This is it. Eight semesters, four of which I spent writing columns, have drawn to a close. I got to share my favorite restaurant picks, bar scenes and drink menus. I've been a Broad Abroad, a Wealth and Hellness correspondent, a Peckish foodie and - of course - a Traveling Lush. I've covered a lot of territory, from Budapest and Boston to cheese fries and naptime.
On the occasions when I talk to people who read my work, they often say how great it must be to have had a weekly motivation to get out and explore Boston. And that's partly true: In those four semesters worth of Daily writing, I've found heaps of column-worthy material. And there are still plenty of my exploits that I didn't get a chance to write about (or won't get a chance to write about, like Senior Week).
But the best part is that all that fun wasn't the result of being a columnist. Rather, it was the other way around: I became a columnist to share what I was already doing. I was never "on assignment," or desperately searching for another topic. I never had to trawl the Phoenix for things to do, and nobody forced me to spend most of my waking hours searching Yelp.com for that next great place. In fact, it would have been hard to refrain from doing any of that kind of stuff. I love getting out to explore our surrounding towns, and Tufts and my friends made it possible. After all, there's no better way to bond with others than by getting lost on your way to the place you "swear was right here." So I know that once I move out of Medford, I'll keep it up.
For the seniors who will stay in the area and for those moving on to other cities, one bit of advice is to make the most of your new neighborhoods as soon as you can. I really like the idea of exploring another place and starting over again. Or maybe I just like the planning because it's a great distraction from that gut-wrenching sense of nostalgia and impending doom when I think about the G-word. Still, it is fun to come up with ideas for this summer. For example, as for that whole financial situation, I have a plan for my first few months out of school: For my entertainment and leisure budget, I'm going to use that little student ID card I received four years ago like I've never used it before. Free entry to museums, clothing discounts and even breaks on movie passes. It's good through 2008, right?
And honestly, I can't wait to explore wherever I end up next - and on foot, too. Here at Tufts, I wish I'd walked more and ditched the campus shuttle earlier. How many times did I ride the Joey through Teele Square and press my nose to the window, staring longingly at that mysterious-looking bar Sabur? And when I had a Saturday to escape from my work, why didn't I saunter toward Ball Square instead of catching the shuttle to Davis? Had I hoofed it a little more often, I would have discovered Sabur's delicious couscous (and later on, their marvelous martinis) and enjoyed the wraps and free wireless at True Grounds much sooner.
One of the most bittersweet things about graduating - er, sorry, the G-word - is that I'm still finding great places nearby, but I'm not sure yet if I'll be around to revisit them. I recently trekked out to both the B-Side Lounge in Cambridge and Highland Kitchen in Somerville on two drizzly, chilly nights, and my long walks were rewarded by those charming, warm bars with amazing drink menus and talented bartenders. As long as the way is well lit and there's someone to accompany me, I'd gladly make the hike again from Central to B-Side's bleu cheese fries and Lemon Drop martinis. And Highland Kitchen wins the award for "You Could Take Your Date/Boss/Family Here for Drinks/Dinner/Brunch and Impress Them All Bar."
But if I'm not on the Red Line this summer, who knows where I'll end up? Oops, here I am again, back with that agonizing sense of the unknown.
As daunting as it is, I have to admit that the search really is the best part, even if I'm not sure where it'll take me. So let me part with a toast to the Class of 2008. Wherever the nights may lead us, here's to the school and the people who helped us get there. And as for anyone who wants to get together to reminisce about Tufts and Jumbos? I'll drink to that.
Kate Peck graduates today with a degree in English. She can be reached at Katherine.Peck@tufts.edu.
