rented a bus and invited anyone interested to come along. 

Personally, I think the election of Donald Trump marks the first time in my life I’ve felt dangerously misrepresented. I recognize that I am extremely privileged to say this, and that many people do not feel safe in their communities or accurately reflected by their leaders, and that there are people in positions much more vulnerable than my own. But I am alarmed by the idea of this President Elect representing me and fellow Americans on a national and international scale, much less by the idea of the effect his leadership can have on individuals, world relations, and our planet.

While of course there are dissenting opinions within this community, I have seen the reactions of people at Tufts reflect my concerned sentiments. I have seen friends reach out to those who voted differently than they, seeking answers as well as discussion about the election of Trump. I have seen the closing of this election be the opening of more dialogue, prompting my peers to be more vocal about their opinions on a variety of issues. I have found this community to be supportive and constructive, while thinking more critically about the reality that much of this country does not hold the same ideas about politics, rights, and priorities as are most commonly verbalized here at Tufts. 

Overall, I saw the big, red elephant in the room become more than the punchline of a joke or the far-off possibility of an election gone wrong. It became a serious talking point in considering the future of American politics and in understanding the will of many American people, and I have learned so much about the nature of my community in the weeks following this election. 

The view from Tufts' graduate Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.  

I love Tufts and I love the United States — but I am critical of both. These injustices in Greek life and in our government existed before this month — as elephants in the room, if you will. The events of early November have simply illuminated the urgency with which we must confront such problems that exist around us. Having seen the reactions of my peers and having participated in the conversations that I have, I hope that this is the new tone of social and political talk at Tufts; a tone set by honest reflection, serious consideration of opinions that oppose our own, and more engagement in the issues all around us.

Of all of the rooms in which I could be experiencing this month and these college years, I have to say that I’m glad to be surrounded by the elephants I am.