Tufts Blogs

You know how people always tell you to enjoy your time in college because in a blink of an eye it will all be over? In many ways, this statement is true. After all, we only have four years where it is socially "acceptable" to alternate between pasta and cereal for dinner every night and go wherever you want in your pajamas. But, if I personally take a moment to reflect on what was essentially my first year of college, I cannot say that I felt the year go by quickly. In fact, it felt like quite the opposite. To me, freshmen year of college seemed like one of the longest years of my life. 

Perhaps, this is due to the plethora of "firsts" I encountered. Coming to college was the first time I was living away from home for more than 3 weeks, the first time I had a class schedule that wasn't simply a Monday-Friday 9am-3pm week, the first time I got sick without having my mom to nurture me back to health, as well as the first time I was meeting so many new faces in such a short span of time (can you say o v e r w h e l m i n g?). Moreover, there were many times where I felt like I was captain of a boat called the "S.S. Struggle." From realizing I forgot my ID only after I walked all the way downhill to Dewick (the dining hall that was furthest away from my dorm), the constant battles I faced (and lost) against the laundry machines to ordering pizzas at 2 am as I frantically crammed for an EC5 exam, freshmen year was no walk in the park.

 But despite the difficulties I had, I wouldn't change my freshmen year at Tufts with all its ups and downs. When I first arrived here, I was worried about finding friends that would be able to fill the empty space in my heart that was a result of leaving my tight knit family back in New York. Yet, in just a couple of months, I formed friendships with incredible, caring, and inspiring people with whom I could share the good, bad, strange, awkward, and ridiculously silly moments. I found people who made me roll onto my stomach from laughing so hard, people I could stay up late with discussing our fears, people who snuggle with me after a long day of exams to watch a New Girl marathon or "The Emperor's New Groove." In such a short amount of time, I discovered a family amongst the tiled walls of Houston Hall.

So, while freshmen year had its challenges, the people I met helped me get through them all and made each and every struggle worth it. Nevertheless, there are still some things that I wish I had known that would've made my first year even the slightest bit easier. So, being the kind and thoughtful (dare I say modest?) sophomore I am, I'll share some with you:

- Appreciate the beautiful fall weather while it lasts: Before you know it, Tufts is covered in a never ending blanket of snow and walking to class can be brutal. Grab some friends, grab some lunch and enjoy a picnic outside on the Prez lawn while you can still see the grass blades.

  -Make time for yourself: In college, you are constantly around people. It's a wonderful thing to always have friends just a door away but it is so important to learn how to be alone. It is okay to have a "Parks and Recreation" Netflix binge. It is also okay to stay in and study for a Bio exam while the rest of your friends go out. Find a balance. Go on a bike ride, spend some time alone in a cafe, get waffles and treat yo' self. Being around people all the time can be emotionally draining.

-On that note, just a quick PSA: IT IS OKAY TO CRY IN COLLEGE! In fact, you should definitely cry. If you are feeling stressed out about the three exams you have in one day, go ahead and cry. If you made it to the dining hall and they ran out of the cheesy eggs you had been waiting for all week, you go ahead and cry to your heart's content about it. I promise you, you will feel better letting those emotions out.

Looking back at it, I am quite content my freshmen year didn't simply pass me by. As I begin the adventure that is my sophomore year, I feel many things.

I feel excitement as I decorate my room with pictures and string lights (now my dorm room is literally THE most lit). I feel joy as I find myself back in a place I have already grown to know and love. I feel comfort, knowing that I can call this school home and the words do not feel foreign coming out of my mouth.

Despite all the learning experiences I had last year, I am quite positive that this year will be filled with just as many new and exciting adventures and opportunities. So stay tuned to hear more about my sophomore year.

Nats out.