As students returned to campus earlier this week to complete the fall semester, we’re asking around about how peoples’ Thanksgiving Breaks went over. With some students heading home, others visiting friends, and a few sticking around right here on the hill, we want to know how the traveling, food, and festivities were. Let us know how your Thanksgiving Break was in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or email tuftsdailymedia@gmail.com!
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“I was on campus for the Thanksgiving Break, and it wasn’t too eventful, however it was productive, which is a big help now that finals are on their way”
Joscelyn Garcia, freshman
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“I got off on the right foot, and enjoyed the food and rest, but things are getting off to a busy start now that classes are ending”
Anastasia Mok, freshman
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“I just stayed here and had Thanksgiving with my sister nearby in the Boston area”
Anonymous, graduate student
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“Break was great. I went to New York City on Tuesday morning and came back Monday morning, fresh and energized. The traveling was frustrating though, I can’t stand it”
Juan Carlos Montemayor Elosua, senior
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“I traveled back to Korea for ten days, and though it was exhausting flying 18 hour each way, the trip was worth it”
As students gear up to leave campus for Thanksgiving Break, Tufts University Public Safety will operate this year’s Turkey Shuttle.
Before the shuttle starts up again, we asked students weigh in on whether or not the convenience of having a bus take students to their respective modes of transportation is worth it.
On Tuesday, the Turkey Shuttle buses will leave from the Campus Center to Logan Airport and South Station, beginning at 8:30 am, leaving every 2 hours until 6:30 pm.
On Wednesday, the shuttle will leave the Campus Center at 6:30 am, 8:30 am, and 10:30 am.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Campus Center Info Booth. Buses depart from the Campus Center Upper Patio (44 Professors Row). You must have a ticket to board the bus. Let us know your thoughts about the Turkey Shuttle and its pros and cons in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or email tuftsdailymedia@gmail.com!
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“Yes it’s worth the extra money, especially because many people would feel it a hassle to carry a lot of bags down to Davis Square”
Elena Michaels, sophomore
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“I’m not using it because I’m driving, but if I had to take a train, plane, or anything else I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to use it.”
Izzy Spada, freshman
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“It seems a little expensive in comparison to the T, which I think is only around $2.40. I personally won’t be using it.”
Anonymous, senior
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“I wish that they had a 5:30 shuttle rather than 4:30 because I can’t take the 6:30 shuttle.”
Julia Tang, freshman
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“Where do you purchase a ticket? I think they should have advertised it more than just via email, because it seems like a good way to leave for the holidays, and it’s worked in the past.”
Our second installment of our new online feature, New Faculty on the Block, this week presents an overview of some of the work Professor Pawan Dhingra has done, and what he’s looking forward to here at Tufts in the future.
Dhingra has worked with Oberlin College, the Smithsonian Institution, and many. He specializes in Asian American Studies, and especially enjoys studying sociology surrounding the Indian immigration population. Before the election takes place tomorrow, he provides keen insight on how race has played a role in our nation’s politics, and the importance of studying sociology in today’s world.
Get to know Professor Dhingra more with this exclusive video interview!
Today marks the one-week mark until citizens go to the polls to voice their wants and needs for the next four years in this country. LGBT Issues, a rising area of importance among the youth voters, were discussed around campus this week, and we wanted to gauge what people thought about their role in the election. Here’s what students had to say. Let us know your thoughts on this year’s candidates’ stances on LGBT Issues and their potential sway in the deciding of the next president in the comments below, on our Facebook page, tweet us @TuftsDaily, or email tuftsdailymedia@gmail.com!
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“From what I’ve seen and heard Romney doesn’t seem very accepting. In the last debate he stated that immigrants should serve in the military before gaining citizenship, and he’s also against Plan Parenthood. For these reasons I think that he isn’t likely to care about issues surrounding sexuality, and will lose support this election.”
Sonia Bouclainville, junior
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“Since civil rights and LGBT issues have all been handled at the state level, I don’t think that they will be a deciding factor in who’s elected.”
Anonymous, senior
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“I think that it will be a bigger priority than it has been in the past. Even within four years these issues have gained acceptance. However, the economy will definitely take precedence over civil rights issues for now.”
Joey Herman, senior
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“I guess it’ll affect some voters, but not all. To me it matters, but I don’t know how much sway it will have, as there hasn’t been as much media attention on it in comparison to other issues.“
Michael Tran, senior
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“In most states where it’s a major issue, it’s being dealt with. Those people offended by Obama’s endorsement of same sex marriage mostly likely wouldn’t have voted for him anyways because they probably already have other conflicting views with him.”
Chris Navarro, junior
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“This year’s election seems to be hyper-focused on the economy, which is reasonable, but I would definitely like to see LGBT Issues at more of the forefront of the nation’s issues.”
