As snow slowly covers campus, things slow down with throngs of people heading home. In my penultimate semester, I'm reflecting on my growth over the past 4 years. As a member of the class of 2026, it's only right that I leave you all with 26 things I've learned in my four years.

1) You are meant to be here!
Coming into college, I was afraid. It felt like everyone else knew what they were doing, what clubs to comp, and what classes to take. This couldn't be further from the truth. Everyone is running their own race; comparison only slows you down. It's also rare for people to openly share their failures, so don't mistake the exception for the rule. Whether it's at Harvard or any other institution, you were chosen for a reason.

2) People are more afraid of you than you are of them
It's incredibly rare to be constantly surrounded by people from all walks of life. Ask any student what their favorite part of Harvard is, and the answer is always the people. Be sure to take advantage of that! Whether it's a group of people at Berg, the person next to you at section, or that acquaintance you've been "planning to get a meal with". It might be scary at first, but you'll be surprised at how far you get by simply introducing yourself.

3) Come in with and maintain an open mind
With different walks of life come different perspectives and experiences. A favorite phrase of mine that I often repeat in conversation is "I've never thought about it this way." If you approach new interactions with curiosity instead of skepticism, you'll learn so much about the world and yourself.
 

4) Take a class in the humanities.
If you're not studying a humanities course, adding unrelated coursework can feel daunting or unnecessary, but it will change your life. For me, poetry workshops helped me grow as a writer and a human being. The Black Lyric, a class taught by Professor Tracy K. Smith, kick-started my pivot from medicine towards research. I have friends who picked up a double concentration in music junior spring, did secondaries in AFVS, philosophy, and English, or just took classes because they're interested, and Harvard's liberal arts curriculum gives students that freedom.

5) Upperclassmen are a valuable resource. Use them.
I've gone headfirst into decisions regarding academics, extracurriculars, or my career, only to realize there were upperclassmen on a similar path wayyy too many times. There are very few hurdles you'll face that someone older hasn't already cleared. Learn from their mistakes. Several clubs on campuses, from affinity groups to pre-professional organizations, offer mentoring programs to connect you with upperclassmen. Even if your mentor doesn't have the answer, they'll know someone who does.

6) Don't be afraid to drop a class
This one is very Harvard-specific, but with the removal of shopping week and course registration taking place midway through the prior semester, it can be difficult to be sure a class is right for you. Luckily, students have until the third Monday of the semester to add/drop a course. Whether you realized your 5-class semester with 4 pset classes is too much, or you're uninterested in the course material, there's no shame in dropping a class and taking a new one.

7) Be intentional with your relationships
Friendship takes work. It can be very easy to deprioritize socializing in the face of deadlines and meetings, but your support system is incredibly important. You'll often be caught in conversations that end in "let's grab lunch sometime," but making an effort to follow up and check in on your friends goes a longgg way. If you have to use a spreadsheet or Google Calendar to keep your hangouts organized and consistent, then do it. It doesn't have to be extravagant as long as it's consistent.

8) Stress should not be the center of your college experience
There are so many things that will be stressful during college. From relationships to exams to planning for the future. It's also easy to get accustomed to using stress as fuel, but burnout is not a fad or exaggeration. It hits hardest when you least expect it, and it can take weeks to recover. Treat physical and mental self-care as a class, and your body and mind will thank you. That means staying active (e.g., gym, long walks, or activity-based extracurriculars) and staying motivated (e.g., sweet treats, watching your favorite show, or literally stopping to smell the roses).

9) Roadblocks are hurdles waiting to be cleared
More important than tackling your stress is addressing the root cause. It could be trying to find creative ways to fundraise for an organization, testing new ways to study for an organic chemistry exam, or even looking for a spring break destination that fits all of your friends' wants and needs. Be open-minded and use the resources you have available. When you fail, find healthy outlets, regroup, and try again.  

10) Organization is the backbone of success
Friendships aren't the only thing that might require a spreadsheet. It's impossible to keep track of everything in your head. Write everything down! Don't fall into the trap of "I'll think about this later." There will be things you forget. Google Calendar and Notion are among the popular organizational apps people use. More often than not, that feeling of being overwhelmed is disorganization manifesting.
 

11) Find your people, but learn to love your alone time
You are the one person you will spend your entire life with. College is a time for building deep relationships, but it's important to cultivate a strong appreciation for your time alone. Things move quickly on campus, and it's easy to forget to journal or reflect, but making intentional time for introspection will only help you in the long run. When your friends are too busy for an adventure, go by yourself! You'll be surprised how much you can learn from just spending time with yourself.

12) Learn how to give and receive confrontation
I would argue that most interpersonal conflicts that arise in college would quickly resolve if the two parties communicated clearly and earnestly. While you might be able to avoid confrontation, you can't run away from the source. Whether it's your roommate whose living style clashes with yours, or you're not getting enough support from your advisor, or someone is slacking for a group project. Learning to balance your feelings with others and use your words can help reduce stress, clear roadblocks, and build stronger relationships.
 

13) Learn to time your yes's and no's
Even as a senior, I find myself struggling to balance everything in my workload. It often feels like by prioritizing academics, I'm missing out on parties and time spent socializing could be spent studying for an exam. I've skipped Halloweekend to study for a psych exam; I've asked for an extension so I could enjoy a late-night talk with my friends; I've rallied my friends to go out; and I've been the only one to stay in on a night out. Finding your balance is the most important thing. College is a marathon, not a sprint.