As my last fall semester at Harvard comes to an end, I want to reflect on some of the new food spots where I made memorable moments with friends and family this semester.
My family and I celebrated my parents’ anniversary at Jahunger, a Uyghur restaurant with generous portions and incredibly flavorful dishes. We enjoyed the poLo and chicken stew, and, of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the not your typical honey cake for dessert. Most of their menu is halal (except the chicken dumplings). Since the restaurant gets busy during dinner, I’d recommend planning ahead.
I visited Fresh Noodles Allston with a friend and her sister. Located in a food court, they serve halal noodles and ramen dishes. The portions were impressively large, and they even provided microwave-safe to-go boxes, which came in handy. While the ramen wasn’t extraordinary, it was satisfying, and the generous portions made it worth it.
This hot pot spot was a great place for catching up with friends who graduated a year or two ago. Their halal lamb was a highlight, and it’s a perfect place for group dining. The staff’s friendly service and fun touches, like playing the Happy Birthday song over the speakers, added to the experience.
For a goodbye dinner to send off a friend studying abroad next semester, we chose Tony & Elaine’s. Their pasta was exceptional—I had the cacio e pepe and savored every bite. It was a cozy spot for meaningful conversations and good food.
This viral café lives up to its reputation for beautiful croissants and creative drinks. I tried the chai tiramisu latte, and it was delightfully smooth and sweet. It was the perfect spot to bring a visiting friend from New York. However, a heads-up: the Brookline location doesn’t have seating, so plan accordingly.
This semester’s food adventures were not just about trying delicious dishes but also about the memories created with loved ones. As I look back on these experiences, I’m reminded of the connections and joy shared over meals, making these places more than just restaurants—they became part of my Harvard story.
A photo of the 2026 Summer Recruitment Ambassadors on the Weeks Bridge
Drawing can be a leisure activity or a great way to relax. A sketch book and pen often accompanied me at the park in my free moments.
A photo of the Harvard Art Museums
My Philosophy banner
My Siblings and I When we were Younger
Here I posed with my new team to celebrate our victory in my first game of flag football. I even taught the team how to sign "K" for Kirkland House in ASL
During the Cultural Rhythms, Caitlyn showcased her beautiful Vesido De Flores dress from Mexico and I showcased South Sudanese Lawa. Later only to find out she is in Pforzheimer House, the best house. We become friends ever since. An amazing woman
FUP Silent Disco
First-year students gather to commemorate a successful alumni networking event at the historically exclusive Harvard Club of Boston
Nearly 200 students across 20+ high schools attended Harvard's first High School Ethics Bowl (HCHSEB)
Mollie and Kai during the interview at Currier House!
A sign welcoming new Quincy house residents on Housing Day!
The Barker Center, home to the Harvard College Writing Center
2026 LEAD Board
During my internship at the Harvard Admissions Office, I met great people who continue to be my close friends.
Secquoia and her fiancé after running the Cambridge Half Marathon
Secquoia with her mom and sister at a family weekend event!
Some friends and I took a coach bus from Boston to New York City and visited Times Square as a part of this trip!
My friends from my entryway and I pose for a picture together before we go kayaking!
Philip Brooks House, the locus of public service on campus, located in Harvard Yard.
Every September, the College holds an Extracurricular Fair in Harvard Yard. This is one of the first opportunities for many to learn about GAASA.
Captured around sunset as we hiked the Watchman Trail.
My friends and I celebrating our last first day of classes this semester.
The view from one of the peaks in Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont!
A picture of many runners (including the author, Ricky) running during the Cambridge Half Marathon.
Various colorful flower bouquets which were given to first-gen/low-income student on the kick of of FGLI Visibility Week.
A picture of Harvard College students who attended RAZA's first event of the semester in the fall of 2024.
A photo of me with the first two other students who were hired as freshman student workers last fall
One of my favorite photos of TCS. Small Island, Big Family!
