At Pre-College this summer, you are going to experience what it’s like to live, study, and have fun on a college campus. Our team of Resident Directors, Proctors, and Activities Coordinators are here to help you get the most out of your experience.
When you arrive on campus for your Pre-College Program, our Resident Directors, together with your Proctor, will guide you through your experience here at Harvard. RDs can provide information and support, and help you navigate any challenges that might arise as you balance academics, program activities, and social events.
The Passport program is a critical part of your Pre-College Program. Activities Coordinators create, manage, and oversee the extensive series of events in the Pre-College Passport Program.
To successfully complete the Pre-College Program, you’ll need to complete at least eight different Passport activities. Our ACs can help you choose which activities might be of interest to you and ensure that you fulfill the program requirements.
And make sure they stamp your passport after each activity!
An important part of college life is asking questions and seeking assistance when—sometimes even before—you really need it. So don’t hesitate to reach out to your RD and our ACs—they are here to help!
Resident Directors
Blake Eisnaugle
I am a current Higher Education Administration graduate student at Kent State University. I am a northeastern Ohioan from birth and I absolutely love the Cleveland area including its sports teams regardless of how well they play. This summer I will be your resident director here at Harvard Summer School.
What are you most looking forward to this summer at HSS?
I am most looking forward to getting to know students and co-workers from all over the world and experiencing Boston. I am excited to hear how other universities work, as well as to get to know students’ experiences from all around the world. I also have never been to Boston so I am really excited to explore the area and Harvard University as a whole.
Patricia Santana
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, also known as the 305. I have my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English from the University of Miami, and I’m currently a Master’s student at Florida International University in the Higher Education Administration program. I’m looking forward to being a Resident Director in the Pre-College Program this summer!
How can students coming to the Pre-College Program this summer get the most of their experience?
My biggest piece of advice for students coming to the Pre-College Program would be to make connections! Don’t be shy about asking your professors questions, and take the time to get to know your fellow classmates. There is always something to learn from those around you, and the friendships you make can follow you beyond your time with us in the Pre-College Program.
Jaylah Stewart
I was born and raised in Durham, NC and obtained my BA in English with a concentration in Teacher Education from North Carolina State University. I returned to NC State and am entering my second year in the Masters in Higher Education Administration program. I am very excited to help the Harvard Pre-College students gain further transitional skills and understand the world of college this summer.
How can students coming to the Pre-College Program this summer get the most of their experience?
Students coming to Pre-College this summer can get the most of their experience by being open-minded! This is going to be an amazing experience and students should be ready to learn, grow, make friends, and of course, have fun. It may be a little nerve-wracking but students can lean on the staff, fun programs, and the other students to help them get better acquainted with university life. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get involved, and make memories!
Jack Herdman
I am coming from NYC where I am currently studying Higher Education and Student Affairs at NYU. When it’s not the summer, I work at the Juilliard School helping teams of students create engaging and educational programs for the student body. I am excited to be joining Harvard this summer and am looking forward to working with students that have a lot of passion for what they learn!
How can students coming to the Pre-College Program this summer get the most of their experience?
Students are going to be able to get the most out of this program if they see every individual they meet as someone they can learn from. Not just their teachers and their proctors, but also their peers. Students will be joining this program from all over the country and beyond, and each bringing their own life story with them. If students can gain perspective regarding the diverse backgrounds of their peers, every moment in the program will be an opportunity for learning. A positive attitude, a willingness to share, and actively listening will all help make this program the best it can be.
Ariana Ramos
I will be serving as a Resident Director for the Harvard Pre-College Program this summer; I am a first-generation, Latina, and multiracial woman from Waterbury, CT. I am a second-year graduate student at Villanova University, pursuing a Master of Arts in Education, concentration in Higher Education. In May 2021, I graduated from Villanova with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Sociology, minor in Peace & Justice.
How can students coming to the Pre-College Program this summer get the most of their experience?
The secret to getting the most of this summer experience is to lean into curiosity and remain open-minded. Do not be afraid to opt into activities/courses/presentations that are typically outside of your comfort zone. This is the time to challenge yourself and discover new possibilities. Ask questions, make authentic connections, and have fun! During the good times and the bad, we as a resident staff are here to help you navigate this new and exciting experience. My biggest advice is to simply be yourself and enjoy every moment.
Activities Coordinators
Pablo Cardenal
My name is Pablo and I will be an Activities Coordinator this summer. I am currently a graduate student at Boston College, pursuing a Masters in Higher Education. Some fun facts about me are that I love drawing, I worked as a campus minister at a high school in Minneapolis for a year, and I live in Nicaragua.
How can students coming to the Pre-College Program this summer get the most of their experience?
There is no secret formula or equation on how to make the most out of this experience. Just come as you are, be patient and gentle on yourselves, and have fun. This summer is a chance to seize a multitude of opportunities, both academically and socially. That might sound a bit intimidating, or perhaps overwhelming, but the learning and growth you’ll encounter will make the difference. That does not mean you have to say “yes” to everything, but rather look for key experiences that will offer a sense of fulfillment, and challenge you to explore outside your comfort zone.
Vanessa Blaylock
My name is Vanessa, and I am serving as an Activities Coordinator for the Pre-College Program this summer. I teach fourth grade math during the year, so I can’t wait to transition into a higher education position for the summer!
How can students coming to the Pre-College Program this summer get the most of their experience?
I think students will get the most out of their experience by immersing themselves into the environment and in each activity. It will be so important to fully engage with everyone and everything. This will be my first time in the program as well as Massachusetts, so we are truly in it together this summer!
