On the day after the Midterm Elections, what better thing to talk about than politics at Harvard?

Perhaps it’s underappreciated, but I’ve been blown away by the incredible and abundant opportunities I have had to gain exposure to those who disagree with me. One of the perks of having such a diverse student body is that so many students come from completely different lived experiences with totally different world views. This diversity of thought allows us to come together and grow from one another, challenging each other’s opinions as well as our own.

Whether your interests lie in partisan politics, student activism, or just plain-ole nonpartisan engagement, there are countless opportunities to get involved. One of the places that I’ve found a home-away-from-home at Harvard has been with the JFK Jr. Forum at the Institute of Politics.

The Institute of Politics (IOP) is the largest organization at Harvard College, with 15 different programs through which you can participate. These organizations range from clubs like the Harvard Political Review, a political magazine and website that covers domestic and international affairs and politics, to the Harvard Political Union, which is America’s oldest collegiate debate society.

Personally, I serve as the Outreach Chair for the JFK Jr. Forum (or "Forum" for short).This club is a major arena for political discussion and dialogue, where we regularly host heads of state, political leaders, activists, professors, etc. In my time with Forum, we have had speakers ranging from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, to President of Ecuador Lenín Moreno, to Secretary of Education Betsy Devos. As the Forum Committee, we help coordinate outreach, support event logistics, and even get to interview the guests.

But beyond the privilege of getting to interact with the speakers, more than anything, I’ve found a really nice group to be a part of. “ForumFam” has been one of my favorite communities at Harvard because everyone is so passionate but also down to earth. It’s been an exciting space to talk with others, to debate on different issues, and also to just enjoy each other’s company. It’s been a wild ride so far, and I can’t wait for the next two years with my “Fam”!

So, whether you're a regular politico or don't know the first thing about politics, Harvard has a plethora of spaces to choose from to find that community and to gain that exposure. I love the late night conversations, the impassioned speeches, the kids who talk way too much about their states (catch me spewing facts about Mississippi on the daily!), and everything in between! Harvard has afforded me an incredible chance to surround myself with those that are both similar and different, and it has been an unparalleled opportunity to learn from new ideas and to strengthen my own opinions. Whether you join ForumFam or any other organization, I hope you seek out those opportunities to challenge yourself and grow!