We've come to the end of a road that might as well be named College Ave. This past semester, it has been my obligation, privilege, and responsibility to go out, drink, and report about it to you, the Tufts community.
Whether it's been about local bars, Boston bars, or parties on campus, writing the Traveling Lush is like recapping the night with my best friends and then... well, and then publishing it in the newspaper.
So, here's the subject of my last review: college.
College isn't always one big party, but it comes pretty close. All are invited, the drinks (on-campus) are usually free, and you can get up the following morning for a leisurely all-you-can-eat dining hall brunch only a few feet away. Plus, you can even schedule your own three-day weekend.
You don't need to have money, be legal, or heck, even leave the house to go "out" in college. I remember pre-gaming down the hall with first-floor Tilton my freshman year and having more fun than at the crowded, sweaty party we arrived at later.
The party doesn't even end when TUPD breaks it up: it can follow you to the library roof, Espressos, or home. All your post-party supplies - your best friends, late night pizza, a house with On Demand - are within walking distance.
Only in college do we have the energy and luxury to stay out until 4 a.m. and then get up at 1:30 p.m. the next day. It's also the last time when it doesn't matter how late you stay out because it doesn't matter how late you sleep in.
Partying is as much a part of college culture as roommates, dorms, and dining halls. As freshmen we traveled in so-called herds, and it's funny how far we would go in the snow or rain for free cheap beer (and sometimes still do). On campus, asking "what did you do last night?" or "what's going on tonight?" is probably asked just as often, if not more, than "what's your major?" College is also the only time and place where "and then I got drunk" is considered a legitimate excuse. It's the reason you didn't call someone or why you did, and it almost always gets you off the hook for what you said. Your friends will buy it, but next year, your boss certainly won't.
So, as we leave this partying venue, how does it rate? To be realistic, Tufts will never make the Top Ten Party Schools list - we would join the Ivy League before that would happen. But when I think of my favorite party moments, I have not a single regret (but there are a few grades I can forget) about my weekends and the memories they generated. When people complain about Tufts, they frequently compare it to other schools - it's the "grass is always greener" syndrome. But as we sit here waiting to be ushered into the "real world" I hope you realize how green our Hill actually is.
If Tufts were a bar, the drinks certainly would run the gamut. We have No Name Caf?© smoothies, Keystone Light at frats, Brown and Brew coffee, well-stocked supply of SoBe drinks (thanks to an alum and SoBe founder John Bello), and of course, water in everyone's water carrier of choice - the Tufts Nalgene. As long as you can put it on points, you can gulp away guilt-free.
As for the crowd that goes here, Tuftonians are as varied as the drinks found on campus. Some of us go mountain climbing on weekends, while others prefer to peruse Newbury Street. At Tufts, we might live ten minutes away from home or all the way across the ocean. Some of us know one language and have lived in one country while others know five languages and have lived in eight countries. We may differ in our choice of brand names - Gucci, J.Crew, Salvation Army - but we all own at least one item of clothing that says "Jumbos" on it. It takes all kinds of people to make a good party, and that's what we have here.
And on closer inspection, the reason why I "looove" Tufts so much is because of the people I've met here. Each one of them, from editors on the Daily, to everyone I've ever lived with, to my best friends - my drinking coaches, partners-in-crime, or my roommate who looks out for me - has made this a four-year party I will remember (and if I have trouble remembering, at least I have tons of photos!).
While this column pays special attention to all things alcohol-related, obviously, there is more to college than partying (to the relief of Mom and Dad). There are stressful exams, classes, relationships, and everything else that has happened to make you realize how much has changed since September 2000.
College may be over, but as Jumbos, we're a work hard, play hard bunch, so I am confident that everyone will continue having as much fun in the future (I will, I just don't plan on publishing it anywhere).
Congratulations and good luck class of 2004! Cheers!