Anastasia Mok, freshman
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“I think that their stances on LGBT rights as well as the rights of women, minorities, and other social groups that don’t experience the equality that white males are privileged to will be incredibly influential for undecided voters. That being said, Idon’t know how important it will be, because as many people as there are who have the right idea – equal treatment under the law for all – there are just as many people who like and enjoy the status quo. That’s just the sad and lamentable state of America.”
Brad Benjamin,senior
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“It’s unfair to gay people that politicians have used gay rights (just like abortion) as a wedge issue to polarize voters, especially to exploit socially conservative people’s prejudices for their votes. If LGBT rights or other controversial social issues weren’t politicized, I don’t think most people would be strongly opposed to them as they are now. Realistically, gay rights and unrestricted rights to abortion would make a small impact on society but taking away those rights is an intolerable offense. Republicans and their right-wing religious bedfellows need to be punished for their fear tactics. People’s civil rights shouldn’t be a bargaining chip for political gain.”
Today we kick off our “More than a GIM” series, in which we take an in depth look at various organizations to learn more about their mission here on the hill. To start off this year is the Asian American Alliance (AAA). We met with the Executive Board and their members Wednesday evening at their annual Charity Service Auction, which this year supported the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence and raised over $1000. A sizable crowd gathered from 8-10PM in the Sophia Gordon Function Hall to bid on items like lunch with Anthony Monacco and other Tufts Faculty, dance lessons, meals, rides to the airport, serenades, and more. Throughout the night various acts performed, like Student hip-hop violinist, Justin Chiou, in addition to Spirit of Color, Jackson Jills, and Pulse.
Before the event began we spoke with President of AAA, Kay Lowe, and asked her a few questions about the group.
“Asian American Alliance is basically a political organization on campus. We have entertainment events, charity work, and various open meetings throughout the year”
All participants of AAA, and their 21 executive board members seem enthusiastic to bring awareness to overlooked issues within the Asian American Community here at Tufts and within the global community.
Educational and Political Co-Chair, Gavin Immer, when asked about how the group furthers inter-diversity on campus said “one of the most important components of Asian American Alliance is that it integrates Asian American students with Asian International Students, and discuss and investigate issues concerning all Asian sub-demographics” He added that he’s “trying to bridge Queer Straight Alliance, ALAS, and AAA”.
Events in the near future students should be aware of include a showing of the film “Who Killed Vincent Chin?” Coming up next week students from Josiah Quincy Upper School are coming to campus Friday, November 2nd, in which students will have a visit with Admissions, tour campus, and explore the Group of Six Houses. There’s also an Asian American Studies Minor kick off celebration Monday, October 29th at 6PM in Anderson Hall, and the possibility of another open meeting later in November. After attending the first meeting this month, a discussion surrounding affirmative action, I’m looking forward to getting together with the triple “A” gang again.
Check out the video below to catch a glimpse of the Charity Service Auction, and watch out for other great programming from AAA this year!
One of the most feared topics of conversation amongst the college generation, “What are you doing after graduation?” seems to plague upperclassmen every year. As this year’s election is now exactly two weeks away, people begin to wonder whether or not the country will see improvement within various job sectors. Following up on today’s article in the print version of the Daily found here, we decided to go around campus and ask juniors, seniors, and faculty members their thoughts on a list of topics. These included were internships, jobs, career services, preparedness after attending Tufts, and the prospects of one receiving a career soon after college. We of course encountered a few students who are participating in a pre-professional track here on campus and were quite smitten to reply that they did not need to worry about this subject at the moment. However, for the rest of us it appears that we must continue to push forward. Let us know your thoughts on finding employment as a Tufts student in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or email tuftsdailymedia@gmail.com!
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“I’m going to medical school, so fortunately I don’t have to worry about that quite yet”
Nicole Byer, senior
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“My plan is to become a high school teacher, so I feel that the interdisciplinary aspect of a liberal arts education has prepared me to go into the workforce” Benjamin Serrano, senior
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“That’s not on my radar just yet, as I plan on going to dental school next year” Elizabeth Rosenberg, senior
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“A couple of years ago it was undoubtedly difficult. There’s fairly clear evidence that the economy is increasing. However, there’s no concrete way to identify how the next president will affect this. I am certainly more confident today, especially since the nation’s been reestablishing its economic front since 2008” George Norman, Professor of Economics
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“The thing with finding internships is, they’re kind of hit or miss. You really have to look for them. If you don’t have anything that sets you apart from the rest, you have to network. We’ve all had the experience of being denied because our resume’s not up to par, but we’re relentless and that helps” Shayne Hubbard, junior
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“I don’t think that the presidential candidates will change much in the increase in job employment. Either one seems to have an idea about job creation, but they all inherit so much ‘crap’ that it won’t make a huge difference” Shayne Hubbard and friends, juniors
Following up on today’s editorial that can be found here regarding the role of women in this year’s election, the Daily team decided to take a walk through campus to gauge student and faculty perspective on women’s rights and responsibilities surrounding the big decision that lies ahead on November 6th. Let us know your thoughts on this year’s election and the role of women with in it in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or email tuftsdailymedia@gmail.com!
