There is no "right" way to spend your summer.
As my first year was coming to an end, I grew more and more excited for summer break. It had been five years since my last trip to my family’s home country, and I was ready to unwind - Guatemala awaited me! Yet, despite my big trip, I couldn’t help but start to doubt my summer plans as I heard others talk about their internships, research projects, and other summer endeavors. “Should I be doing this sort of stuff?” I wondered. Was I spending my summer wrong?
I couldn’t help but feel guilty for utilizing my break to travel; it felt like I was wasting time by not working towards an academic or professional goal. However, upon arriving in Guatemala, my thoughts were quickly silenced as I suddenly couldn’t think of anything but the scenery before me: the sound of marimba music playing, Tuk-Tuks (moto-taxis) conquering the roads, and the endless mountains and volcanoes that make up most of Guatemala’s landscape. These all reminded me of how grateful I was for the opportunity to spend my summer back home.
Taking time to unwind made me realize that academic and professional pursuits are not the only options for how students can spend their summers (or a break for that matter). In fact, there is no “right” or “wrong” way for how you should spend your time.
There often lies a misconception that prioritizing personal enjoyment is less valuable than working hard. I couldn’t disagree more.
It was my summer trip that provided me with the space to reflect on my first-year college experience and also think about how I wanted to approach my sophomore year. Now, nearly halfway done with my second year of college, I’m glad my time spent away gave me the energy to tackle this year with a refreshed mindset.
No matter if you’re a prospective or current college student, it’s important to remember that taking time for yourself is okay! So, whether you prefer utilizing your breaks to rest or maintain productivity, how you spend your time is up to you! It does not have to align with everyone else’s plan to remain worthwhile.
Gathering together for their welcoming ceremony students prepare for the start of a new year.
Weeks Bridge has one of the best views of the Cambridge skyline, especially at sunset.
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.
The Garment District is a thrift and costume shop just outside of Harvard's campus.
My Philosophy banner
My daily walk during the winter
FUP Silent Disco
First-year students gather to commemorate a successful alumni networking event at the historically exclusive Harvard Club of Boston
A picture of some of my blocking group members and I on Housing Day!
Harvard Yard
Lizbeth and friends at the Latinx Senior Thesis Forum, where they presented on their year-long projects.
The Barker Center, home to the Harvard College Writing Center
Some friends and I took a coach bus from Boston to New York City and visited Times Square as a part of this trip!
CS50 Hackathon IHOP Breakfas
A view with my food from my first year, eating in the famous Annenberg Hall.
My friends from my entryway and I pose for a picture together before we go kayaking!
Lizbeth pictured in the Boston Commons with five friends from her Emerging Scholars Program cohort.
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!
Samia Afrose with friends at Luxor Cafe
Samia Afrose and Hana Rehman at South Asian Convocation
Hana Rehman in Gloucester
Picture of the John Harvard Statue
A photo of myself looking at the Zanzibari waters
My blocking group and I after being dorm stormed
My room in the wonderful Stoughton Hall!
Some of the many great friends I made during my first-year!
Me with the director of FOP, the wonderful Lesedi Graveline
Harvard's course search page allows you to browse the 3,500+ courses offered each semester
A chalkboard full of math in the Science Center
My friends and I love attending the socials that are hosted by the affinity groups!
This is LS50.
Ana's Blog Thumbnail
My first cookout at Harvard was successful!
An empty room? More like a clean canvas!
Where I love to study no matter what I’m concentrating in!
The brochure given to us on Convocation, a day before the start of classes
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.
To relax after midterms, some friends and I enjoyed donuts for breakfast in Leverett Dining hall.
This is our entryway ready for their convocation!
This was during our first few weeks at Harvard!
A group of PAFs after an evening of games during orientation.
I got to take photos with my thesis (or at least the first 25 pages of it) on the steps of Widener Library!
Me and a teammate sailing the first double handed sail of the year.
Here's Harpreet and I with our best friends back in high school!
Mt. Auburn Street Side of Harvard University Health Services/Smith Center
The SEF is just one way for low-income students to receive extra support towards the cost of attendance at Harvard
My blockmates and I at Winthrop House on our Housing Day!
Studying on a cold day with some coffee.
I have very specific playlists for every mood.
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.
My family and I during my move in.
Walking to Class
Here's a collage of all the outfits I'll be featuring in this blog.
A screenshot I took from my college admissions decision from Harvard.
Here's the new Sunflower sign we just put up with our students as community service.
Harvard Yard, where many first-year students live.
I miss doing reading for my English and creative writing classes on my Winthrop House dorm room!
A list of just some of the possible concentrations offered at Harvard
Weld Hall, the first-year dorm where I am a PAF!
My friends and I love hanging out in the roof-top common room in Winthrop House!
I took this photo of my grandpa's cows on a film camera during one of my visits! The view was absolutely breathtaking.
I make the most of my Zoom-ed reality by taking calls outside!
Here I am teaching a government class from last summer!
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've gotten to make some incredible friendships during my time here, and these lovely people are some of my closest friends.
My view out the window as I flew to Europe for the first time
Snow falling outside Wigglesworth Hall, one of 17 first-year dorms.
Kirkland House Opening Days 2018
Another spot to rest with great views of New Hampshire!
Harvard's dining hall for first-year students.
FUP leader family 2018
Harvard Undergraduate UNICEF Club
A sophomore and I at a mosque in the City of the Dead!
Here's a picture that includes members of my entryway community at Weld Hall!
My roommates and I in our Straus room
Harvard Primus's President Brandon and I at our table at this year's activities fair!
Going back to Weld at the end of the day is a great feeling.