Hi everyone! As I write this, it is currently May Morning here in Oxford, the date of a centuries-old tradition dedicated to heralding in the spring. Each year, thousands gather in front of Magdalen Tower to listen to the choir sing hymns to the tune of church bells and chirping birds. For you all, however, it’s Commencement, a day dedicated to heralding in not just this spring but the rest of the seasons of your lives. With change, of course, we must leave things behind. That’s right: It’s time to say goodbye to Tufts — and to this column.
In reality, this goodbye seems altogether premature. After all, I’m hardly done with my Oxford experience. Trinity term just started this past week, and I have piles of essays left to write before I can even think about packing my things.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout this journey, it’s perseverance. I’ve always endeavored to keep my columns positive — to look on the bright side of things — but Oxford isn’t always as glamorous as one might think. From spending long nights in the Pembroke Library (affectionately called the Plib) to struggling to make new friends, this journey has been quite challenging at times. But, I’m willing to bet your Tufts journey was challenging, too, and look where we are now!
Oxford in the springtime is lovely, but there are certainly downsides (and not just the pollen). So many of my friends are graduating — in particular, my two very best friends at Tufts (love you, RS and BR). I can’t help but wish I were back at Tufts, sitting in those dingy foldable chairs on the Academic Quad, watching Commencement. I’m not ready to say goodbye to these wonderful people I’ve met, but today is about celebrating change, and change is not always easy.
After participating in the May Morning festivities, I took the opportunity to walk through the meadows, admiring the morning fog rolling over the fields. I felt myself longing to take a picture of the scene in my mind so as not to forget this wonderful place I’ve been lucky enough to call home; however, my iPhone camera had to suffice. In your last few days on campus, definitely go on a final stroll around Tufts with your friends and take it all in.
As I said in my first installation of this column, the Oxford comma is defined by what comes after. So, even though saying goodbye now is hard, I’m looking forward to what is yet to come.
Best of luck to all the graduating Jumbos, and thank you to everyone who joined me on this journey!
xx
Grace
