When I was first accepted to Harvard, it felt as though I had been handed a golden ticket into Willy Wonka's elusive Chocolate Factory. What I didn't expect, however, was to be embraced by a community that would challenge me, shape me, and ultimately change me for the better.

Now, as I enter my junior year, this is Harvard College through my eyes.

Coming to Campus

I have to admit, I arrived on campus with a little fear, six suitcases, my loving family, and a dream. With every connecting flight, my heart raced faster as I flew closer and closer to the place I would soon call home for most of the year.

Like many first-year students, I wrestled with imposter syndrome. In the back of my mind lingered the thought that my acceptance to Harvard had been nothing more than a misclick by an admissions officer. I felt homesick knowing my hometown was now more than 700 miles down the coast. I felt anxious, wondering whether I would be able to adapt to an entirely new environment.

But from the moment I stepped onto campus on my very first day, those worries quickly began to fade.

One of the best aspects of my Harvard experience was the First-Year Urban Program (FUP), a pre-orientation program that focuses on community service and community involvement. It was through FUP that I met many of the friends who remain some of my closest today.

Whether it was the rock-paper-scissors tournament, the countless community-building activities, or our days spent serving in Roxbury, FUP made Harvard feel like home before classes had even begun. It also introduced me to the Greater Boston community, reminding me that the Harvard experience extends far beyond the walls of campus.

By the end of the program, I had built lifelong friendships, developed skills that I continue to carry with me, and discovered a sense of belonging. And somehow, my college journey was only just beginning.

Academics

My concentration journey at Harvard was anything but straightforward.

As a first-year student, I embraced the opportunity to explore, taking courses across a wide range of disciplines, including Folklore and Mythology, Astrophysics, Government, and Psychology. Since I wasn't sure which concentration I wanted to pursue, I challenged myself to experience as many academic fields as possible.

Some of my favorite classes have included my First-Year Seminar, Creature Feature: Fantastic Animals in Myths and History; a philosophy course, Truth, Lies, and the Press; and the government course The History of Modern Political Philosophy. Each offered a unique way of thinking about the world and ultimately helped shape my academic interests.

Those experiences led me to declare a double concentration in Government and Philosophy, along with a secondary field in Global Health and Health Policy.

One of the things I appreciate most about pursuing a double concentration is the freedom to explore multiple  passions while still receiving strong academic support. I have dedicated advisors for both my Government and Philosophy concentrations, as well as my secondary field, which has made navigating my academic path much more rewarding.

As I enter the second half of my Harvard experience, I'm excited to dive deeper into each of these fields and continue discovering the connections between them.

Mather House

If Harvard is a community, then your House is your family.

One of the first things you'll notice at Harvard is that nearly every student introduces themselves with the same four things: their name, class year, House, and concentration. After Housing Day, first-year students are immediately embraced into their new House communities, where they'll spend the rest of their undergraduate experience.

I still remember having dinner with my friends in Mather Dining Hall that very first night. Afterward, we toured the House, learned about its traditions, and met our incredible Faculty Deans and Resident Deans, who live in the House and help shape its culture, traditions, and sense of community.

While Mather may not have the strongest record in intramural sports, I would argue that we have one of the strongest communities on campus. The most common criticism of Mather is its concrete architecture, which stands apart from Harvard's more traditional buildings. But what some see as unconventional, I see as unique. With its sweeping views of the Charles River and the Cambridge skyline, Mather is one of the most beautiful Houses on campus- especially in the fall.

I'm excited to be back for another incredible year in Mather House, proudly defending its rightful place as the best of Harvard's twelve Houses.

Social Life

Extracurriculars play a huge role in social life and the overall Harvard experience.

Harvard has over 500 different extracurriculars, adding more and more each year. While most first-year students join many extracurriculars across fields that they’re interested in, sophomore and junior year is truly the opportunity to step into club leadership roles.

During my first year I was a member of the Harvard Black Students Association (BSA), where I served as First-Year Secretary, while also participating in a few of the organizations within the Institute of Politics.

As a sophomore, I became Secretary for the Black Students Association, Co-Social Chair for Generational African American Students Association (GAASA), and Chief of Staff of the Harvard Undergraduate Association, Harvard’s student government. These roles changed me, allowing me to learn and develop new skills alongside meeting incredible people across campus.

Finding balance between academics and extracurriculars is absolutely possible, though "balance" looks different for everyone. I have to admit I did spend a few late nights in Lamont Library finishing up homework or projects for clubs, but I had an absolute blast with extracurriculars throughout my time here.

Boston is another incredible place to travel to.

Just a short ride on the Red Line opens up so many fantastic opportunities to explore the city. One of my favorite memories was taking a trip with friends to the North End, Boston's Little Italy, to help with a class project while enjoying the neighborhood's amazing atmosphere.

I have also enjoyed going to the Boston Public Library, New England Aquarium, and the Chick-Fil-A on Boylston Street (which is my favorite restaurant). Boston has so many great places to travel to, and friends make the experience so much better.

Harvard itself also has great places to hang out.

During my first-year, my friends and I typically hung out in the Wigglesworth or Thayer Hall common rooms which had some great amenities like TV’s, pool tables, and nice comfy couches perfect for late night philosophical conversations with your friends.

As an upperclassman, I've come to appreciate the spaces within the residential Houses even more. Each House has common rooms, study spaces, and gathering areas that are perfect for spending time with friends or hosting small events. Student organizations  reserve these spaces for meetings, socials, and community events that are open to the broader Harvard community.

When people ask me what Harvard is like, I usually tell them that some of the best experiences are outside of the classroom. They're found in the friendships you build, the communities you become a part of, the late nights in the library, the conversations that change your perspective. Through my eyes, Harvard has become a second home, and is a place where every day offers an opportunity to learn something new about the world and about yourself.