August 28, 2007

Learning to understand and appreciate change

My experience as a Cuban immigrant brought me a very concrete idea of change after moving to the United States. I came to believe that any other life-altering event from then on would have little significance relative to the impact that had produced on me—if it wasn’t a huge change, then it was no change at all.

After this summer, however, my idea of change has become much more abstract and realistic. In the past two months only, I have found myself living in three different locations for extended periods of time: Cambridge, Miami and New York. I have found myself making the transition from the life of a student into the life of a worker and again into the life of a daughter and sister. Even now as I write my final ACT entry, a pile of luggage sits in the corner of my bedroom, awaiting the next back-to-school flight tomorrow morning.

I have to admit that I underestimated the degree of mobility that has invaded all aspects of my life. In college, everything from social relationships to housing arrangements are always varying. A college student has the flexibility to drop and add courses, to fly to countries through study-abroad programs, to switch majors and career tracks. As an intern, I experienced no less change. I worked in several different departments at different times with different responsibilities and supervisors. At home, I am no longer the oldest daughter to my parents but rather their best friend and confidante.

For a young student or professional living in the United States, change has become an unavoidable phenomenon, and as a foreign and immature student, my initial reaction to this phenomenon was resistance. In the same way that I yearned to return to Cuba during the first months of my stay in this country, I never had faith in my possibilities to attend a school like Harvard or to secure an internship so early into my college career. I never saw myself abandoning my parents at 18 years of age either, or abandoning the idea to pursue a major in economics and instead embrace history and literature as my main educational choices. But I soon learned that my resistance did not translate into dislike for the outcome of change, but rather into fear of venturing into the unknown.

All my new experiences have taught me to appreciate the importance of any transformation. I have learned indeed, that though there can be growth without change, there cannot be change without growth. I have learned that change is bound to be positive as long as I myself am the driver of that change and as long as I pursue it with conviction and enthusiasm. Today I can faithfully say that I have matured into a better student and person. Had it not been for the varying path of my steps, though, I would have remained stagnant and ignorant of the boundless opportunities that have been presented to me and from which I have tried to pick carefully.

I begin my sophomore year in college with the same innocent illusion I had when I first crossed Harvard’s gates into its beautiful yard. I am ready to confront the awaiting novel experiences with optimism and courage, trusting that I already have gathered the tools to make them successful ones. It is my hope that through my entries, through all the different occurrences I have narrated, I have conveyed to you the same passion towards life that I now feel, when I am finally able to value all life’s sides, and not just the bright one. Because even a negative change can contribute to growth, and growth itself is the ultimate reason to be happy.

July 17, 2007

Learning outside of the classroom

Time has flown by. I’m already halfway through my internship. In five more weeks, I will be going back to Miami and having a few days of vacation before I return to school in mid-September.

The clock always seems to rush when you have a packed schedule. My days at the office get quicker and quicker as I acquire many new responsibilities and have to multitask in order to meet all deadlines. Lately, I have been engaged in different projects at the same time. I have continued doing research on after-school recreation opportunities for medically fragile children. This involves conducting interviews with the staff at the office, which has enabled me to meet many new faces. Although I was formally introduced to all the staff members on my first day of work, it has been difficult to hold conversations with each since there are more than 100 employees at New Alternatives for Children. The other project I’ve been assigned to is the coordination of a new recreation program for children with a risk of obesity. I’ve had fun preparing activities that would increase the group’s awareness of nutrition and fitness and at the same time make the instruction entertaining. I also just finished typing a report about the organization’s unmet legal needs to request pro bono assistance from JPMorgan Chase attorneys, a leading law firm in the country. It was a great experience accompanying my supervisor to their offices on Wall Street and meeting with them. I was expecting an intimidating room full of men in suits with serious looks. So I was no less than surprised to find an all-woman group of attorneys waiting for us in a beautiful conference room whose windows displayed a view of a thousand skyscrapers.

