While many incoming Tufts freshmen have already grown familiar with the campus, few have been mistaken for a tour guide while visiting as a prospective student.
Lauren Phan, however, an 18-year-old from Broomfield, Colo., is one of the few lucky enough to have had this experience.
While visiting Tufts, my group thought I was the student tour guide, she said. I was elated, but [they were] disappointed when I replied with a no. From that moment on, I was sold Tufts University is where I belong.
Phan was accepted into the class of 2018 in the first round of early decision applicants. She grew up in Snohomish, Wash. before moving to Broomfield, Colo. during her sophomore year of high school. She attributes her vintage style, taste in indie music and love for local homemade jams to the culture of her Washington hometown. After spending two years in Colorado, she said she has grown fond of snowboarding and hiking.
Like many current Tufts students, her high school schedule is packed with extracurricular activities which she would like to continue on the hill.
Right now, Im on my schools varsity swim team, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and Senior Class Leadership, she said.
Phan said she is looking forward to continuing her involvement with similar groups at Tufts next year and that she hopes to also get involved with Tufts Mountain Club and Engineers Without Borders.
The Mountain Club sounded like everything I will miss about being [from Colorado]: hiking, snowboarding and kayaking galore, she said. Also, Engineers Without Borders will allow me to continue volunteer work ... while further immersing myself in my field of study.
Accepted to the School of Engineering, Phan plans to major in chemical engineering, with a minor in Spanish.
Ive taken Spanish all four years of high school and wish to continue it in college, she said. I hope to study abroad in a South American country, so having a strong Spanish background will be super helpful.
With her love of community involvement, it is no surprise that Tufts was Phans first choice.
The most appealing aspect of Tufts is the sense of camaraderie on campus and [the] tight knit relationships between the students and faculty, she said.
Tufts will also provide me with a liberal arts environment, while equipping me with a stellar engineering education a combination that is surprisingly rare, she said.
Although she still has several months before arriving to the Medford campus, Phan expressed excitement for the day that she can showcase the university to interested students of the future.
I am beyond excited to someday turn to a group of prospective Jumbos and announce, Im your tour guide today, she said.
