When my son, Mark Anthony, spent two weeks at Harvard Summer School’s Pre-College Program, I expected him to be stretched intellectually and academically. However, what I did not anticipate was how those two weeks would confirm a passion he has carried for much of his life — and the confidence he would gain from that confirmation.
International relations has long been a central thread in Mark Anthony’s story. From an early fascination with cultures, global politics, and history, to co-founding his high school’s Model UN club to participating in YMCA Youth & Government, his pursuits in this sphere have been intentional.
Harvard Summer School did not redirect that path; it affirmed it. That validation truly mattered. After just two weeks, he returned home with renewed confidence that this field aligns deeply with who he is.
During his time at Harvard Summer School, Mark Anthony gained a deeper understanding of and appreciation for international relations. He also learned that his instincts about his future were right. As a parent, I know that college is a time for exploration, curiosity, and growth, and that interests may evolve. But I also know that there is great value in entering college knowing what you want to study. Upon returning home, it became clear that diplomacy and global engagement is a clear path forward for Mark Anthony.
The Harvard Summer Academic Experience
The course’s academic structure played a significant role in his growth. Two weeks of steady engagement with a professor, a teaching assistant, and peers who shared a genuine interest in international affairs created a deep learning environment that Mark Anthony had not experienced before. He wrestled with the “why” behind international decisions, examined trade-offs, and explored the real-world consequences of global policy. The rigor was demanding, and he embraced it fully.
The classroom itself was a microcosm of the world Mark Anthony hopes to serve. Each of the five American students in his class came from distinctly different regions with unique cultural and ideological perspectives. Alongside more than 20 international students from Morocco, Tunisia, Cambodia, Panama, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Philippines, and beyond, the range of perspectives was genuine. It influenced discussions and deepened the learning experience.
Support from Harvard Summer School
Perhaps the most meaningful surprise for me as a parent was seeing how supported Mark Anthony felt beyond the classroom. He attended Sunday services his first two weekends on campus at The Memorial Church, and the warmth and care extended by the Harvard ministers provided a sense of grounding and belonging that any parent hopes their child will find while away from home. They even offered Mark Anthony the opportunity to read scripture during the final Sunday service of his Pre-College Program session. Although he could not accept, as he was returning home a day early, the invitation spoke volumes about the genuine welcome and encouragement he experienced.
Mark Anthony’s learning did not end when the program concluded. In the months that followed, I watched him apply what he had absorbed, including advocating for maternal healthcare on Capitol Hill, connecting policy, diplomacy, and lived impact.
Harvard Summer School did not create the advocate; it sharpened one that was already forming. As a parent, witnessing ideas turn into agency was nothing short of a blessing.
How Harvard Summer School Helped My Son Grow
Sending Mark Anthony to Harvard Summer School was hands down one of the best decisions I have made. The experience respected his ambition, curiosity, and work ethic. It wasn’t about prestige; it was about alignment — and about giving him the space to deepen interests he has carried for years.
Mark Anthony returned inspired, energized, and ready to take on new challenges. He loved his taste of college, meeting new friends from around the world, dorm life, and studying in the beautiful Harvard libraries. He still keeps up with friends he met in the Pre-College Program, both inside and outside of his class — smiling as he tells me about the friends, conversations, and perspectives that made these two weeks unforgettable.