This is my first authentic professional experience. In the past, I’ve had to deal with very different work environments, which were not really a huge departure from the regular activities I had to complete in school. During my junior year in high school, for example, I interned at a local hospital for a few months. That was the time when I was convinced I would be a doctor. Although it was a very prestigious hospital, my assignments weren’t particularly challenging. I was always running errands, transporting laboratory equipment. I’d had similar duties as a student volunteer for many of the high school clubs in which I was involved. When I joined the ACT staff as a student writer, there was much more complexity. As well as submitting quality writing, I had to meet specific deadlines and have the self-motivation and discipline to organize my own schedule. Nonetheless, the flexibility of being a virtual writer and not dealing with other ACT employees on a day-to-day basis made the work a bit unrealistic; now I know that public relations is a key component of the job environment. The same applies to the several translation jobs I have completed for the Harvard Student Agencies, when my responsibilities did not go beyond receiving documents via e-mail, translating them from English into Spanish, or vice versa, and sending them back the same way.

I’ve realized that my internship requires specific skills. First, since its focus group is children with disabilities, familiarity with this population is a plus. When I was applying for the intern position, I made sure to include in my application the different experiences I’d had with disabled children, such as volunteering for a therapeutic horseback-riding center on Saturdays. I realized that modifying my resume to target the subtleties of the job is extremely important. Another very helpful skill for this internship is knowledge of basic technology—everything from a thorough understanding of Microsoft Office to fast typing. Speaking both English and Spanish has been helpful as well. My bilingualism allows me to reach out to our Spanish-speaking clients and perform direct service. Inside the office, dealing exclusively with paperwork, you run the risk of desensitizing from the true goals of the job. Because of my many experiences in student organizations, where I’ve worked my way up from member into board positions, I’ve learned that more effective leadership emerges from understanding the building blocks of the group, from doing hands-on work. Realizing this has allowed me to remain focused both in college and now during my internship. But perhaps the most important skills to have as a beginner in any professional field are diligence, independence and a willingness to learn. Looking back, I can recall precise events that helped me acquire these. Taking the most rigorous courses, for example, taught me to work fast without sacrificing quality, since I had to complete loads of homework in a very short amount of time and still secure the best grades. Enrolling in Internet courses and working for ACT taught me self-discipline and independence, since I didn’t have a teacher or direct supervisor present to orient me at all times or check continuously on my schedule and rate of assignment completion. But I was responsible for completing the work. I guess that the willingness to learn is a personal trait, and intensifies when you’re satisfied with what you’re doing. Because I’ve picked the courses that truly interested me and because I’ve loved every job I’ve had, the willingness to set higher standards every time and learn from every mistake hasn’t been a difficult task for me.

Working a summer internship is an important decision to make. It constitutes a big time commitment and doesn’t allow lots of spare time to rest from the rough college days. That’s why many of my classmates aren’t working this summer and instead are traveling around the world, for example. But I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to become an intern. After only a month, I can already appreciate all the knowledge I’ve gained, both professionally and socially. I don’t doubt that I will pursue this same activity next summer and thus continue exploring my career interests and developing a stronger work ethic.

June 15, 2007

My Manhattan internship begins

Not even in my wildest dreams when I was younger did I picture myself leaving my office IN MANHATTAN and walking back to my home IN MANHATTAN—not to mention encountering such stupefying things as the Empire State Building during my daily walk.

This is the last day of my first week as a summer intern at New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC), located in New York City. I arrived on Sunday accompanied by my father, who refused to let his little girl get lost in the crazy streets and skyscrapers of Spiderman. That night, he dropped me off at a very nice residence in the upper east side of Manhattan, where all 11 nonprofit interns from Harvard College would be staying. I’m fortunate to have found an internship program that provided free housing. For most students, the pay for any job or internship, especially in New York, does not include housing, and they are forced to use most of their earnings to meet lodging expenses. That can be quite high in the city. When I set foot in the apartment building for the first time, I was glad I’d spent extra time doing summer-internship research until I found the right one. I live on the seventh floor, and it all feels like a college dorm again. There are hallways with rooms on both sides and shared bathrooms, kitchens, gyms and other facilities. The best feature of the place, however, is its close proximity to the subway station.

