Yup, you are all done. After four years of all-nighters, naked quad runs and walking up and down the hill, you are all ready to get into the "real world." I'm sure most of you out there are asking yourselves, "What am I going to do with myself now that I'm done with college?" My advice to the class of 2005 is to do what you have been doing for the past four years: be a Tufts Jumbo in the real world.
A couple of months ago, I interviewed President Bacow about his views on active citizenship at Tufts and asked him for his definition of the term. He replied, "Active citizenship is playing an active part in your community, whatever community that might be, whether it is your professional, neighborhood or school community." In these few words, President Bacow encapsulated one of the concepts Tufts University strives to teach its students - how to become active citizens in their community.
For the past four years, as a member of the Tufts community, you have been a Jumbo. You have worn the brown and blue proudly and have not only learned about international relations, economics,
biology or political science, but have acquired the skills needed to become better members of the community.
Take these concepts into the real world and show your Jumbo pride. Remember that summer of your sophomore year, when you scrambled to find that perfect summer internship and had to settle for working at your local retail store instead? Well, when you get into the big corporate and non-profit worlds, show your Tufts pride. Make internships and opportunities openly available to Tufts students. Make it easier for future students who are going to be in the same position you were in.
Also give back in the traditional sense and make a financial donation to Tufts. As many of you know, money is what makes the world go 'round. At Tufts, with our medium school size and modest endowment, we are often held back by financial constraints. Play a part in getting rid of the money limitations that plague Tufts by giving back financially. Everyone giving a little can turn into a lot of people getting a lot of good.
Be a part of Tufts Career Network. The Career Network is a valuable opportunity to stay connected to the Tufts community. Be available to students who have questions about a job, career, or major. Remember you were once in that same position - curious about the "real world" and asking a million questions to anyone who would answer.
Take part in the Tufts admissions process. One of the greatest things about Tufts is its broad network of students, alumni, faculty and staff from all around the globe. The student body is geographically diverse because of a system of dedicated alumni all around the world who facilitate alumni interviews. Become an alumni interviewer. Spread the Tufts word to the next generations of Tufts students and tell them about your experience at Tufts.
Last but not least, be proud of being a graduate of Tufts University, a world class university dedicated to academic excellence, active citizenship and a global perspective. Whenever you hear someone say, "Tufts? What's that?" Answer, "It's where I went to college. It's a great place, right outside Boston, where I had a great time, met some great people and broadened my horizons."
Spread the Tufts name so it can be known not only in academic circles and the tri-state area, but all around the globe. The nature of Tufts' reputation is a reflection of how you, soon-to-be alumni, portray it in the outside world.
The premise of my column this semester centered on the idea of "Social Entrepreneurship," innovative ways in which opportunistic individuals can bring together their individual needs with the needs of the community to better both simultaneously.
So when you graduate today, be a social entrepreneur for Tufts. If Tufts' image is good, not only will you benefit, but Tufts will too.
Congratulations to the class of 2005 for making it this far. Remember your time here in Medford, Massachusetts and be proud to be a Jumbo.
Loi To is a junior majoring in political science. He can be reached at Loi.To@tufts.edu.
