It seems like just yesterday I was sitting with my soon-to-be-peers and friends matriculating both into a school and an experience about which I was nervous, anxious and clueless. As I prepare to leave Tufts my nervousness has transitioned into a comfort, my anxiousness into a sense of calm and my feeling of being clueless into an understanding of college that only a graduate hoping for the best in the future while reflecting on the best in the past can have.
Of all the great opportunities Tufts has offered me, the most rewarding opportunity has been that of building relationships and learning from peers and friends here on the Hill. The greatness of Tufts is steeped in the personalities of its students, faculty and administration.
Every Sunday night throughout the school year I would reflect on the experiences of the past week. With these reflections, there are a few instances and situations that are simply unforgettable. The first week of school I had the opportunity of speaking to the incoming freshman class - the opportunity to deliver a message that would shape their next four years on the Hill.
As one of those freshmen who stood, holding the candle, on the same hill four years earlier, I had very little understanding about the significance that stood behind the tradition. As a senior, the ceremony was something that struck me as unbelievably beautiful and comforting. When I left that night I realized that with every passing year Tufts grows and changes; a new set of individuals enter, but there is forever a common bond between all those who lit their candle on our Hill. The bond is deeper than just lighting the candle - it is about joining the rich legacy of Jumbos that came before us and Jumbos yet to come.
At the beginning of the fall semester the student body was dissatisfied with the quality of social life on campus. Many students approached me and the Senate with their concerns about how we need to improve the social life on campus. After several discussions with my peers and the Dean of Students Office we put together a Town Hall on social life. I left understanding that my peers wanted a place to take a break from academics, a place where they could learn from each other.
Of course, it would be easy enough for Dean Reitman and other members of the Administration to simply write off the wants of students as a reccurring complaint, but instead they took it as an opportunity to work with students to make tangible changes with the end result being a newly renovated Hotung, which will be completed over the summer, and a greater focus on other aspects of social life. Students at Tufts are sincere in their desire to improve their campus, and administrators like Dean Reitman and others are dedicated to both listening and acting.
As the fall semester was winding down, I attended one of the most contentious Senate meetings of the year. The student body cared enough to attend and voice their opinion which allowed us to have a fair and civil discourse. I left with an unwavering confidence in the character of our student body.
Too much has been said of The Primary Source, and not enough has been said of those students who stood strong with their conviction. They believed their school could take a negative moment and turn it into a positive one.
Even though a few students on campus looked to define themselves through ridiculing and humiliating others, many members of the student body, united as Jumbos, stood together as a community in support of one another. Those students, who took the personal initiative to improve our school in a time when they might have personally felt ridiculed, have inspired me.
After the tragedy at Virginia Tech, students at Tufts looked to be a support to a larger collegiate community. Students not only stood together for a candlelight vigil, they also came together to raise money for the Virginia Tech "Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund," soon to be sent to Virginia Tech with a signed banner from our student body.
In times of tragedy and grief, this student body has always stood in support of one another and the greater communities around us. Although Virginia Tech is far away, during the past month it has been very close to the hearts of many students on this campus.
To list every event or moment in which I've either learned from or been inspired by my peers would be both difficult and long. As TCU Senate President I have attempted to push forth an agenda that was reflective of the greatest aspect of Tufts - the people. Listening, learning and responding to issues and needs of my fellow Jumbos has enabled us to leave our impact on the Hill.
Throughout my time here I feel as if I have both helped to change Tufts while working with my peers. However, what I will leave with is how my peers have changed and inspired me. The greatest gift you can give someone is a part of yourself. To my fellow Jumbos, thank you for giving me the opportunity to know and hear you; it has truly been an honor.
In years to come, I hope that TCU Senate continues to recognize that the people are truly the greatest part of Tufts. In order to continue to build upon the foundations that past generations have laid, it is imperative that the student government continues to both learn from and listen to the voice of the people.
In the words of Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
Mitch Robinson is a senior majoring in political science and the outgoing TCU president.
