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.
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Don’t forget to let me know how you’re doing, as I wrote in the beginning of this post.
I mean it.