Kelly O’Hara ’10 When Kelly O’Hara visited Tufts University, it was less than love at first sight. “It was
raining when we got there. It was the crappiest day possible. We kept getting bad directions, we got lost, we were late to the tour. It was terrible. I didn’t want to apply.” Kelly didn’t change her mind until months later. She visited campus again, this time
to stay with a friend’s sister. She started noticing things she’d missed before, like Tufts’ theater program and the friendliness of the students. Kelly began her freshman year there earlier this fall. On her first day, however, all Kelly knew was that she was tired. Tufts came at the end
of a whirlwind trip from Virginia to Massachusetts. Along the way, she and her twin brother, Brendan, stopped at 10 different schools. Trip logistics were complicated by the fact that the two siblings shared almost no schools in common. While Brendan wants to study engineering and science, Kelly sees herself pursuing a degree in sociology. Strong performing arts programs and mid-sized schools also ranked high on her list. “Because I’m a twin, people expect Brendan and I to do everything together. But our
college processes were night and day,” says Kelly. “I was always in the college counselors’ office talking, while his attitude was more ‘What do I have to say to them?’ “I was in the College Counseling Office more than others,” Kelly admits. “If you use
their resources the right way and talk to them, it really helps. You have to approach them with openness. You have to communicate.” During her college visits, Kelly also made a point to question tour guides. “Talking to
alumni interviewers is fine, but the tour guides just finished going through the process. Their perspective on how and why to make your choice is a lot more fresh and personal.’’ Though Kelly relied on her counselors, friends and family to provide feedback and
insight, ultimately the final decision was hers to make. Realizing this, Kelly says, was the most empowering part of the process. “This is the first decision I’ve made for myself to determine my life. I’ve never gotten to say that for myself before. “I wouldn’t say I liked the process,” Kelly adds. “But I’m glad to be on this side looking back and thinking, ‘I did that for myself.’” n
– Tiana Pyer-Pereira ’03
“I was in the College Counseling Office more than others. If you use their resources the right way and talk to them, it really helps. You have to approach them with openness. You have to communicate.”
Latin School of Chicago
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