You, new Jumbo, are probably reading this with a mixture of emotions. There's a bit of fright, as many of you have never left home and traveled tens, hundreds, or even thousands of miles to begin a new chapter of your life. There's suspicion and a touch of nervousness that comes from the thought of living with completely new people and taking courses in subjects that you never would have thought to explore before, but for these very reasons, you should be excited.
Freshman year is only the beginning of your time here at Tufts, but doors will soon be flying open to opportunities to step outside your comfort zone, to do something new — no matter how scary — and explore the unknown.
Some students arrive on the Hill fairly sure of what major they would like to pursue, but we encourage you to take this first semester to learn something new before anything is set in stone. It's never been strange at Tufts for future chemistry majors to take an acting class, nor for drama majors to learn about bond angles and molecular theory. Take something strange. University President Emeritus Lawrence Bacow advised classes past to take something scary — an unfamiliar subject that nonetheless piques interest. Don't be afraid to continue this explorative tradition.
In a couple of weeks, Tufts will hold its once-a-semester Student Activities Fair, and we hope that you will attend. If you recently did a pre-orientation program and loved it, maybe you will join the Tufts Mountain Club or the Leonard Carmichael Society, adhering to hobbies that you already enjoy, but there will be tables upon tables of new things for you to try. Do something that sounds thrilling: Run for a spot on the Tufts Community Union Senate, join a club sport team or maybe giving miming a chance. Who knows: You might develop a brand-new skill or even discover a new life calling.
You've enrolled is one of the nation's hottest colleges. Even The Daily Beast — which you'll soon learn isn't the most beloved news site on campus — thinks so. Tufts lures students in from places like Somerville to San Diego to Singapore. You are about to meet interesting people from all over the world, some of whom will be your study buddies, your future housemates and maybe, one day, your spouse. Get ready to smile big, shake a lot of hands and add those contacts to your phone — not just friend them on Facebook — as the best part of Orientation week is beginning many wonderful friendships with people who are in this experience right there with you.
By now, you've moved into your dorm. You've most likely met your roommate and might even have said goodbye to your family until Parents Weekend. Right now you may be feeling overwhelmed by all these events, all these possibilities. That's perfectly understandable: College is a tremendous tradition. Embrace this new chapter. Do what you like. Explore. Make your time at Tufts fun and enjoyable while it lasts, as these four years won't last forever, but the memories you make will.
