Jumbo Magazine - Fall 2023

CULTURE & CLIMATE: THE NEW ENGLAND TRANSITION

For many students, college represents the first time they have left their home communities in search of a new educational and community environment. Situated in an idyllic New England suburb in Medford/Somerville, Massachusetts (just five miles from Boston!), Tufts draws students from all over the country who are looking to become part of its intellectually stimulating and supportive community. At the same time, Tufts recognizes that finding your home on-campus is important, and supports students in seeking their home-away-fromhome on the Hill. We chatted with current Tufts students from the Southern and Southwestern US to learn more about their transition to life in the Northeast and how they have found familiar comforts despite being many miles away from home.

BY JOSH COHEN ’24

Matias Cattani ’24 from Houston, Texas majoring in biopsychology

What is the U.S. South/Southwest transplant experience like?

My experience moving to the Northeast was great overall. With time, everyone naturally and easily gets acclimated to living and studying in the Northeast! I’ve really enjoyed being in a new geographical region, as it’s allowed me to explore different cultures and experience a completely new side of the US.

How has moving to New England been great? How has it been difficult? Moving to New England has been great since it’s allowed me to interact with different groups of people who grew up in all areas of the United States. I love that Boston and other cities in the Northeast are extremely walkable and offer great public transportation since it has allowed me to explore cities easily! I wasn’t expecting there to be a large cultural shock, but there definitely are some fundamental cultural differences between the South and the Northeast. Adjusting to these differences was difficult at first, but this is just part of moving to any new city!

Emily Kemp ’24 from Tampa, Florida majoring in computer science

What is the U.S. South/Southwest transplant experience like?

Everyone I have met at Tufts has been friendly and welcoming, and I have loved experiencing all of the wonderful things New England has to offer. Even though I am farther from my family than some of my friends who are able to drive a few hours home on the weekends if they are feeling homesick, I have made connections and relationships that make Tufts feel like a second family.

How has moving to New England been great? How has it been difficult?

I was really looking forward to moving up north, specifically out of Florida, to experience a new culture and ideological atmosphere from what I knew growing up. I think, overall, New England has definitely provided that, which I am very grateful for. I think the culture here has given me a new perspective and made me more aware of my impact on the world in many ways that living in Florida never did. On the flip side, the most difficult part of transitioning to this new place was the climate difference. Even though I was warned, and came prepared with many sweaters and jackets, I was not prepared for how the cold weather really can impact you. Other than visiting northern places for the holidays and seeing a bit of snow here and there, I had never experienced a real winter before coming to Tufts. I am in my third year now, and I still do not think I am used to the winter season, but at least I have a better idea of what to expect. The worst part, in all honesty, is the fact that the days get so short starting in mid-November. It can be difficult to feel motivated when there are so few hours of sunlight every day.

Anything you wish you’d known before you came here?

I would have appreciated a few lessons on how to deal with the elements of winter. Most of the things New Englanders learn when they are seven, I am still learning at 20! I have had to figure out how to shovel snow, scrape ice off of a car, and salt my sidewalk, for example.

Sabrina Medlock ’24 from Gulfport, Mississippi majoring in biopsychology and minoring in studio art

What is the U.S. South/Southwest transplant experience like?

I am a very cold-intolerant person, even in Mississippi I was known for being the person who is constantly cold. So, when I told my family and friends I wanted to go to a school in the Northeast they were all pretty shocked by that choice. I don’t think I ever fully adjusted to the cold to be honest, and I have a new appreciation for the heat, but I also had never seen snow before coming to Tufts and that was a super fun and exciting experience!

How has moving to New England been great? How has it been difficult?

My city in Mississippi is kind of small and there’s not very many things to do over there (think going to Walmart on Saturday for fun), so it was really amazing to see everything available to me up here. Even walking around the streets of Medford is exciting to me and I love looking at the buildings and shops and activities here. Like I said before though, the cold is brutal and I learned the hard way that bundling up is a necessity for a Southern body like me.

How has Tufts specifically supported you in adjusting to New England life? Any tips or tricks for maximizing Tufts life as a southern Jumbo?

I am a part of the FIRST Center, a Tufts organization for first generation, lowincome (FGLI), and/or undocumented students. Every fall, they host a FIRST sale where students gather and take donations from the community including books, clothes, winter gear, appliances, decorations, and more. I’ve tried to maximize that opportunity the past three years and it was a life saver for sure. If you’re an FGLI student, I highly recommend connecting with FIRST and utilizing their resources!