Tufts Blogs

I was brimming with excitement this past Summer. The thought of leisurely floating through my last year at Tufts with an intoxicating sense of senioritis seemed so appealing. My veterinary school applications? Submitted. Major requirements? (Almost) finished. Distribution requirements? All done. Having spent so many hours in Tisch Library these past three years with endless cups of iced coffee, I was ready to give myself an easygoing year with some well-earned relaxation. But now that I’m here, in no way does this year seem like it’ll be “easygoing.” 

No, I’m not saying that I’m still stuck in Tisch until 3:00am on some nights (not recommended). And no, I’m not taking over 18 SHUs with two three-hour labs (also not recommended). But it feels like my body physically refuses to not be productive. Not in an unhealthy way, which I’ll talk about a bit, but in an ebullient, passionate way. 

I think many students, including myself, tend to normalize the “overwork yourself” mindset. We feel an overwhelming sense of guilt and anxiety if we don’t have five executive board positions in various clubs, take a ridiculous number of classes, or work two part-time jobs. Not only is this taxing (mentally, physically, and emotionally), but it can lead to burnout. At some point, you just become too tired of doing anything, even the things you once loved or aspired to do. So, regardless of where you attend university, what major your pursue, or what future career goals you may have, remind yourself to take breaks and reward yourself for all your hard work. 

Anyways, back to my point. Despite the fact that many of my fellow senior friends have already submitted their health professional school applications or landed post-graduate full-time jobs, they simply don’t stop moving forward. Whether it be creating new clubs on campus to promote a good cause, contributing to existing clubs to ensure they run smoothly next year, working on Senate to make impactful changes for the student body, gaining more experience in their fields of interest through internships, or taking advanced classes to expand their breadth of knowledge, the students here are striving to become individuals who can impact the world in their own unique ways both through their professional careers and personal interests.

I remember writing my “Why Tufts” essay four years ago (eek, has it already been that long?). I talked about browsing through the Jumbo Talk blogs and listening to a podcast posted by the Admissions Department. What I had written is exactly what I’m feeling now: “I fell in love with this little taste of the Tufts’ vibe: a unique combination of sweetness and salt; comfort and challenge unified into one harmonious community. A taste suitable for only a few, but those few who are ready to do the uncommon.” I never imagined that I would be here now in my last year at Tufts writing for the same Jumbo Talk blogs that made me fall in love with the community here. So why is senioritis not a thing here? Because this is Tufts.