Editor’s note: The Daily’s editorial department acknowledges that this article is premised on a conflict of interest. This article is a special feature for Commencement 2025 that does not represent the Daily’s standard journalistic practices.
From her academic interests to extracurriculars, graduating senior Kaitlyn Wells might be a perfect example of the quintessential Tufts student, someone whose passions lie in varied arenas — but she didn’t always see this as a good thing.
“I’ve tended to think of myself as a jack-of-all-trades and saw that as a negative thing, but now I realize it’s just more resources that I can leverage in different ways,” Wells said.
Wells began her college career by pursuing a major in international relations with a concentration in global health and the environment. However, the interdisciplinary nature of the international relations major drove her to supplement her studies with a second area of study.
“About halfway through my Tufts career, I just felt a little too scattered academically,” Wells explained. “I decided to pick up something in the biology realm to help me understand sustainability and community health and whatnot, so I ended up pursuing biopsychology as a second major.”
She also ended up fulfilling a minor in economics. Some of her favorite classes, such as “Environmental Justice Literature,” “Education for Public Inquiry and International Citizenship“ and “Ballet,” however, have been in completely different departments.
“Although [“Environmental Justice Literature”] was an English class, it touched a lot upon various social sciences, notions of equality, racism, gender issues, history, environmentalism, and it really opened my eyes,” she said.
Wells’ Tufts experience has also been defined by deep involvement with student organizations. Since her first year, she’s participated in the Hong Kong Student Association, for which she served as co-president, Sino-U.S. Relations Group Engagement and the Daily.
At the Daily, Wells stuck mostly with the Features section because she appreciated the long-form, interview-based narrative writing.
After writing for her first semester, Wells became an assistant features editor the following semester. Eventually, she rose to executive features editor in her sophomore spring.
“I learned so much by being an exec. It was very stressful, but in an exhilarating way. … I felt really in tune with The Tufts Daily community,” Wells said. “I [felt] supported by the managing board, by the people in my section, the dedicated writers and editors, people in the photo and graphics department that would always collaborate with us.”
During her junior fall, Wells became a managing editor of the Daily. “That was such a brilliant experience as well,” she said. “[I] felt so much support and gratitude throughout the whole thing.”
Wells reflected on how the Daily has helped her feel more confident in her abilities.
“Thinking back to my [first-year] fall [when] I was so surprised to be invited to be assistant editor, even though that was really no big deal at the time, I should have been like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna be an editor,’” Wells said. “Over my time at Tufts, I think I’ve learned to be more assured in my capabilities and my worth.”
Heading into graduation and beyond, Wells is excited to meet her friends’ families and to make Boston not just her college town but also her home as she transitions into working life.
But the feeling is bittersweet. She’ll miss the little things that brighten her days at Tufts, such as “getting served a bowl at Hodgdon with a smile, or walking into the Women’s Center and chilling there between classes, or walking around campus when it’s sunny with music in my headphones.”
Another aspect she’ll miss is the opportunity to attend events for clubs she’s completely unfamiliar with.
“They’re very accessible, they’re very regular and so educational, so enlightening, and I'll miss having that at my disposal,” Wells said.
After spending four years at Tufts, Wells has gathered wisdom on the university experience.
Her advice to students who have yet to begin their college career is to remember that happiness can be found almost anywhere.
“I think that honestly, it’s more up to the individual to find out what makes you happy, and that you can really feel fulfilled anywhere, or you can feel fulfilled at most places,” she said. “As long as you know what you want, what types of people you want to surround yourself with, or at least are willing to figure out those things, you could be at any university and have a good time.”
For helpful and unfiltered guidance, Wells recommends having a conversation with an upperclassman.
“Talk to seniors. If you’re an underclassman, talk to seniors or recently graduated people for better personalized advice because … having a real talk with someone who’s not afraid to [not] sugarcoat has been helpful for me,” she said.
Wells also recommends making the effort to get to know professors — something she didn’t take full advantage of.
“One thing I wish I’d done better at Tufts is develop better relationships with faculty. … I think what has held me back in the past with professors is not wanting to expose myself for being behind in a course and thereby not wanting to go to office hours,” she said. “I have a feeling that their time is really precious, so I feel bad taking up time, especially if there’s a line of people behind me.”
Oh, and one more piece of advice for all Tufts students.
“Eat the pizza at Carmichael Dining Hall! That is the best pizza that I’ve had in Boston, and I'm not afraid to say it,” Wells said. “That gluten-free crust is mochi-like in texture, and it’s ridiculously good.”
