Tufts Blogs

As September comes to an end, I am excited to say I’ve completed my first month in college! It’s been a wild ride to say the least, but I’m positive that I’m in the right place at the right time. It wasn’t always this way, however. I remember just a few weeks ago, I was utterly lost and had no idea what I was walking into. Due to the pandemic, I was unable to tour Tufts in-person, and attend a pre-orientation program like most others, so move-in day was my first day on campus, let alone Boston. Being so far from my home in the Midwest, not knowing the community, or having any friends, I felt entirely removed from my element, and was consumed by my anxiety over fitting in. I kept racking my mind trying to figure out how everyone knew each other, and had already found their people. This constant mental struggle combined with a lack of sleep and homesickness caused a lot of tears. Instead of facing the unknown head on, I continuously shut myself in, and never left my dorm to explore orientation activities. Eventually, I went down a toxic rabbit hole, doubting if I’m even supposed to be here. Just as I was about to stay in for the third night in a row, my roommate invited me to join her friends in our residence hall common room. Not wanting to seem rude, I decided to go. As I was walking down the stairwell, I bumped into a few girls from a different floor. I did what I thought was the normal thing to do: briefly apologize and continue on my way. Then the most remarkable thing happened. Before I could go too far, the girls stopped me, introduced themselves, and offered their help and friendship throughout the year. Flummoxed by this spontaneous act of intentional social engagement, I politely responded, and continued to shuffle down the stairwell towards the common room. 

Upon arrival at the common room, I found my roommate with her guitar in hand, and a circle of people sitting around her. The soft music and chatter was so inviting, that even my pent up anxiety couldn’t stop me from soaking it all in. At first, I sat amongst everyone quietly, pondering how people who didn’t even know each other were able to hang out so effortlessly and comfortably. Then suddenly, I heard something familiar. “Hey, when are you going to bring your Veena around? I want to hear you play,” said someone in the circle. A boy responded, “Soon- it’s still at home.” I was shocked to hear mention of Indian classical music, something so close to my heritage and upbringing, within this entirely new community. Within seconds, I found myself in a conversation with these newfound companions about our backgrounds, and found out that one of their parents currently teaches at an arts school my father attended as an adolescent. We found ourselves saying over and over, “What a small world!”. 

Just as I was about to head up and call it a night, I ran into a girl with the most amazing white shoes. Nervous to reach out, I mumbled a timid complement. To this day, I don’t know if she has super hearing powers, but she somehow managed to apprehend my quiet words, and introduced herself and her friends to me. After only a few moments of conversation, she invited me to come to Target with her and her friends that night. This girl, who I had never met in my life, just welcomed me into her circle without a single hesitation- a common theme for the night. 

I went to bed that night after my free guitar concert, Veena discussion, and Target adventure thinking I had a really lucky day to meet so many amazing people. It took me the rest of September to realize it isn’t mere impromptu luck, but rather the continuous Jumbo Spirit. Tufts is truly a place where strangers are friends, and small daily acts of benignity are commonplace. I’ve met so many wholesome individuals from simple greetings and short conversations over the past few weeks, and can say without a doubt that everyone is welcomed and supported within the Tufts community. Though I still feel nervous for my future from time to time, I no longer feel isolated or alone, and can’t wait to share my experiences at Tufts with all of you!

For now, take care, and I’ll see you next time!

Amba Raghavan