Hi! My name is Lizzie and I am a first year student at Tufts University! I am from about an hour away in Massachusetts and have loved my time here at Tufts so far! I do not have a declared major yet, but I am interested in most likely pursuing a degree in cognitive and brain science, with a possible minor in sociology. I have met the best people here, so I am so excited to share my experiences and answer any of your questions!

Hometown

Newburyport, Massachusetts

Major(s)

Cognitive and Brain Science, Biopsychology

Minor(s)

Sociology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Tufts Women's Club Basketball, Tufts Mountain Club, Tufts Dance Collective, Tufts Psych Society, Tufts NeuroNetwork, Tufts Cheese Club

Describe your college experience

I would say that my college transition was a lot smoother than expected. I tend to be a very anxious person, so I was really nervous about leaving home and being on my own for the first time. I participated in a pre-orientation program, TWO, which I think was one of the best decisions I made. With pre-orientation and all of the orientation activities, there was so much going on the first few weeks and even months of college, which honestly made my transition less stressful, as I never really had time to worry too much. I met most of my friends during orientation and have remained close with them ever since. I also met a bunch of other friends through classes and clubs! If I had to summarize my college experience so far, I would say that it has been a very exciting and illuminating experience, filled with many random opportunities! I have learned so much about myself, and have had the opportunity to try new things I never would have imagined doing.

Tip for future students

I would highly recommend that they try out a pre-orientation program, if they are able to! My other tip would to just be open to any new experience presented to them. Tufts has so many exciting opportunities, whether that's a club, activity, class, or something else, and I would say it is worth it to just try as many different things as you can, especially in the beginning. However, I would also say that it's important not to stress yourself out trying to do too many things too fast, even though that contradicts my last piece of advice. You need to find the right balance for you personally. Try not to compare yourself to others, because what is best for them, is not also best for you. There are also so many resources available, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything, everyone is here for you, willing and wanting to help!!

Favorite class

Ok, I have to say two, because I don't think I can choose just one. Last fall I took "Gender & Society" and it was one of the best classes I have ever taken. It was so different from anything I have ever learned and pushed me to think every class. Not only that, I had a couple major epiphanies based on the content we covered in that class, that have changed how I understand myself. Lastly, I love philosophical discussions and after each class, a couple of my friends who were also in that class and I, would never have a shortage of topics to discuss. My other favorite class is "Psychopathology". I love the teacher, and there are always so many guest speakers who specialize on a specific mental disorder that come in to lecture. The class meets only once a week for two and a half hours, but I always find that it flies by, and myself wishing it met more often. I am always so captivated by the material covered in class, finding many real life applications to it, and feeling passionate about my future.

Career goals

While my future plans are still very unclear, at this time I plan to get a clinical psych PhD, with a focus in neuroscience. I would love to work in research or in a clinical setting, such as at a psychiatric hospital. I would also love to travel at some point in my life and volunteer.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be with all my friends. It would vary what we do depending on the night, but some of my favorite things to do would be, hanging out at the crafts center, sledding down pres lawn, having a baking​/​ movie night in a common room, or going to a party.

High school or secondary school

Newburyport High School, Newburyport, MA