The Sky's the Limit at Tufts
As an incoming freshman at Tufts, I did not know what to expect. I had an idea of what my experience would be like, but nothing could have prepared me for the wave of excitement and inspiration that greeted me when I stepped on campus. I began my time at Tufts with Students’ Quest for Unity in the African Diaspora (SQUAD), one of the eight Pre-Orientation Programs offered. During SQUAD, I built community through group tours, scavenger hunts, spontaneous trips to Boston, and so much more. It was a joyous time that helped ease my anxiety that surfaced due to being on my own for the first time in my life. This experience was the foundation of my journey beyond my comfort zone at Tufts.
After SQUAD commenced, it was time for me to switch to academic mode. I signed up for a variety of courses stemming from Modern Dance, Introduction to Sociology, and Introduction to Community Health. I was excited to take advantage of the plethora of unique courses, and use it as a means of eventually choosing my major. Apart from my academic ventures, I joined Roti & Rum, the Carribean Dance Team on campus to explore a style of dance that was different from what I participated in high school. This experience was a second opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and allow me to meet new people. Forming these bonds through meaningful interactions made me even more appreciative of the special experiences that Tufts provides.
Towards the end of my first year, I discovered Tufts Timmy, a chapter of a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equitable and sustainable healthcare to low to middle-income countries. Through Tufts Timmy, I was able to travel with a small group of students to Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic to provide tailored health plans to residents of five communities. My love for healthcare and patient care was brought to life on this service trip and I am grateful to Tufts for the chance to build invaluable relationships with the people in these communities, as well as my peers.
As a first year, I wore many hats and reflecting on my time as a rising junior, is nostalgic to say the least. But a key takeaway from my experiences is how appreciative I am to be in a space that allows me to unapologetically exercise and explore my passions. The sky is the limit at Tufts, and I’ve only just begun to soar. From dancing to diasporic rhythms to delivering healthcare abroad, my time here has been a mosaic of growth, exploration, and joy. Each new experience has peeled back a layer of who I am and who I’m becoming. As I step into my third year, I carry with me not only the memories I’ve made, but also the confidence that Tufts is a place where I can dream big and define my own path. If the past two years have taught me anything, it’s that at Tufts, there are no ceilings—just endless blue sky.