Welcome Class of 2030
Welcome to the herd! We are incredibly excited to welcome you to the Jumbo community. I know exactly how it feels to receive that admission letter. Your admission to Tufts was not by chance, the Jumbo spirit is already with you. Walk with me as I recount my first two weeks at Tufts.
On the night of December 15th at 2 a.m., I received my admission letter to Tufts. That night was unlike any other. I was extremely nervous. I was anxious because nothing this big had ever happened in my life; especially the idea of moving to a different country to study. I opened the email from Tufts and, oh my… “Congratulations!” I broke down. My hands started shaking, and I was filled with disbelief. I saw my life flash before me, like reels of my future. Tears flowed down my face as I stood by my window, picturing my new life. That was the beginning of it all.
Fast forward a few months later, and I boarded my first-ever flight to the U.S. (I mean, what a trip for your first flight!). I arrived about two weeks early to attend the Civic Semester pre-orientation program. I landed at Logan International Airport, and that’s where my journey truly began. A Civic Semester peer leader picked me up, (now she is one of my close friends) and showed me to my residence hall. I spent my first two weeks in Harleston Hall.
I adjusted quickly to most things, except the language. You might wonder why, since English is a national language in Kenya. I think it was the accent. I could understand everything my friends said, but sometimes they couldn’t understand me, and I had to repeat myself. I didn’t mind; it became a great way to improve my communication. Back home, I mostly spoke Swahili and wasn’t used to speaking English every day.
Within just two weeks, I met so many people. A friend took us to Chinatown to enjoy some amazing Chinese cuisine. I loved introducing myself and sharing a fun fact; even though I didn’t really have one at the time. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I was doing just fine, even though I thought I would miss home deeply. My friends were so caring and constantly asked if I missed home. I did, but I was okay; I was used to living away from home.
The final week before leaving for Thailand for my Civic Semester included one of the Tufts pre-orientation program that are available for all first-year students. I did the Building Engagement and Access for Students at Tufts (BEAST) program, and honestly, it was great. I met many of the friends I still have today, and it made me truly appreciate the value of Tufts’ different pre-orientation programs.
I am so proud to be a Jumbo. I wear that logo in my heart with passion, and I know that one day, I will look back and recount these days with gratitude.