Hello friends and followers!
I’ve been at Tufts University for seventeen days, but it feels like much longer. In that time, many of you have been asking me how I’m doing, and that makes me feel really great! Although this post is a long time coming, rest assured that the delay stems from all the fun I’ve been having.
I’ve missed you, so how about we catch up? I’ll first let you know how I’m doing; then, in the comments or by other means, let me know what you’re up to and how you’re doing. I’m sincere when I say this; tell me about your life.
I have so much to say – so many things, in fact, that I’m going to abandon traditional paragraph structure to get it all out there. Bulleted list, here we go!
- I love Tufts and I’m having an awesome time.
- I’m settled in. I’ve adjusted to living with a roommate, and I’m proud to say that I haven’t locked myself out of my room yet.
- My roommate is great. He’s intelligent, down to earth, and approachable.
- My room is very comfortable. Over the last few weeks, I’ve decorated it with posters, carpets, and soft (non-harsh) lighting.
- Everyone here is exceptionally smart and motivated. It’s a terrifying culture shock for me, as you can imagine. I’m not insulting my roots and hometown in the slightest. There’s no other way to say it: everyone here is brilliant.
- Orientation was awesome. The organizers, mostly upperclassmen, did a great job. They strongly pushed themes of diversity, sustainability, and fun.
- I’ve made lots of friends in very different circles. I haven’t met a single person here who isn’t interesting.
- I voluntarily went for a walk in the torrential rain with friends the other day. I suggest you try it sometime.
- Classes are hard and I’ve got a lot on my plate, but I’m certainly not overwhelmed… yet. This would be much easier if I did any academic work during the second half of my senior year.
- Speaking of classes, I’m taking six this semester (calculus, physics, engineering graphics, philosophy, computer science, and an unorthodox politics class). As time goes on, I’ll give some more details.
- With much thought, I decided not to run for the Student Senate. I don’t know what kind of leadership position to seek out at Tufts yet, and I don’t know what organization(s) to hitch my wagon to.
- I still don’t know what I want to study here. I’ve observed a non-aggressive but tangible culture clash between the School of Engineering and the School of Arts and Science. I’m currently enrolled in the former, but I’m not sure if it’s where I belong. My passions for politics, technology, and access to knowledge are at war for my focus. Right now, there are only casualties, not winners.
As I’m immersed in this intellectually enriching experience, one which I’m loving every minute of, the problem of deciding a major looms in the background. In the coming weeks, I’ll be giving it lots of thought and seeking out the smartest people around to help me. They’re easy to find here.
…
Don’t forget to let me know how you’re doing, as I wrote in the beginning of this post.
I mean it.
Good to hear you are settling in well. Unfortunately, thngs couldn’t be more opposite over here at Cornell.
-I’m losing things and am low on supplies that I often took for granted at home.
-I’ve been locked out of my room/dorm MANY times.
-Lots of work. Period.
-Getting up on time on my own is quite difficult. Though I’ve done plenty to assist others in making 9AM classes, no one seems to return my favors.
-Cornell is a party school. I don’t know what the world is coming to. I was hoping to come to a brain-trust-like setting, with nerds and professors Segwaying around and talking about intellectual issues. Instead, it’s high school all over again.
-I am making all the same social mistakes I made in HS; using homework as an excuse to hang out with girls, being a social vampire, and making friends with the CUDems, DGA, and CJAS (nerd groups) rather than than with socialistas.
-My room is heavily under-decorated. I bought more political books and graphic novels to fill shelves, but my room is lacking in terms of posters.
-My roommate is as introverted and socially inept as I.
-My First-year Writing Seminar teacher may actually be the Antichrist, which is awesome considering the class is called “The Antichrist.” I’m dropping the class.
-It rains too much.
-I have to walk an uphill mile in 15 minutes twice a week to make my favourite class.
-TLA,MC,&DF has made me realize that I’m no longer the “math” guy or the “smart” guy.
Good Things-
-I’m the FUNNY guy.
-The teachers that HAVE Doctorates are GOOD at both teaching and their fields.
-2 Liters of Pepsi Max.
I’m so happy that you’re enjoying college! We make fun of freshmen, but really it’s because we’re envious.
Life at Amherst is amazing. I’m really enjoying all my classes. I’m excited to be taking French again, and I’m beginning to make plans to study abroad next year. I’m thinking about a public service internship in DC over winter break. I’m getting out more and meeting new people. I’m rooming with one of my best friends in one of the nicest dorms on campus and I’m having tons of fun and everything is basically amazing.
Mike, I’m sad to hear you’re not doing too well. Luckily, it seems like your problems are solvable.
Losing things? Stop. That’s entirely something you can remedy. Need more supplies? Stop at a drug store or call home and have your parents mail you a “care package”.
Locking out? Leave a note next to the door reminding you to bring your keys.
Not getting up on time? Your Mac is a great alarm clock.
Cornell is a party school? Mike, I hate to break it to you, but every school is a party school. You just need to find your niche and some good friends. Throw your own parties.
Need posters? Order some online and have ‘em shipped to you.
The Antichrist? Well, actually, I’d avoid the Antichrist, too.
Not the smart guy anymore? Leave your pride behind and do what needs to get done. I’ve gone to more tutors and help sessions in the last two weeks than I did throughout my entire high school career and I feel no shame.
Hopefully you can turn things around.
Kim!
Wow, that’s so great! I’m really happy to hear you’re doing so well. The trip abroad and the internship sound awesome. Keep me posted, as always!