A Day in the Life: Finding Time for Fun – and Strawberry Donuts

Tyler smiling at the camera. Text reads: Brandeis, A day in the life of Tyler J. '26

By Tyler J. ’26

(he/him/his)

Growing up in the suburbs of Kansas City, I always knew that I wanted to someday leave the Midwest. My high school experience was intimate: my small, private school never rose above 250 students at any time, and my graduating class was just 12 students.

Boston skyline at night
A night out in Boston is always an option.

Early in my college admissions process, I knew I wanted a close-knit community that would broaden my worldview and help me meet people from all walks of life. I found that at Brandeis.

Brandeis allows me to pursue my academic passions, but it also provides the opportunity to have great experiences outside the classroom. One way is through campus groups and clubs, which are open to all students and encompass every interest imaginable. For me, one of those interests was student government. I was elected as a Student Union senator for all first-years, which means I provide a voice for my peers. Another way I’ve met friends is through multiple Brandeis gaming clubs that hold weekly meetings. On a campus like ours, I can’t go one day without running into someone I know - and I love it!

Every day at Brandeis is what I make of it: From giving presentations on the October Revolution, to simulating foreign policy decisions, to even catching a Bruins game in downtown Boston. Brandeis gives me the opportunity to chart my own course.

Tyler holding a strawberry frosted donut
Strawberry everything!!

Monday

9 a.m.

The daily trauma of hearing my iPhone alarm jars me awake from the sweet comfort of my bed in Shapiro Hall in Massell Quad. I get ready for my day and head out to upper campus, the location of today’s classes.

9:20 a.m.

I head over to Dunkin’ in Usdan to pick up my usual order of a strawberry dragonfruit refresher and two strawberry frosted donuts with sprinkles. Maybe today will finally be the day when the caffeine and sugar kicks in and wakes me up.

Tyler using a computer at the library
Homework before class.

9:25 a.m.

Just across from Usdan is Goldfarb Library. I set up shop on one of the desktops and get some homework done before my first class at 12:20.

12:20 p.m.

I arrive at my first class of the day, Twentieth-Century Russia: Revolution, Nationality, Global Power with Professor Gregory Freeze, in the Mandel Center for the Humanities. Today’s lecture is about the Russian economy, culture, and society from 1914 through 1921. This course helps me fulfill the oral communications requirement for the history major (assuming I actually stick with it — always subject to change, especially considering I can make my own major).

Selfie of Tyler walking down the Rabb steps, with other students in the background
Down the steps they come.

1:10 p.m.

After class I head back to Upper Usdan for lunch. I decide I’m in the mood for a meatball sub from Louis’ Deli, which is particularly good today, after talking about famine in 20th Century Russia.

2:30 p.m

After relaxing in Usdan for a while, I take the hike up the Rabb Steps to my last class in Olin-Sang: Introduction to International Relations with Professor Renanah Miles Joyce. This is one of my favorite classes I’m taking this semester. The lecture for today was about the origins of World War I, and its aftereffects. The answer is, it’s all very complicated.

View of classroom in Olin-Sang
It’s lecture time in Olin-Sang.

4 p.m.

I’m back in Goldfarb at my same spot from earlier to get a jumpstart on my readings for African-American Political Thought with Professor Amber Spry. This class is great because it explores the diversity of Black political thought, and displays all the debates and ideological differences between Black Americans. This class also satisfies my diversity, equity, and inclusion studies requirement that all undergraduate students must fulfill. Another important reason I chose Brandeis is the commitment to social justice that the university was founded on, and on making a positive lasting impact on the world, which I hope to do during and after my time on campus.

6:30 p.m.

Tonight’s dinner at Sherman Dining Hall was delicious! Hamburgers and fries from the Kosher section, with some cookies for dessert.

Four people seated playing a game
Some Smash Bros. to close out the day.

7 p.m.

I head back to the Shapiro Lounge to relax with my friends and play some Super Smash Bros. before calling it a night.