As the number of days until graduation continue to decrease and I get closer to the day where I’ll I go from student to alumni, I’ve been thinking about how different of a person I am now compared to who I was when I first stepped foot on Harvard’s campus as a nervous 18-year-old far away from home for the first time. 

As I now know, four years go by very quickly and in the end, everything does end up working out. However, if you had asked 18-year-old Lizbeth how much she believed that to be true, she would have been hesitant to agree.  

Reflecting on how much I’ve grown, I started to think about some of the things that I wish I would have known as a first year at Harvard. These are things that I learned along the way, and many of which came with important lessons that shaped who I am today. I am going to share some of the advice that would have helped ease my transition to Harvard, in hopes that it’ll help other students who are nervous about starting their first year at Harvard. 

First, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to change your mind — about anything. Whether it’s your field of study, extracurriculars, or personal interests, change is inevitable, and no one expects you to arrive knowing exactly what you want. It can feel intimidating to tell others you’re no longer interested in something that once excited you, but that’s a completely normal and healthy part of growing.

“Todo a su tiempo” translates to “everything in its own time,” a phrase I grew up hearing from my parents. At its core, it’s a reminder that with patience, things unfold at their own time when they’re meant to. There’s no need to rush the process. This reminder is especially important when it feels like others are moving ahead more quickly. Rather than comparing yourself or questioning your path, trust that your hard work will pay off in its own time. Good things come at different moments for different people, and they will come for you too. Everything really does work out in the end.

Celebrate all of your wins, no matter how big or small they may seem to you. Every accomplishment is worth acknowledging. It’s easy to feel like something only “counts” if it’s a major milestone or if it’s recognized by others, but that shouldn't be the case. Give yourself credit and allow yourself to feel proud of what you’ve achieved. 

Say yes! Whether it’s an event, an outing with friends, a meal with someone new, or a study session with a classmate, you’re unlikely to regret it. Saying yes opens the door to new experiences and lasting friendships. Time flies, and before you know it, those invitations won’t come as often because you won’t always be in a school environment. Take advantage of them while you can.

Trust in the people around you who genuinely want to support you. I was fortunate to meet upperclassmen with similar backgrounds as me, who took the time to mentor me and offer guidance during my first couple semesters at Harvard. I am especially grateful for my PAF (Peer Advising Fellow), older students in my concentration, and the community I found in Latinas Unidas because they each offered invaluable advice on navigating both the academic and social aspects of adjusting to Harvard.

As I graduate, I realize that so much of what I once worried about worked itself out in ways I couldn’t have planned. Being at Harvard isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about learning, growing, and becoming someone you’re proud of along the way. Believe in yourself, take your time, and make the most of the moments you’re in.