”Some of the things I’ll miss most are the outside of the classroom learning experiences, the ones that really changed my understanding of the world and my place in it. The Health Leads community—the patients, their families, my fellow student volunteers, and our amazing program manager Amy—has taught me more about what it means to partner with someone to achieve better health and an improved quality of life than any one of my pre-med classes. Health Leads has challenged and inspired me to think more deeply about so many things I used to take for granted, and it has helped me grow into a more intentional advocate, friend, and community member. Health Leads at Harvard was nothing short of a transformational experience, and the constant inspiration I found in my Health Leads community is something I’ll miss dearly when I leave.”
Grace Hansen-Gilmour
"Honestly, my favorite part about Harvard is Widener Library. But my ever trustworthy friend said that that was too lame for publication, so I'll go with Lowell Dhall's sweet potato black bean burger."
Elizabeth Jiang
“My favorite memory of Harvard was returning from a semester abroad in London and feeling like I was coming back home. Either that or when one of my freshman year roommates/current blockmates cried after we were housed into Mather ;)”
Emma Payne
“My favorite memory of Harvard is the Cross Country Heps championship race this past fall. As a walk-on to the Cross Country and Track teams, I was initially just grateful to be a part of the program. However, as the years progressed and I reached new personal records each season, I began to improve exponentially and I’ve had an exciting breakout season during my senior year. At Cross Country Heps, the course was a grueling and hilly 6k, and as this was my first time competing at a Heps meet, I was nervous. But I was fit and determined. I was able to crank up the uphill parts and fly down the downhills, and ended up being Harvard’s fourth runner that day. It took me four years to get to a level where I could not only compete at Heps but score for my team, but this made my accomplishment even more special. In running, patience is key (indeed, for me it took years) but it’s essential to enjoy the process, and if you can do that, I’ve learned that you can reach levels you never thought possible.“
Ratna Gill
“I will miss more than anything living in this little village of talented humans and brilliant minds all contained in our bubble of brick, and sitting down for conversations from which you’re always bound to learn something new.”
James Green
"My favorite memory from Harvard has been meeting people from so many different walks of life. Coming from a relatively sheltered high school, I've met people interested in things I didn't even know existed and that has been a pretty amazing experience."
Lucia De Bernardo
"After studying abroad in Bologna, Italy during my junior spring, I didn't think that coming back to Harvard would be that exciting--in fact I was actually dreading it. The minute I stepped foot on campus this fall, I was flooded with screams and hugs and friends saying "I missed you!" and "so glad you're back!" This continued for a couple weeks every time I would run into someone for the first time. All the time I was abroad, I was worried that the transition back to school would be depressing. Instead, the exact opposite was true. I didn't think that this was the kind of place where people had time to legitimately worry and care about one another while simultaneously leading such successful and badass academic/professional lives. In the end Harvard really surprised me and I'm so grateful to everyone that has made my last year the best one by far."
Merilin Castillo
"Harvard has taught me many things. From synthesizing hundreds of pages in preparation for tutorials to advocating for tenant's rights-- my experience here has been multi-faceted and fulfilling. I am leaving both tougher and softer than I came in..."
Maria Kalina
"I have so many amazing memories from Harvard but one that sticks out the most is running the 2015 Boston Marathon with the Harvard College Marathon Challenge team. Two of my friends met me right before Heartbreak Hill with a box of doughnuts, while the rest cheered me on at the finish line. It's an experience I'll never, ever forget!"
Harriet Kariuki
"This one time I decided to break out of the Harvard bubble and went to explore Boston. Unfortunately, I did not carry with my wallet and had to walk back into the bubble (aka Harvard) from Prudential Center. It took me 1.5 hours and all I had was the wind as my google map (because for some reason my phone died and I pretended that my Boston compass in my head was working and did not ask the direction of the Charles River)"
Shaquilla Harrigan
"As many of my friends will tell you, I spent most of my time in college volunteering with PBHA or writing for the Harvard Independent. Through these two organizations, I met some of my favorite people at Harvard and have had some of my best memories. Being part of PBHA and The Harvard Independent has at times taught me more than any class could. I can't believe my time with them is almost over, but I hope to be an alumna who can ensure that future Harvard students get to have the same positive experiences I did."
Victor Wu
"I’ll always remember the times spent lounging around with friends in the dhall from dinner until 2 am, just talking and laughing about our lives."
Carolyn Pushaw
"In terms of my favorite memory at Harvard, it's impossible to narrow it down to just one... but my favorite times here have been whenever my friends and I do something ridiculous together, whether it's taking selfies with as many taxidermied animals as possible in one Saturday night on Mt. Auburn Street, sneaking into Fete, sledding down the stadium steps in a kayak during Juno...pretty much any time when we broke out of the usual Harvard grind and decided to live in the moment!"
Happy Yang
"No one memory can count as my favorite! From traveling, going on adventures, failing, laughing, to forming deep friendships with people from opposite side of the political spectrum, I have learned and grown in a way I could not possibly imagine. These last four years has been challenging but phenomenal, and has made me a stronger person, a better critical thinker, a better decision maker, a better friend, and a better citizen of the world."
Austin Chen
"My favorite part about Harvard is having been able to see things I never imagined seeing, hear things I never imagined hearing, learn things I never imagined learning, and experience things I never imagined experiencing. I've had the opportunity to travel to various parts of the world with soon-to-be friends and I've been able to meet friends who came from various parts of the world that have taught me new ways of living, laughing, and learning."
Maddie Sewani
"One of the most valuable lessons Harvard has taught me is to be more comfortable with change. During my four years here, I’ve transferred houses, switched concentrations, and revised my post-grad plans. Those transitions were incredibly scary, but fortunately, I didn’t have to navigate any of them alone. My parents, blockmates, friends, professors, advisors, and mentors were there to support me. Each change made me happier and less afraid of risk. Although the mention of our impending graduation prompts me to exclaim that I’m not yet ready to “be a real person,” the truth is, I am prepared for what lies beyond these gates. And I owe that to Harvard and to all of the people who made this experience as big of a blessing as it has been—one for which I’ll be forever grateful."
Kevin Liang
"Favorite Memory: Kong."
Eric Corcoran
"My favorite memory at Harvard was playing Cosi fan Tutte with Harvard College Opera and looking up partway through the overture to notice the inimitable Renée Fleming in the front row watching the cello section! I think I immediately messed up."
Dylan MarcAurele
"My freshman year when I got dorm-stormed by an a cappella group I didn't think I'd get into. They took me to IHOP, had me sign my name in a big book of members, and they became my best friends for the rest of college!"
Winston Boucher
"I'm really going to miss having friends close by who are willing to drop everything and go on adventures with you."