Two years ago, I heard two words that caused major panic as a first-year student: summer internship. 

So, I immediately logged on to my computer and searched … I actually didn’t know what to look up; I was stuck. I didn’t know where to start my search. However, through my first-year pre-orientation program, FYRE (First-Year Retreat Experience) which was centered around helping first-generation students succeed at Harvard, one of my group leaders mentioned the SEO or the Student Employment Office. 

Summer After My First-Year 

With the help of my upperclassmen friends, I began my search on SEO. In all honesty, I jumped into the game very late. While most of my friends already had summer internships lined up, I was just beginning. So, I typed up internships and luckily, I found “Harvard Admissions and Financial Aid Office Summer Internship” and clicked apply. The application process was essay heavy but I wrote so many essays to get into college, and now in classes, so I thought, “What’s one more?” The process involved an application and an interview. Shortly after the interview, I received an offer. 

Working for Harvard’s Admissions and Financial Aid Office over the summer was a wonderful experience. My days as an intern started with Information Sessions and campus tours for prospective students. During information sessions, we’d hand out Harvard pamphlets and guide parents and students into the Agassiz Theater to listen to current students’ experiences about life at the College. Afterwards, we’d lead them on the campus tour. 

As a full time intern, I’d head out for lunch and then back to the Theater. Our afternoon duties involved reaching out to prospective students to answer any questions via email. We’d spend hours researching and crafting responses to the best of our abilities. We’d also write student voices blogs for students to read about more of our experiences as students. And then, one of the most fun days would involve media creation. We’d vlog our days while rating Harvard Libraries, donut shops, and even Harvard Square restaurants. While some days were long, this experience led to term-time internships that have shaped my time at Harvard. 

Summer After My Sophomore Year 

Counter to my first-year, I started looking for summer internships months in advance. This time around, I knew I wanted a legal internship because I intend to enroll in law school post-grad. The Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship caught my attention with their Summer Opportunities page. There were so many opportunities that all centered in non-profits and public service. After browsing their available internships, I knew I was going to apply. The specific programs I was interested in working with over the summer fell under the Mindich Service Fellowship. The process involved submitting my resume, a letter of recommendation, and an interview. Right before I left for spring break, I found out I received my top choice with Greater Boston Legal Services.

Once again I spent my summer in Boston but with a different routine. I lived in an apartment and commuted to work, basically preparing for life after college. This job entailed doing intake work, and representing clients to obtain Medicaid/Medicare and food stamps in Massachusetts. I had my own desk where I could take notes and call clients to ensure I had all the correct information for their applications or appeals. I also got the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with several attorneys and advocates. I enjoyed this experience so much that I volunteered during my junior fall semester. This opportunity was made possible thanks to the Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship. 

Both of my summers as a Harvard student have been formative experiences to my character. And as I enter my last summer as an undergraduate, I hope to get another chance to do meaningful work for not just myself, but others. From one lost first-year to another, I hope my experiences can guide others.