When I first got to Harvard, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to find spaces where I could fit in. However, after participating in FYRE, the pre-orientation program for first Generation and/or Low income students, I was introduced to the Harvard Foundation and its undergraduate internship program. Intrigued by its mission, I applied during the fall of my first semester and became a student worker. This opportunity has since become one of the most rewarding aspects of my Harvard experience.
The Harvard Foundation is all about creating a space where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Its mission is to promote interracial and intercultural awareness while celebrating the rich cultural contributions of students from all backgrounds. As someone who comes from multiple marginalized identities, finding a community like this has been very helpful. It’s been a space where I not only feel like I belong but where I also get to help others feel the same. Through the Foundation, I’ve met people from all kinds of backgrounds, each with their own unique stories and experiences. It’s shown me the beauty in both what connects us and what makes us different. I am on the intercultural programming team, so I get to create events and programs that celebrate the incredible diversity at Harvard. Working at the Foundation has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had at Harvard so far. Here are just a few of the amazing events I have gotten to be apart of so far.
FGLI Week
The Foundation just wrapped up our third annual First Gen/Low Income Visibility Week (FGLI), and it was such a meaningful experience. Being FGLI at a place like Harvard can feel isolating, so this week was all about building community and celebrating the FGLI experience. We kicked things off with a flower bouquet giveaway and hosted events like a fireside chat with Alejandra Campoverdi- best selling author of the book "First Gen" and former White House aide under President Obama. We also had affinity spaces for veterans, international students, Black students, and many other groups, plus free professional headshots for students.
My favorite moments were the FGLI brunch and the faculty dinner. At the brunch, I was able to have conversations with FGLI alumni whose stories left me inspired. However, the faculty dinner was my personal favorite, not just for the amazing food, but because it made me realize how many FGLI faculty are here. Seeing them was so encouraging as it reminded me that there are so many people, including faculty, who truly understand the challenges I face and are open to supporting and connecting with me. To top it all off, I got to perform “Rise Up” at the end of the night, which was such a fun and empowering experience! Finally, we ended FGLI week with DIY activities, board games, boba, and mochi donuts-a perfect, cozy night with an amazing community (even if I lost every game).
Creating My Own Events
The most fulfilling experience for me at the foundation has been creating and leading my own events. I see my job at the Foundation as a chance to fill in gaps and create the kinds of events I wish existed on campus. So during my freshman year I put together two events that I hope to continue.
The first was a Box Braiding Workshop. As a Black woman, I know how deeply hair care is tied to our identity, but I also know how challenging it can be to learn braiding on your own. To help with this, I invited a student who’s incredibly skilled at braiding to teach over 30 other Black women how to braid.It was such a fun and memorable experience, surrounded by an incredible community. I got to meet so many new friends, and to make it even better, we capped it off with some amazing jerk chicken from one of my favorite restaurants, ZaZ Restaurant.
My second black history month event was Fireside Stories, which I organized in collaboration with the Ghanaian Student Association, Nigerian Association, Black Student Association, African Student Association, Generational African American Student Association, and the Black Muslim Collective. It was a fun night of sharing folktales from our cultures, celebrating our brave story tellers with prizes, and enjoying delicious Ghanaian food together. The energy in the room was unforgettable-laughter, storytelling, and the joy of coming together.
I’d love to invite all students, no matter your background, to visit the Harvard Foundation. Join us for one of our events, connect with new people, enjoy some amazing food, or simply use the space to study and unwind! For prospective students, this is truly one of the most welcoming communities you’ll find on campus!
