This blog entry is dedicated to my “second year” cohorts who I stalk shamelessly on communicator, hoping to catch someone’s light being green, so I can just say “hi”. It is tough being away from my classmates over the summer, but even harder to think about next summer…
Good afternoon,
The list “tuck-second-years” has been updated and now sends mail to the class of 2010. If you are receiving this message you are on that list.
-Geoff
Wow. With one email, I have officially been moved to the rank of “second year”. Of course we received some congratulatory messages as soon as the term was over and we jokingly referred to ourselves with this title, but something about changing the messaging and data systems of the school – like formally removing the previous “second years” makes it more real.
I must admit, when I think about the title I have a mix of emotions, happy and sad. Sitting over one thousand miles away from Tuck, at my summer internship, I get really excited at the thought of going back. I never would have believed I would feel so strongly about a group of people as I do concerning my classmates. I miss them.
There are three of us in my particular city. Admittedly, one of my best nights here, was when another classmate came in from the east coast and we all had dinner. I would say we all have different primary social circles, but we have so many shared experiences that at the awkward beginning of adjusting to a new city and a new company, it felt great to be surrounded by my classmates.
Now if you think that sounds sappy, you will think what I say next is worse. I dread the fact that I’ve let one year go by and I only have one more year to go. As one classmate put it as I was driving away from New Hampshire and he was calling from the “other” coast, he is daily missing the “bubble”. Meaning all the things that make Tuck unique are out of reach in other places. The close knit community comprised of our classmates and their families are a given, but also the opportunity to live in a small town, with rich culture and great outdoor activities. To experience all the traditions of a small school while getting a world class education, but being able to escape to Boston, New York, or Canada if the need arises. It’s like the perfect storm!
When you leave, it makes you wonder, if you will ever have another experience like it in life. The answer is “no”. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity if for no other reason than the collection of people will never come together again. Which then puts on the pressure…I have to squeeze every I thing I can out of my last 9 months in the “bubble”, because when it’s over its over!!! It’s up to us to ensure we have no regrets….
Read the full article: Life outside the bubble