Pedro Garcia, Leverett House

“As a first-generation, low-income student, it's hard to navigate college life with concerns about academic decisions, social interactions, financial responsibilities, etc. I have found that the more people you have in your corner, the better off you will be in learning how to handle all of the responsibilities you are shouldering. Look to your peers who share similar identities, especially those who have been in the game for a while (e.g., upperclassmen, grad students in your department, advisors in your house or concentration). These people are often eager to provide guidance and support, especially to those who have lived experiences similar to their own. They can help you understand the rules of the game, the ins and outs of the maze that is college and being an adult. Lean on them for support, but do not take advantage of them. They are also human beings like you who are still trying to figure things out. They have their own worries. They can serve you as mentors, but remember that they are friends and deserve to be appreciated and have their kindness returned.”

“Harvard can be overwhelming and challenging, chaotic and relentless. Yet, Harvard can also be encouraging and inspiring, motivational and brilliantly amazing. Take the time to pause in the hectic life and enjoy the blessings around you before they are gone. Be grateful for where you are and what you have overcome to get there. Most of all, embrace the ups and downs that will inevitably come and carry those lessons with you for the rest of your life.”

Cassandra Pasadyn, Eliot House

Audrey Pettner, Winthrop House

“Harvard, especially during your first year, can be overwhelming. There is so much to do, so many people to meet, so much to see! It can be easy to feel afraid to speak up, or afraid to overstep. But if there is one thing I can impart, it is to always, always ask! The worst that can happen is that people can say no. You will be surprised by how many wonderful resources and opprotunities are out there for those who ask. Harvard is an institution with thousands of little undiscovered secrets–it is yours to move through, to explore, and to make a home for yourself. Dream big, ask, and make this your own four years.”

“Three words: customize your oatmeal!”

Miela Foster, Mather House

“If the pandemic taught me one thing, it was to slow down and actually experience the moments we are living. There is so much to do at Harvard, and during my first two years here I wanted to jam pack my schedule with everything that seemed exciting to me. I joined several organizations, took on leadership roles, studied hard for classes, hit up all the social events, you name it. But some of my closest friendships suffered for it. I missed out on reunions or really special hangouts. I had a problem saying "no" and hated that feeling, but then I realized I just said "yes" too many times to begin with.”

“During your four years at Harvard: savor the environment, embrace the culture, follow your passions, and be true to yourself. On this new journey you will be sure to make lifelong friends.”

Alyssa Panton, Mather House

“Just want to put a disclaimer out there for those worried about being put into the Quad or have been told that the Quad is soooo far and you should cry if you get selected to go there. Personally, I was so grateful to have been put in the Quad, and especially Cabot House–it is a one-of-a-kind community, with incredible doggos on the quad lawn, and a much needed breather from the big exclusive club energy of the river. Also, the housing was incredible, and I found out who my true friends were by if they were willing to walk to the Quad to see me. Trust me, there are a lot of flakes out there, so this is a more important litmus test than you might otherwise think. Finally, if the River was so good, why would they have to talk badly about the Quad so much? Putting another house down does not make your house any better, even if it may make those in River houses feel better about themselves. So in sum, don't listen to the systemic bias against the Quad. If you get put in the Quad, you are one lucky Harvardian, and it's just up to you to realize that.”

Alida Monaco, Cabot House

“I feel I really matured at Harvard. I learned to be more considerate of how my actions affect others and also how others affect me.”

Kyle Dickson, Dunster House

Jordan Kruguer, Dunster House

“Your concentration is probably the least important decision you will make at Harvard. Spend your first year trying new courses and subjects and meeting interesting people. DO NOT be afraid to cold email/reach out to professors, entrepreneurs, students, or anyone else. I have met some amazing people by taking a chance (the worst that can happen is they don't respond). Focus on projects and research that keep you excited. Most importantly, make sure you follow your intellectual intuition. Your life and career post Harvard will shape itself, there is no need to define it today, tomorrow, or even in five years. Lastly, learning does not stop at Harvard–take the chance to meet a lot of truly incredible people while they are all in the same place for your four years on Campus but don't forget that after you graduate the Harvard community sticks with you and you will enter an even bigger community of people working on really cool things!”

“College is a time for you to better understand yourself and your interests. You may find that your modes of thinking or personal values change as you go through college, but as long as you are true to yourself, it's OK. Don't be afraid to take a path that you didn't predict you'd go down when you came here–or to change direction mid-college, if you realize that something else is right for you! Learn to be comfortable with not knowing what lies ahead and with knowing that it's OK to have weaknesses. Surround yourself with people who not only care about you and will support you through difficult times, but who will also help you improve where there is room for improvement; they will help you through the experience!”

William Ho, Pforzheimer House

“It will be hard, and some days feel impossible, but don't give into the imposter syndrome. Harvard is full of brilliant people--students, staff, faculty, visiting scholars, etc.--and you're one of them!!! You don't have to have created your own business or NGO, published your own book, done groundbreaking lab research, or any other traditionally "impressive" activity in order to be considered intelligent, worthy, and impressive. View your time here as an opportunity to learn, develop yourself, and contribute to the community (in the broadest sense of the word) rather than as a race to fame. If you're true to yourself and dedicate your time to creating meaningful contacts and working within fields that interest you, I promise that everything will turn out okay and you'll have an amazing college experience <3”

Gabriela Rivero, Leverett House

“Sometimes college can be overwhelming, with each decision (concentration, blockmates, the list goes on) feeling like it limits your future options. Rather than shying away from these decisions or making them passively, be adventurous and assertive as you make them! Some of the most magical experiences (both academic and otherwise) come from being willing to start walking in a direction and recognizing that you can always change course.”

Mason Meyer, Quincy House

“I learned to sit with myself and to make space for me to process the experiences I had, to reminisce on random deep thoughts, to tap into my imagination, or to reflect on who and what really mattered to me. There will always be a million things to do at this school, and you will never (though you may try, like I did) be able to do even half of them. That's a reality I had to embrace, and I got my priorities in order: foster strong friendships, explore Boston more, reach out to mentors, attend fun events and socials... you CAN do it all if you define "all" in your own terms.”

“Set aside time to do anything, or nothing. The days I felt the greatest were filled with moments where I could randomly get lunch with a friend for two hours, walk to my favorite coffee shop, meander around the yard, go shopping, take a dance class, anything at all without the feeling of stress or ‘what's next on my G-cal??!’”

Yuri-Grace Ohashi, Cabot House

Are you a member of the Class of 2021? Contribute to our Gift of Knowledge with your reflections, wisdom, and thoughts here!