Pursuing My Passion for Biology
I chose “Introduction to Biology” in the Pre-College Program and my instructors created a welcoming environment for us as students. They were both very supportive and made the class engaging and enjoyable.
I especially enjoyed using a microscope to observe bacterial colonies from the bottom of my shoe and trying to identify what type they might be. One of my favorite assignments was creating a “Microbe Instagram” page based on a microbe of our choice. I chose Influenza A and had fun writing captions and bios from its perspective, while also learning more about the virus.
The course also taught me a lot of concepts that I can now connect to everyday life, from stomach issues to ingredients in food, hygiene products, brushing my teeth, and even hand sanitizers. It’s exciting to notice small things in my daily routine that relate to what I learned in class.
Since attending Harvard Summer School, I’ve definitely developed more of an interest in biology and I’d consider pursuing a career in the field in the future.
The College Campus Experience
I was initially worried that I might feel awkward around my roommates and classmates, especially since I am not talkative and would be living in a dorm. However, I was determined to push myself, and I am proud of how much more comfortable and confident I became.
Living in a college environment can feel scary, especially if you are far from home. It’s important to try to make friends and build connections with others while you’re here — especially with your roommates if you have any.
I overcame these initial challenges by stepping outside of my comfort zone, asking questions, speaking up, and practicing my communication skills to form stronger relationships. I also met students from many different parts of the country, and it was wonderful to see how diverse the program was.
I received a lot of support from my proctor; my roommates and I spoke with her during check-in and she was always able to answer any questions we had throughout the program.
My Advice for Pre-College Students
The advice I would give to students thinking about applying to Harvard Summer School would be to learn how to manage your time and to make connections with others. It will help you to stay on top of your work, make new friends, and enjoy your summer while you’re there!
I had a wonderful experience at Harvard, both inside and outside the classroom. Spending two weeks studying microbiology was a great use of my summer, and I hope to have the opportunity to return for a longer program in the future.
