Involved with multiple organizations serving both the greater Boston area and my community abroad, public service has truly transformed my college experience.

College and campus life is what you make of it. As an incoming student, hearing about the hundreds of clubs and organizations that awaited me was super exciting because of the endless opportunities they seemed to offer. In fact, like many ambitious first-year students, my peers and I were determined to do anything and everything at Harvard; that was until we realized there's only so much you can do with the 24 hours in a day. 

Thanks to Harvard’s Student Organization Fair, I learned firsthand about the many organizations I would eventually join, one of which was the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA). Serving as Harvard's public service network, PBHA quickly became a significant community for me.

The first PBHA program that I became involved with is the Boston Refugee Youth Enrichment (BRYE) 1-2-1, a mentoring program that serves immigrant and refugee youth living in the greater area of Boston. Today, I am truly thankful for BRYE 1-2-1 as it has allowed me to find my purpose and voice on campus. Since the start of my second semester, I have served as a mentor for a group of ~25 kids every Saturday, going on field trips and serving as a resource to youth who I have grown alongside with. My BRYE 1-2-1 kids remind me of the power of mentoring and without them, I don’t think my weeks would shine as bright.  

Yay teaching!!! Since the start of my sophomore year, I have also become involved with Harvard CIVICS, going out to two Boston Public Schools to engage students with topics of community and civic engagement, current events, and so much more! Last semester, I taught a classroom of 6th graders about government and held conversations about its many aspects and impact. This spring semester, I have transitioned to teaching a class of 2nd graders about civil rights, leadership, and related topics. CIVICS has granted me the opportunity to serve as a teacher within the community of Boston and contribute to the positive impact college students have on youth today!

Thanks to course SPANISH 59H, a course centered around civic engagement for Spanish heritage speakers, I began working with the organization Escuela de la Calle (EDELAC). Serving as an english teacher for 6th grade students in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, my time in EDELAC has allowed me to feel more connected with my community abroad! In my journey of pursuing a language citation in Spanish, this has definitely been one of my favorite courses! 

Overall, engaging in public service has allowed me to prosper as a student leader and allowed me to be a part of a greater community where I can make a difference. My time with my students and youth never fails to bring a smile to my face and I cannot wait to continue my work here at Harvard and beyond!