“Planned Parenthood does more than simply abortions, despite common belief. However, I frankly think that the cornerstone of women’s justice is free, safe, legal abortion. Without that women cannot be equal to men, because men’s biology is treated as the “norm,” with no consequences of procreation when engaging in sexual activity.”
Ronna Johnson, English Professor
“People have the perception that Planned Parenthood and other preventative measures are programs in place to be vilified.”
Ruby Vail, sophomore
“Abortions are only 3% of what the Planned Parenthood Program does and this fact gets greatly skewed throughout the campaign. It seems like people are forgetting that women don’t want to make these difficult decisions, but they ultimately must.”
Eliza Gordon, junior
“It’s inexcusable that the candidates had to use religion to frame social issues.”
Grainne Griffiths, junior
“I feel that women in this country must represent at the polls, as they’ve long been the majority of registered voters in our country and can make tremendous impact.”
This Wednesday in Barnum Hall Tufts’ Institute for Political Citizenship (IPC) will be hosting a viewing and discussion of the first Presidential Debate. All members of the Tufts Community are encouraged to attend this event and engage in political discourse in order to inform themselves of the pressing issues posed by this year’s candidates. Before the debate is televised we thought we’d ask around campus how people are getting involved and what their concerns are for the future. Let us know your thoughts on this year’s election and political citizenship in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or email tuftsdailymedia@gmail.com!
Here are a few thoughts students had…
When asked about issues that should become greater priorities…
“I feel as though there needs to be a greater emphasis on immigration enforcement. Both foreign citizens trying to enter the nation and current citizens residing in the nation, must be aware of the laws in place, and try to promote understanding between one another.”
- Joscelyn García, freshman
When asked why should one vote…
“It’s important to vote because every citizen should be justly represented in his or her government, and voice his or her opinion, regardless of its impact.”
- Skyler Bast, freshman
When asked how intergovernmental relationships should change…
“The United States should make greater bipartisan efforts to pass legislation that represents the entire country, rather than small interest groups. As we continue to become a more diverse nation, it is of extreme importance that the government emphasizes the strengths we all have.”
- Lesly Ruelas, sophomore
When asked if aware of registration requirements and restrictions…
“I was working on the Obama campaign this summer and have been keeping up with politics surrounding voter eligibility. However, I believe that this social justice issue is not discussed nearly enough. Many people do not know that they are unable to vote until they go to the polls.”
- Zobella Vinik, sophomore
What’s your spin on this year’s election and the role of the active citizen? Let us know in the comments below!
As the summer reaches its close and we begin to accept the abrupt acclimation we must make to accommodate the hustle and bustle of another school year, Jumbos everywhere talk about what they enjoy doing during the autumn in New England. Among the top activities mentioned in Jacob Passy’s “Falling for Boston” series, bike riding and apple picking are among the favorite fall activities. Whether it’s trying out a new seasonal ice cream flavor at J.P. Licks in Davis Square, attending a local fair, or just getting ready to jump into a pile of leaves on the President’s Lawn, we know you too have a place where you belong during this new season. Let us know your favorite fall activities in and around Tufts in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or emailtuftsdailymedia@gmail.com!
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“One of my favorites would definitely be the Somerville HONK! Festival. It’s a bunch of ‘Activist Marching Bands,’ as they call themselves, taking over Davis and Harvard Square on the first weekend of October. It’s an incredible combination of fun, odd, and just plain silly.” – Yulia Korovikov, senior
“One thing that I’m involved with on Campus is the Crafts Center. Right now, I, along with some other crafties are making paper-mache puppets for Honk. The crafts center is a great place to go during the week to blow off some steam.” –Matthew Braly, sophomore
“Coming from California, I really enjoy seeing the leaves change color on campus and just observing the fall foliage progress.” –Mod Boon-Long, freshman
“Every year I love to do Peak Weekend with TMC (Tufts Mountain Club)! It’s a great way to get outside and off campus over the long weekend. Hopefully this year Tufts will reach all 48 peaks of the Whites.” – Marie Schow, junior
“Although I still have a lot that I want to explore, I really love that as students in the Boston Area we can take advantage of great music events at the House of Blues, COLLEGEFEST, TD Garden, etc. Another exciting way to get out is doing a ton of super touristy things to get a better feel of Boston, like checking out the MFA or taking a photo walk around the Charles!” – Brenda Lee, sophomore
What do you look forward to in the fall? Let us know in the comments below!
