When I applied to Harvard, climbing mountains and camping under the stars was not something I expected to do in college—certainly not during my first week! Yet that’s exactly what I found myself doing during Harvard’s First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP), and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I must admit that I was rather nervous about transitioning to college and finding community on-campus, having been at a relatively small middle/high school for so long. So when we received an email with information about Harvard's optional Pre-Orientation programs, I was excited for the chance to build community before classes even started. Although I've been an avid hiker for many years, I'd never gone on an overnight camping trip before, and certainly not with a group of people I'd never met before! But although FOP seemed thoroughly outside of my comfort zone, I decided to sign up (albeit with no small amount of apprehension) after hearing from current students about how instrumental it was in their transition to college. 

When I arrived on campus in mid-August, I was still a bit nervous and skeptical about just how wonderful FOP would be. That all changed, however, once I met my three trip leaders--Harvard sophomores and juniors who were incredibly competent, caring, and helpful in allaying our fears and preparing all of our gear, snacks, and clothing for the trip. And so just a couple of days after arriving in Cambridge, I was on a bus headed deep into the backcountry as we all chanted "FOP is about to start!" with equal parts of excitement and nervousness in our voices. 

For the next several days, we would hike for several hours each day, before reaching a campsite where we'd work together to set up a tarp to sleep under, cook food (which was surprisingly good and included meals such as spaghetti and samosas). Within just hours of beginning the trip, we started becoming incredibly close -- after all, a tough hike goes much faster when you are talking or singing to distract yourself from the fact that you're climbing a mountain! Each night, once we were all in our sleeping bags, we would have a guided moment to reflect and share about ourselves, which went a long way towards developing our trust in each other and was a true highlight of the trip. On the very last night, as we huddled together under the tarp for the very last time and shared an incredible surprise dessert that our leaders made for us, I knew that I was going to miss this opportunity to spend time with these eight amazing people and be away from the nonstop hustle and bustle of the world. 

But something about spending that week together in the woods forged incredibly strong bonds between us that did not fray upon returning to campus. Indeed, to this day, my fellow "FOPpers" and leaders have been at the center of my Harvard "family."

FROM THE BACKCOUNTRY TO CONVOCATION AND BEYOND!

Savoring the last few moments of our trip before returning to campus and the "real world."		Posing for a photo with Sasha, the beloved Harvard Police dog, in front of Widener Library at Convocation, just a few days after FOP.

During the whirlwind of Orientation week, my fellow FOPpers were the familiar faces I knew I could count on; from going shopping for dorm room plants together to celebrating the official start to our time at Harvard at Convocation, they were an integral part of those first few weeks away from home. And even as the pace of problem sets, papers, and exams picked up throughout the semester, we've always found time to have dinner together ever Sunday evening in Annenberg Hall, providing us with a time to laugh together, reminisce, and take a break from psets and papers. 

Speaking of academics, on any given weeknight, you likely can find many of us studying or working on a LS1a pset together in Cabot Science Library, as well. Plus, as my fellow FOPper Ava notes: 

Through FOP, [we] made such wonderful connections with the upperclassmen leading our trips. They have been simply the most supportive mentors over these past few months, helping us navigate classes, extracurriculars, and life at Harvard.

Ultimately, despite my initial hesitation, FOP was a transformative experience in all regards, and I cannot imagine a better way to start my time at Harvard!