“I’m sorry… How Do You Spell that again?” It’s a question I’ve become accustomed to when talking about my university. Perhaps if I enunciated more, emphasizing the ‘T’ and ‘S’ sounds in Tufts, it would help. But in my hometown, where universities like Harvard or MIT are more commonly known, even perfect pronunciation might not bridge the familiarity gap. I’ve heard it all: “Tuffs,” “Tuft,” “Tusk,” and a medley of other creative interpretations. Growing up in the Midwest, Tufts University was a whisper, a name that sounded prestigious yet remained geographically and conceptually vague. My personal journey with Tufts only truly began in my senior year of high school, specifically when I participated in the Voices program. It wasn’t until then that how to spell Tufts became secondary to understanding what Tufts truly was.
Discovering Tufts Through the Voices Program: A Transformative Introduction
The Voices application process and program was my deep dive into the culture and community that defines Tufts. It was through this immersive experience that I genuinely began to fall in love with the university. The Voices fly-in program served as a transformative overnight college experience, allowing me to sample everything Tufts had to offer. I attended classes, connected with current students, explored study spaces, and even experienced dining on campus. Despite the challenging hills that tested my legs and lungs, I was captivated. Approaching both prospective and current students with questions, I was met with an unexpected warmth and friendliness. The sheer variety of organizations and clubs at Tufts was inspiring. This experience elevated my perception of Tufts beyond anything I had previously imagined. It was through this program that spelling Tufts became synonymous with belonging and opportunity.
Beyond Rainbows and Sunshine: Navigating Realities at Tufts
Yes, Tufts can feel like an idyllic dream, but let’s be real for a moment. Initially, Tufts presented a significant culture shock, and not just in figuring out how do you spell Tufts correctly. Coming from a city where beauty supply stores and fast-food restaurants are ubiquitous, Tufts felt like a desert in these respects. As a low-income student of color, finding hair care products for my natural 4c hair was a genuine struggle. My budget also took a hit when I realized the on-campus dining options weren’t always sufficient for my needs. GrubHub and UberEats became both my closest companions and my financial adversaries. Navigating this unfamiliar terrain was taxing. However, amidst these challenges, I found my footing. I discovered friends, communities, and eventually, beauty supply stores that became my safe havens. I’ve built a community of incredible individuals who have made Tufts feel like home, a place where my voice is not just heard but valued and appreciated.
A Critical yet Committed Perspective: Student Voice and Change at Tufts
Having made Tufts my home, it’s important to offer a word of caution: don’t become blindly enamored with any institution. What I mean is, avoid placing a university on an unattainable pedestal without acknowledging its imperfections and areas for improvement. Despite my deep affection for Tufts, I am also keenly aware of and vocal about the issues that exist within the university. My concerns span various areas, including advocating for dining staff, ongoing discussions about the university mascot, and the need for improved campus accessibility, among many others. These are issues that the student body consistently champions and strives to resolve. And that is precisely what I admire most about Tufts students. We are unafraid to be at the forefront of change, to identify problems, and to actively seek solutions. Tufts is a place for innovators, change-makers, risk-takers, and those who are inherently curious – perhaps just like you!
Without further ado, welcome to TUFTS. And for those still wondering, it’s T-U-F-T-S.
P.S. To all prospective students navigating the application process in the age of COVID, please don’t let the virtual aspect of fly-in programs discourage you. You can still connect with amazing students and faculty, even online!