I had heard horror stories about the New York public transportation system. My father was so apprehensive that he refused to let me walk alone to my office on the first day of work. But everything turned out to be more relaxed than we thought. Although the subway here is definitely crazier than the inoffensive Boston “T,” it’s still very clean and smooth. I haven’t encountered any problems with any passengers, and I’ve always arrived at my destinations on time.

But there’s a little bit of walking to do from the train station to my office. Now I understand why, compared to the people in Miami, people in New York look so much skinnier. Everyone walks everywhere here. New Yorkers pack the streets and sidewalks at all times in the city that indeed never sleeps. On my way to work every morning, I’m amazed at how many different faces I meet every second, and at how many different accents I notice from random cell-phone conversations, often interrupted by the horn-honking of impatient Yellow Cab drivers.

At NAC, I leave the urban noise behind and at last find a quiet environment that is nonetheless fascinating. This nonprofit organization has been serving children with disabilities and chronic illnesses for decades. Through a variety of programs that include preventive services and foster care, the staff at NAC has built a reputation as protector of disabled youth and their families in the New York area.

The job setting is much different from the college classroom, and definitely different from high school. I was able to notice even on the first day. When my supervisor saw that I was turning my cell phone off, she smiled saying that it was not necessary. In a professional environment, workers are trusted to be diligent and responsible, and not to engage in unexcused personal phone conversations. But if a personal emergency arises, then the worker can very well pick up the call. The greater trust, of course, comes with greater responsibility.

I work eight hours each day, starting at 9 a.m., from Monday to Friday. My main duty is to advance efforts toward the creation of after-school recreation programs for disabled children in New York City. So far, I’ve been engaged in the research required for the position paper that I’ll have to write eventually. But I’ve also had time to meet the staff of about 100 people and to tour the facilities. Everyone has been extremely warm and welcoming. I’ve enjoyed sitting with older co-workers to chat about their college experiences and about their professional experience so far. Because I’ve shown interest, my supervisor has even invited me to a lunch with JP Morgan attorneys, and another co-worker has offered to put me in touch with professionals in the international development field.

I’ve learned that even the subtlest things matter at work. Personal appearance, for example, is crucial. Things such as eloquence and visible enthusiasm can also take you a long way. Having the initiative to introduce yourself to strangers and initiate an intelligent conversation speaks of determination and interest and expands your social circle. I have tried to have lunch with other employees most days and to offer my help whenever I felt it was needed. At the same time, addressing others by their first name and avoiding generic interactions demonstrates consideration and attention. Because I’ve been careful not to forget these guidelines, I’ve had a very fruitful experience so far.

But I can’t wait for the weekend. There are so many interesting things going on in New York that I am determined to participate in as many as I can. This morning, for example, Enrique Iglesias gave a FREE concert at the Rockefeller Center. Unfortunately, it was at 7 a.m., and I was unable to attend. However, there are many other opportunities to have fun and get to know the city. There will be free concerts and plays at Central Park weekly. At Bryant Park, there is a series of free movie showings as well. I’m excited to visit Spanish Harlem also, where there will be many salsa artists.

As you can tell, I have a busy summer ahead of me, but somehow I can’t wait to return to Cambridge in the fall. New York is a fascinating city, but I can’t see myself living here in the future. It is indeed surprising that a young Cuban woman feels more attached to cold New England than to the charismatic and legendary Big Apple.

May 16, 2007

A year of change and growth

The end of my first year in college has arrived amidst so much craziness that I haven’t even had time to realize that in just three days I will be returning home. The last few nights have been work-intensive. I usually head to the library after dinner and stay there until the early hours of the morning, finishing written assignments and going over my notes for the final exams. It’s amazing seeing so many people powering through the night in the library rooms, as if this routine were completely natural. The library café serves lattes and croissants until very late, and many of us gather there for mini breaks and mutual encouragement.

