There are probably a plethora of questions: Why is a freshman writing a column titled “A Jumbo’s Journey”? What is this column, and why is it being published by the prestigious, apparently seventh-best college newspaper, The Tufts Daily?
As I sit here in the darkness and loneliness of my single room, I understand that I can’t answer all of your questions just yet. Instead, I hope to give an overview of who I am and what this column will be.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Let me take you through a typical conversation between two freshmen during O-Week to give you some information about myself.
“Hey! I’m Ben! What’s your name?” … “Great. Nice to meet you. I’m from Chicago. Where are you from?” … “Cool. I have been there once. Awesome place. I’m planning on majoring in economics. What about you?”
Then, the conversation normally fizzles into an awkward silence and a forever uncomfortable connection where one day you’ll see them walking, quickly make dashing eye contact, and continue walking in opposite directions.
I hope this situation doesn’t happen between us. Throughout my time with this column, I hope to convey my personal experience as I learn and encounter all the idiosyncrasies of Tufts, in real time!
With creative freedom, each bi-weekly column can vary heavily. One publication could be the story of my first frat party or a rant about the inordinate amount of Canvas announcements on any given day. Whatever the storyline, my goal is to be entertaining, relatable, engaging and maybe even funny sometimes.
Alright, enough logistics. Let’s get a solid foundation of who I am.
I am a Dewick enthusiast. Carmichael is for the weak. They are the ones who won’t survive natural selection.
How many Duo Mobile pushes have I received? It’s actually ridiculous. So many. Let someone infiltrate my account and steal my Canvas assignments for all I care. As long as I don’t have to confirm another Duo Mobile push for the thousandth time.
Thoughts on O-Week? Three words: Jumboning, Tisch Roof.
What do you think about dorm life? All I can say is that at least I’m not in Hill Hall.
Worst part about Tufts? The hospital lights.
Best study spot on campus? Can’t go wrong with a study session in the Tisch reading room. I am an avid critic of the Campus Center.
Do you have Sidechat? Yes, and the most upvotes I’ve received on a singular post has been 455. Not to brag or anything.
I wish I could go on all day, but I’ve been restricted to around 500 words. To wrap up, I hope that you continue with me on this journey; I’m not even sure where it’ll lead.
To be honest, I don’t know what I’m doing this weekend (and yes, that is a nod to the unfortunately true freshman stereotype where we walk around at night looking for a party), I don’t know what my next column will look like, and I don’t know what this Jumbo’s Journey will look like.
There is much uncertainty. However, no matter what, it is unequivocal that I will receive another Duo Mobile push very soon.
