02/08/2026
Thinking about applying to staff as an international student?? Otavio did it and has no regrets! Read his story here!
“Hey fam! My name is Otavio, and I’m a sophomore studying Chemical Engineering. I’m from São Paulo, Brazil, a HUGE city where the outdoors always felt kind of far away. I loved being outside, but I didn’t grow up camping or backpacking, so before coming to Tufts I seriously questioned whether TWO was “for me.” I was worried that I didn’t have enough experience, and as an international student, I wasn’t sure I’d fit in.
Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
TWO was one of the best decisions I’ve made at Tufts. It didn’t just introduce me to the outdoors, it introduced me to college in the most welcoming, supportive way possible. From the start, I felt included, cared for, and genuinely part of something. The community came so naturally, and the friendships lasted WAYYY beyond our trip (I’m still having dinners with my freshman TWO group, our next one is this Sunday!).
Because TWO had such a big impact on me, I joined staff to help other FYs realize the same thing: you don’t need a certain background, experience level, or “outdoorsy” identity to belong here. Whether you’ve never slept in a tent or you’re coming from across the world, TWO is full of people who will meet you where you are at and hype you up the whole way.
If you’re on the fence about applying, take the risk. I promise you won’t regret it. 🌲”
Applications close on the 16th!!! Link in bio to apply!!!
