As my fall semester comes to a close at Tufts University as a Junior, I look back at all of the activities and commitments that made this past semester so eventful inside and outside of the classroom. I spent this past fall studying viruses as well as embryonic development in the classroom which helped me gain a new perspective on human biology and therapeutics as I inch closer to preparing for medical schools. To wrap up the semester, I made and presented a presentation about the Zika Virus Epidemic in 2016, outlining past and current viral research as well as the epidemiological perspective of the Zika Virus outbreak. Outside of the classroom, I helped found a club at Tufts called Doctors Without Borders and took up an E-Board position as Secretary. The purpose of the club is to spread awareness of the activities of the actual Doctors Without Borders organization, hold educational events with guest speakers and hold demonstrations of certain basic medical skills. As the club grows, we plan to expand its goals. I was also involved in a club with similar goals called Global Medical Brigades where I helped fundraise money for medical supplies in under-resourced communities in countries such as Honduras, Panama, Ghana, etc. The last club I became a part of was the Best Buddies Club at Tufts, attending events with other Tufts students and individuals with disabilities who currently attend Medford and Somerville High School. I continued other activities from previous semesters such as playing the violin and squash while also making preparations for applying to Medical Schools for the 2025 cycle.
Eric Reubens - Tufts University
As my Fall of 2022 semester at Tufts University has come to a close, I have learned a lot and explored the different opportunities presented this semester. I explored my interest in chemistry further by taking an interest in my professor’s research in ocean acidification balance, attending his office hours to learn more about his work and to hopefully become more involved in the future. I was also able to explore some non-STEM interests of mine in an intro to philosophy class where I was able to delve into different perspectives of thought and understand the science of science. As far as making preparations for my future career as a doctor, I prepared my applications and other materials necessary to apply for Tuft University’s early assurance program for Tufts University’s Medical School. I am currently preparing to submit my application and prepare for interviews that will occur in spring of 2023. I remained in the Tufts Pre-medical society, attending speaking events revolving around medical issues today and learning about medical school application and testing processes for medical schools from upper-classmen. I also became involved in the South Asian Political Alliance (SAPA) club that aims to educate and understand/reform the policies in south asian countries that impact people in different areas such as healthcare, economic conditions, etc. For this coming spring semester, I hope to become more involved in research, different clubs, and community service, as well as prepare well for the early assurance program.
Eric Reubens - Tufts University
As my first semester away at college at Tufts University has come to an end, it is nice to look back at how life has been these past couple months. I explored different subjects that I normally would not have delved into, such as social psychology, which expanded my interests in the brain and neuroscience as I learned about interesting cognitive biases humans have and interesting responses we have to everyday and abnormal stimuli. I also joined clubs such as the pre-medical society, a club that aims to mentor and provide opportunities for pre-med students at Tufts. I was able to meet like-minded people through this club and learn about a wide range of volunteering opportunities that would fit my interests. I also learned a new sport, squash, and even joined the boys squash club which allowed me and my fellow teammates to play matches against other schools like Harvard and Amherst. My friends and I, all clumsy amateurs at the sport, spent many weekends reveling in the endless fun squash offers. Of course, I continued to play tennis with other students who I met in various classes, and tried out for the extremely competitive boys tennis team.
Being close to Boston, I indulged in all the city has to offer, from late night karaoke to public skating, all of which were fantastic experiences with the amazing people I have befriended this semester. Next semester, I plan on pursuing some of the available volunteering opportunities, such as document translation for immigrants from English to Spanish or helping individuals struggling with suicide and depression through a 24 hour texting hotline. Exploring all of these academic and non-academic ventures throughout my first semester at Tufts University has left me excited for what the school has to offer, and I very much look forward to expanding my horizons more in the spring semester.