I do not mean to disparage my graduate student teaching fellow, who has done a fine job developing a curriculum for my government course on technology in international relations. The problem in the development of his curriculum does not come from his beliefs, per se, but rather, from the core assumptions of the academic milieu … Read more
Most days, I can’t help but fixate on my hair. Amidst the social isolation of a reality colored by COVID-19, I find myself constantly teasing, twisting, and tugging at it. Sometimes, I fear that I’ll end up running my fingers through my hair only to come up short and find that it, and by extension, … Read more
Last month, I made a joke on social media about wanting a discount on a product because I’m a “broke college student,” as the expression goes. By the next time I checked my phone, I had received several replies: “you look like you’ve never worked a day in your life,” “daddy’s money pays for your … Read more
In his inaugural address nearly 60 years ago, President John F. Kennedy implored the nation: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” An army of young people, inspired by Kennedy’s youthful leadership and celebration of service, entered public service in droves. Today, we live … Read more
I walk across the Yard, ignoring the pleasurable crunch of leaves under my feet. Instead, I keep my eyes on my watch, watching the minutes tick away, feeling time seep into the cracked pavement. To the pace of my footsteps, I run through all of the readings I have to do, all of the articles … Read more
Two events in recent weeks have brought Harvard’s attention to the issue of gender equality in exclusive student organizations. On September 8, seventeen undergraduate women decided to audition for a spot in the Hasty Pudding Theatrical cast, and in doing so they challenged the group’s long-standing tradition of including only men in its drag shows. A … Read more
At Eleganza, attendees come to see and to be seen, dressing to the nines and taking pictures to document their attendance. Yet what struck me most when I attended Eleganza on April 25th was not the impressive dancing or models’ clothes but rather the social exclusion and class stratification that comes with attending the show. … Read more
Disclosure: The author was the assistant scene director of Eleganza this year. This year was Eleganza’s 21st birthday. Eleganza was founded in 1994 under the umbrella organization Harvard Black Community and Student Theater (Black C.A.S.T.) as a fashion show. Years later, Eleganza has evolved with a new twist. The show now focuses on charity, with all … Read more
“The next red line train to Alewife is now approaching.” I looked down the tracks to the right and saw the train pulling closer. The station was packed. All of the sudden, the man standing next to me screamed, ran, and jumped in front of the oncoming train. My eyes locked with his eyes. His … Read more
“I think they’re militant, and I don’t think we should be putting our name on a thing that sued the University.” Such were the words of Daniel Banks ’17, the Undergraduate Council’s Student Initiatives Chair, regarding Divest Harvard. The night was April 12, and the activist group had just introduced an unambitious piece of legislation … Read more