Glad to be Stuck in the Woods
Going to Tufts was a big change for me. Having been stuck in the drudgery of zoom school at the time, my approach towards the college search process…
In my Why Tufts essay I focused on the academic aspects of the University that I found appealing such as small class size, and particular course offerings. Today, I would pick Tufts because of my peers and the opportunities Tufts has given me that are not solely academic in nature. The people here are incredible—students, staff, and faculty alike. When I look back on my time here, I’m going to remember the people I took classes with more than the classes themselves. I’ve made such strong friendships here and I owe that in part to Tufts, as the university attracts very driven, smart, and intellectually curious people, qualities I often look for in friends. And people here are always doing such interesting things, and I get to talk to them about it! I have a friend who is going to study dung beetles in Africa this summer, another who is bringing protein synthesis to cancer research. I have friends who volunteer at voting drives, and others who take time to tutor students in math, science, and reading. Friends who perform in almost every ensemble on campus from Opera to Tap Dance. And friends who have studied abroad in almost every continent.
Tufts has provided me with some awesome opportunities as well. I interned at the Pentagon in an economics office the summer after my sophomore year, I’ve gotten to invite award-winning chefs to share their stories with the Tufts community, and I have toured four top notch cities with my band. These experience, and others unique to this university, have had a big influence on the person I am today. Working in the Department of Defense was my first foray into the professional workforce, and it could not have been a more rewarding one. I met with top executives at the Department, learned about how such a huge government agency operates from the inside, and lived on my own in the nation’s capital. By organizing events for the Tufts culinary society, and inviting chefs here in particular, I’ve gained confidence in my own ideas and my leadership ability (I’ve also gotten to eat at several restaurants where I know the chef). And traveling with the Tufts Wind Ensemble, I’ve made lifelong friendships, become a more seasoned traveler, and have fallen in love with Chicago.
Here are some other reasons for choosing Tufts that do not fall into the “people” or “opportunities” categories. I’ve loved getting to know Somerville, which has so much to offer, and being so close to Boston. I can see a student-run play or musical on a nearly weekly basis, and see concerts performed by students, faculty, and professionals as well. If I’m not in the mood for a show or concert, I can attend a lecture on any topic I may be interested in. I get to spend every Friday night at Hillel for Shabbat, the perfect time for me to reflect on my past week and look forward to the week ahead. I could not imagine the past four years without the friends I’ve made here, the things I’ve done here, and all the time I have spent in my off-campus house, the campus center, and Braker Hall (the economics building).
Going to Tufts was a big change for me. Having been stuck in the drudgery of zoom school at the time, my approach towards the college search process…
Do you smell something?
It smells like the fresh scent of new beginnings.
As we head into the summer and think ahead, it is time to create goals and…