Why Tufts?: Then and Now
Why Tufts then?
In my senior year of high school, I knew Tufts was for me. I almost applied ED2!
Through exploring the admissions website, I got the sense that Tufts students were excited to learn and committed to making the world a better place. I also thought that the strength of the International Relations major would prepare me to do the world-changing work that I dreamed of. In my “Why Tufts?” essay I wrote: “[Tufts is] the place with people who, just like me, believe that they have so much more to contribute to the world than just desk jobs and small talk. Tufts students aren’t scared of being nerdy or dreaming too big and neither am I.”
In October 2015 I attended Voices, Tufts’ diversity overnight experience. Being on campus confirmed what I already knew: I wanted to attend Tufts. When I visited, students were honest and critical about their Tufts experience. While being critically honest about Tufts, students were genuinely happy to be here, like I am now. That honesty made me feel like I was already part of a community. As a Florida girl, seeing the autumn leaves for the first time and the views from the Tisch Library roof convinced me that I was ready to call Tufts home.
Why Tufts now?
As a senior, there are a million reasons why I still love Tufts. I’ll talk about three:
1. Tisch Scholars: I am part of a cohort of students on campus who are dedicated to civic engagement and social justice. We are just a small part of the huge Tufts population who shares these passions. The Tisch Scholars program has given me the tools to be a more effective leader while being critical of my place as a volunteer in the communities surrounding Tufts. My Tisch Scholar fam is thoughtful and powerful. I’m grateful to have a group of peers who share my values and are doing incredible work across campus and across Boston.Every Wednesday our cohort meets for class. During our last class of the fall semester, we ended with an activity to show gratitude to one another. We all went around, giving a small touch to “everyone that is a baddie, period.” We’re all baddies.
2. Study abroad: I absolutely loved my semester with Tufts in Spain, it is easily one of my favorite Tufts experiences. Spain is beautiful, the people are kind, and the public transportation is *chef’s kiss,* to say the least. I spent a lot of my free time drinking coffee or eating gelato with friends. We explored the museums and took walks in Retiro park or scenic neighborhoods. The actual Tufts program center was always helpful and most classes had a social justice lens to it, something I really appreciated. The program also has great resources that allowed me to do things like take dance and cooking classes. Yes, I can now make tortilla de patata!
3. My communities: Tufts has become my home away from home. I have a support system of incredible people who want to see me be the best me. I think it is in the DNA of Tufts students to want to see each other thrive. I’ve met these incredible people in my first year dorm, in the Latino Center, and while studying abroad. I met two of my best friends at the interest meeting for the Association of Multiracial People at Tufts (AMPT) my first year. They’ve been by my side through the late-night tears and game night laughter. These will be friendships that I will have for the rest of my life.