Toward the end of the summer my friends were already talking about their freshmen orientations. They shared registration stories, compared their course loads for the coming year, and even helped one another pick majors. They were all going to large state schools like OU or University of Michigan, and had been assigned to huge orientation programs over the summer.
By August, they knew practically everything about their upcoming year, and I couldn't help feeling left out. My answer to questions like, "What's your major going to be?" or "What classes are you taking?" and even "What's your e-mail address?" was always an unfailing "I don't know." For a while, I thought I might not be going to the right school. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Tufts has truly gone all out in welcoming its class of 2005. I was one of about 250 freshmen who decided to participate in the Tufts Wilderness Orientation. As soon as I walked in the door I knew I was in the right place. The support staff lined the stairway to Jackson Gym and cheered my every step. I later realized that this was something they did for everyone, but that was okay; I still felt special. It was obvious people were working hard to make me feel at home. Two days later, trudging up the slope of Mt. Lafayette in New Hampshire with 50 pounds strapped to my back, I felt somewhat less at home. But, as is often the case, the view from the peak made all the work worth the climb.
A lot of planning has gone into making us feel welcome. Even before we'd arrived on campus many of us had chatted online thanks to the Connection 2005 website, a group of message boards where freshmen discussed topics of interest and posted personal information. The first person I met at Wilderness Orientation had read my postings and even recognized me from the picture I posted. Obviously, this was great way to put us in touch with each other before arriving on campus. It was nice to think that although I drove two days to get here, I already had friends.
I've been at Tufts for less than a week, and I already feel completely at home. In the past couple of days, I've relocated my life to a new part of the country, met more people than I can remember, attended more programs than I can count, and generally have had a great time doing it. I've also yet to meet a person I genuinely dislike. Tufts students are intelligent, interesting, kind, as well as diverse and ready to explore new opportunities and activities. It is clear that we're all thrilled to be here! I remember that feeling I had at the top of Mt. Lafayette and feel that my whole college process is analogous to that climb. After nearly two years in the college admissions process it feels as though all my hard work is finally paying off. I am on cloud nine.
Over the last couple months, Tufts has been congratulating us on our decision and welcoming us to our new school. Which is why I'd like to say, on behalf of the freshman class, "Thank you, Tufts. It's nice to finally be here."
