Goodbye, Harvard

Category Student Voices

Author

Kathleen, HFGP Coordinator
Kathleen Class of '24 Alumni
Authored on May 09, 2024

Article

As I'm writing this, I'm sitting in the campus center with my friends while we browse shopping websites for our graduation dresses. 

I remember sitting in this same exact space almost four years ago, when the tables were not so close together, and where I would look out onto barren streets, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's quite crazy to think about how much has changed in four years. 

Thinking about my future life after Harvard is difficult. Over the last four years, Harvard has felt like an integral part of me—so much so that my identity seemed intertwined with its own. But now, it's time to separate myself from this school and establish my own self.

Looking back, this place has given me so many amazing opportunities. I will always remember this small campus along the Charles River as my home where I spent the busiest four years of my life. And now, I look forward to embracing the unknown for the next four years. 

Below, feel free to take a glimpse into my time at Harvard, the people I met, and the memories I made.

And a huge congrats to my fellow Class of 2024'ers! We did it!


If it weren't for Harvard, I wouldn't have...

...started running!

A group of students running across the MIT bridge over the Charles River at dusk.
Harvard On The Move! Can you spot me? 

...celebrated Thanksgiving away from my family for the first time!

A group of four students smiling in Annenberg Hall, the first year dining hall on Harvard's campus.
My roommates and friends, spending Thanksgiving together in November 2023.

...attended some amazing formals and danced the night away!

A photo collage titled "The Crystal Ball" with three girls wearing formal dresses. The collage is of three pictures of the girls smiling and facing the camera.
My two best friends, Yujun, Tabasom, and I at the Quad Formal. 

...participated in Housing Day, one of the best Harvard traditions where upperclassmen students storm the first-year dorms and announce where they'll be living for the next three years!

Three girls facing the camera and smiling, outside, in Harvard Yard.
My roommate Belen and coworker Emily at Housing Day.

...celebrated my birthday away from my family for the first time!

A girl and boy standing together and smiling, with the balloon letters "Happy Birthday" behind them.
My friend Dave and I at my 21st birthday celebration. 

 ...found a family with Primus, the first-gen group on campus!

A group of students roasting marshmallows by a fireplace outside at night.
A smores night with the first-gen community on campus.

And finally, I wouldn't have had the chance to work with an amazing group of students to support first-generation students at Harvard.

A group of five students, the Harvard First Generation Program Coordinators. From left to right: Rafid, Ana, Kathleen, Emily, and Raymond.
My fellow Harvard First Generation Program (HFGP) coordinators! I will miss you, Rafid, Ana, Emily, and Raymond.

Tags

  • Residential Life
  • Student Activities
  • Student Life

Kathleen Class of '24 Alumni

Hello! My name is Kathleen, and I’m a senior concentrating in Molecular and Cellular Biology on the pre-med track. I’m currently living in Mather House (the best house!), but growing up I lived in both the beautiful states of Montana and Texas

Kathleen, HFGP Coordinator