Reflections From the First Half of My Undergraduate Experience at Harvard

Category Student Voices

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Lizbeth
Lizbeth Class of '26
Authored on November 08, 2024

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Wow. I can’t believe that I am now more than halfway into my undergraduate journey at Harvard! 

Little me would be so proud to see how far we’ve come. It feels nice to think about all of the amazing people, experiences, and opportunities I’ve come across during my time here.  

Lizbeth pictured on Widener Library steps on the first day of junior year.
Lizbeth pictured on Widener Library steps on the first day of junior year. 


Having spent four semesters here, I’ve come to the realization that I have learned so much and am never going to stop learning. Yes, I’ve learned many things that I can apply to my future through my courses, but I’ve also learned so much outside of them. I’ve learned from the guidance of others, from mentors and advisors to friends and classmates. Most importantly, I've also learned a lot from mistakes!! And I’ve come to realize that it’s okay to make mistakes and see them as lessons gained. We’re all experiencing college for the first time, and there’s no “one size fits all” manual for succeeding in college.  

I’m halfway through college and feel lucky to say that I found my community early on, which has largely played a role in my amazing experience at Harvard. Much love to the long-lasting FYRE and ESP friendships that I made during my first semester here, and shoutout to Crimson Yard Dean Dwight for blessing me with my amazing roommate in Wigglesworth C. My blockmates and best friends have been my home away from home and the community that I lean on. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you have people rooting for you every step of the way and picking you back up whenever you need it. 
 

Lizbeth pictured next to friends that she’s made during her time at Harvard.
Group photo of Lizbeth and friends at a carnival.
Lizbeth pictured next to friends that she’s made during her time at Harvard. 


One of the best things that I’ve discovered about attending Harvard is that you never stop exploring! I’m more than halfway into my junior fall and am still browsing through cool clubs and spaces that exist on campus. Exploring allows you to learn more about yourself, what you like and want more of and what you don’t. I recently discovered my love for History of Science after taking a class because it sounded interesting! Trying new things never gets old, you just keep learning more about yourself and others around you! My passion for mentorship came after joining the Emerging Leaders Program at Radcliffe and becoming a PAF, because I wanted to try something new. Most recently, I’ve been taking advantage of the fact that I live in the Quad and have been running to beautiful places that I wouldn’t have come across if I wasn’t open to exploring them. 
 

Fresh Pond is pictured, which Lizbeth discovered while jogging near the quad.
Fresh Pond is pictured, which Lizbeth discovered while jogging near the quad. 


As great as it’s been to reflect on my first two years here, I also love looking forward to what’s coming. I’m nearing the end of my first half of junior year, and I continue to take all the lessons I’ve learned with me. I look forward to spending more time with friends, visiting more places, and meeting new people! It also excites me to think about what my last undergraduate summer might look like, what is to come senior year, and to watch my best friends receive incredible opportunities. 
 
 

Lizbeth Class of '26

Hello friends! My name is Lizbeth, and I am a junior in Currier House studying Environmental Science and Engineering.

Lizbeth