Home at Harvard

Summary

This video showcases the welcoming and inclusive environment at Harvard, with the dean assuring incoming students that they belong and will find a home here. Students share their experiences of self-discovery, connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds, and becoming part of the vibrant Harvard community. From engaging in over 450 extracurricular activities to starting new groups, students embrace opportunities to grow and find their identity. The video highlights the unity and pride at Harvard, with students emphasizing how they find belonging regardless of their background, identity, or interests.

Takeaways

• 😀 Harvard is a place where students are encouraged to be themselves and find a sense of belonging.
• 😀 Students are assured that Harvard sees potential in them, even if they don't recognize it in themselves.
• 😀 Harvard offers a supportive environment where individuals can grow and develop into the person they want to be.
• 😀 One of the highlights of freshman year at Harvard is meeting people from diverse backgrounds and regions.
• 😀 Harvard offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including 450 clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.
• 😀 If students don’t find an existing group that aligns with their interests, they are encouraged to create their own.
• 😀 Harvard fosters a strong sense of community through the House system, with Housing Day being a major event.
• 😀 Housing Day is a tradition where freshmen are placed into one of the 12 houses, helping them form new friendships and identities.
• 😀 Harvard is inclusive, welcoming students from various socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with different beliefs, hobbies, and identities.
• 😀 No matter a student’s background, Harvard provides a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.
• 😀 Harvard emphasizes school pride, which is most evident in traditions like Housing Day and the strong bonds formed through the House system.

Q & A

What does the dean, Rakesh Kur, assure the incoming students about Harvard?

Dean Rakesh Kur assures the incoming students that they have been selected because they possess something special, even if they might not see it in themselves, and that they will find a home at Harvard.

How does the speaker describe the feeling of being at Harvard?

The speaker describes Harvard as a place where they truly feel at home, mentioning that it felt natural to call Harvard their home and that it allowed them to become more of themselves compared to high school.

What is the significance of being yourself at Harvard?

At Harvard, students are encouraged to be authentic. Whether they are formal or laid-back, students are accepted for who they are, and the environment allows them to express their true selves.

How does the speaker feel about meeting new people at Harvard?

The speaker highlights how easy it is to meet new people at Harvard, especially during freshman year, where students can sit at different tables daily and meet people from various backgrounds and locations.

What is mentioned about extracurricular opportunities at Harvard?

Harvard offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with over 450 options, including sports, music, and culture. If students do not find a group that suits their interests, they are encouraged to start their own.

How did one student contribute to the Harvard community during their time there?

One student noticed the lack of a group for Asian-American women and decided to create one, showcasing the opportunities at Harvard to shape the community based on personal needs.

What is 'Housing Day' at Harvard, and what does it signify?

Housing Day is a Harvard tradition where freshmen learn which of the 12 houses they will be assigned to. It marks the beginning of a new sense of identity and connection with 300 new friends.

What makes the sense of community at Harvard stand out?

The sense of community at Harvard is inclusive, where students from all walks of life, regardless of background, beliefs, or interests, can find a place and make connections.

How does Harvard cater to a diverse range of students?

Harvard is inclusive of all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or future aspirations. The community is open to everyone, from different cultures, locations, and beliefs.

What is the key takeaway regarding belonging at Harvard?

The key takeaway is that no matter who you are or where you come from, you will find a home at Harvard, as the university fosters an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.