How Proctors Support Students
To me, a proctor is a combination of many things — a mentor, advisor, and community builder — all rolled into one. As a proctor, I aim to strike the balance between offering my students structured support while connecting with them as people.
Like all proctors, last summer I lived in residence with students and acted as their initial point of contact. Whether they had questions about adjusting to classes or navigating life away from home, I was there to lend a hand. I helped students with day-to-day tasks; everything from time management to doing laundry on their own for the first time.
Academic assistance
Harvard Summer School moves at a rapid pace, and it’s common for high school students to find the adjustment challenging. Each week, I held check-ins with my students and hosted study breaks to help tackle any academic issues or questions they were facing. I also supported students to develop academic skills that made the transition smoother.
Harvard offers many resources to support students as they learn. I’ve often pointed students to our Writing Center, which helps students draft, polish, and submit their assignments. And Harvard’s system of more than 70 libraries gives them access to any research materials they might need.
Transitioning to On-Campus Life
When they first arrive, students often have questions about the academic culture at Harvard, such as how should I approach instructors. Instructors at Harvard are very kind and passionate about what they teach — they want to connect, and students should feel free to introduce themselves, say hello, and ask questions.
Building a Community
Harvard’s Pre-College program attracts students from around the world. One of the best parts of being a proctor is helping this diverse range of students build community by connecting in more personal, organic ways.
At Harvard, I’ve seen most cross-cultural dialogue happen in more casual settings — from the common room to the Yard. My favorite memory from summer ’24 was sharing meals with students in the famous Annenberg Hall. We shared our food experiences, and our different memories and practices from our own families and backgrounds.
In informal spaces, we were able to connect on a deeper level. Both my research at Project Zero and my experience as a proctor have confirmed the same thing: the best intercultural learning experiences happen outside the classroom.
These moments highlight what makes Harvard Summer School so special. Not only do students benefit from Harvard’s academically rigorous coursework, but they also have the opportunity to experience a truly multicultural learning environment and make lifelong friendships with students from across the globe.
Life After Harvard Summer School
Harvard Summer School encourages students to grow by taking what they learn in the classroom and applying it to real-world problems. Whether by completing a challenging assignment, discovering a new talent or skill, or leading a discussion group, students can develop skills and build capacities that will serve them in college and beyond.
My biggest piece of advice is to approach Harvard Summer School with an attitude of curiosity, humility, and kindness. You can have an incredible academic experience, make new friends from around the world, and grow immensely as both a person and a scholar.