View from the hotel in Sidi Bou Said, Tunis
A picture taken of me during Harvard vs. University of New Hampshire.
Samia Afrose with friends at Luxor Cafe
Samia Afrose and Hana Rehman at South Asian Convocation
My Sister and I on NSA's Executive Board in 2023
Hana Rehman at Mock Mehndi
Hana Rehman at Sur Sagar
Harvard College students host Chaand Raat.
A photo of myself looking at the Zanzibari waters
Cheering you on in your scholarship application journey!
Harvard Foundation interns in the spring of 2024, dressed up before the event of Cultural Rhythms.
A group photo on the last day of class!
Grupo Frontera with those who attended RAZA’s Trailblazer Award ceremony
My view from atop a hill near a mining camp.
My bookshelf in my dorm!
Malika Umar and Samia Afrose Celebrating Eid-al-Fitr
Seeing the Lotus Temple in Delhi, India was only one of the many great experiences I've had thanks to Harvard Model Congress
Me with the director of FOP, the wonderful Lesedi Graveline
My mom and I at Junior Parents Weekend
MEDLife volunteers posing for picture with MEDLife Logo
My fellow HFAI coordinators and I at Sufra!
The 2022 summer American Repertory Theater (from left to right): Chinyere Obasi '24, Caron Kim '24, Sophie Kim '24, Diana Chen '25, Sophie Garrigus '25.
My friends and I love attending the socials that are hosted by the affinity groups!
The sunrise on the morning of Housing Day this year.
My First Harvard Yale Game
The Fall 2021 HFAI Student Coordinator Team!
A picture of a white poster with "Adams House is the Best House" written on it.
So grateful to have worked with these amazing student leaders this past year!
My fellow singers and I singing “Lay Me Low,” our closing number, by Addah Z. Potter and arranged by Kevin Siegfried, at Reunion: A Fall Concert.
Here's some friends and I at Acadia National Park over an extended weekend!
Me and a teammate sailing the first double handed sail of the year.
Cherry Blossom outside Lowell
Here's Harpreet and I with our best friends back in high school!
Here is a picture of my family, including my mom, brothers, grandma, uncle and aunt, and cousins.
trips into Boston are worth it!
My blockmates and I at Winthrop House on our Housing Day!
I have very specific playlists for every mood.
Here are some of the books I've been reading for fun lately!
Kuumba had a winter concert last year that focused on the importance of Black Love; this photo, which captures the power of intimacy, was taken during the dance section of the concert.
Here is the full cast (and some of our crew) for the Hyperion Shakespeare Company's production of Macbeth!
Here's a group photo of the Radcliffe Choral Society on the steps of Stella Maris Church in San Juan! We sang here several times, for rehearsals, church services, and our finale concert the night before we flew back to Boston.
Here's the new Sunflower sign we just put up with our students as community service.
Harvard Yard, where many first-year students live.
A Zoom Picture from my FYRE Family!
I found myself this summer sitting at my laptop a lot more than I had originally planned
I make the most of my Zoom-ed reality by taking calls outside!
Here I am teaching a government class from last summer!
During the last days of first-year, I organized an outdoor picnic in Harvard Yard for the Black Class of 2022. There was pizza, music, and an entertaining, but yet chaotic game of musical chairs.
Performing at the Peabody Museum's Day of the Dead celebration and exhibit.
The view of the Charles River from Leveret House, which is right next to Winthrop House!
My Harvard Journal Project notebook, with its (not so successful) attempt to color the Harvard logo on the front.
My friends and I decided to have a group photo session the day before leaving campus!
Me giving out homemade awards to my MFP students!
I took this photo of the Boston skyline while running by the Charles River.
The office threw me a mini goodbye party to thank me for my work during the summer!
Veritaffle
Another spot to rest with great views of New Hampshire!
A view of the city of Boston from Harvard's campus.
Nigerian Students Association Executive Board at our 9th Annual Independence Day Gala