However, it probably would have been wiser not to invert my sleeping schedule so drastically. After all, I will be taking my finals in the morning, and I will need to have adjusted myself to be the most energized and efficient at that time. I guess I’m going to have to stop drinking so much coffee. I’ve associated its taste with study time, and now I can’t have one without the other.
At Harvard, finals consist of exams or papers, depending on the course. For Macroeconomics, I again will have to sit through three hours of stress answering multiple-choice questions and short essay prompts. I already have reread all the chapters and articles with material that this exam will test.
The day before, I’ll be completing the take-home exam for my literature course on Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortázar. My professor has asked us to sign a document expressing our compliance with the academic honor code. This basically states that the students will not consult any class material or classmate for reference while taking the test. When I first arrived in college, this proof of trust really affected me, since I never was exposed to it in high school. It really forces students to reflect on the maturity and discipline that are expected from them.
There are no final exams for my Speech-Making or Expository Writing classes. For the first I instead had to deliver an original speech before a large audience. It was an amazing experience, despite the nervousness I had. Now I’m much more comfortable addressing large crowds and distinguishing the right volume, pace, and tone to convey my messages more effectively. In many of the interviews and presentations I had this year, I really appreciated having strengthened this skill. For Expos, I had to submit today a 10-page research paper on the topic of women, politics, and authority. Although the assignments were very challenging, this probably was my favorite class. I’d never taken a course that focused solely on writing, and I was even skeptical about whether writing could be taught effectively without a literature analysis component, as is often the case in English classes. But not only did my writing improve tremendously, even my voice and style became more academic. I remember that in high school the prompts on tests awakened much more floweriness and metaphorical writing in me, allowing me to focus on the creative and not the expository aspect of my work. Academic papers, however, are entirely different, and the process of selecting and citing sources effectively requires much practice.
As I share my current end-of-the-year experiences, I remember that around this same time a year ago, I was a completely different person. The Maria I was in high school was much more fast-paced, always feeling stressed, and worrying about the least detail. I had not even graduated and I already was picking the courses for the fall in college, and thinking that living away from Cuban food and a warm climate would be unbearable.
It is incredible how much change I have undergone. I still am driven, and always busy, and definitely fast-paced, especially when I speak, as my friends would tell you. But during this year, far away from my parents, adjusting to independence, I have realized that most of the time the worries and stress are not worth it. This year I finally came to understand what being a “scholar” means. It has nothing to do with anxiety. In high school, I never had time to read a good book, to exercise, to hang out on the weekends with friends and enjoy their conversation. I deprived myself of much entertainment, thinking that it would obstruct my academic goals, but now I realize that the true scholar, the true Renaissance woman, values much more than pure academics.
It is not even about extracurriculars, community service, and the typical recipes for high-school success. I am talking about picking up a good book, doing gardening, researching on the most bizarre topics just to satisfy curiosity, reading the daily newspaper, and exercising a bit. I am talking about sleeping at least eight hours a night, and maintaining a healthy diet, and watching a good movie on Friday night with parents instead of going out to a club or staying awake all night reading for an American History quiz.
I’m certainly not pretending to write my own “How to…” list, or to play the part of the experienced college girl, but I just wish that someone in high school had spoken to me frankly and opened my eyes to all that I was missing, limiting my learning to what class curricula demanded.
Next year I will return much more prepared to face the challenges of sophomore year. Working in New York all summer, I expect to make new friendships and acquire a new professional perspective, both of which will be valuable assets. Not being home for the summer will be very sad, and this is why many of my freshman friends have decided to go back to their hometowns and study or work there. But I had to take advantage of the job opportunity, and my parents support me.
The only thing separating me from summer now is finals. On Saturday, after finishing Econ at last, four big FedEx boxes will be awaiting in my room, ready for winter coats, books, and school supplies for storage. When I move into the upper-class houses next year, I will miss my little room with its high skylight and view. After all, it was the first room that I was able to maintain surprisingly organized without my mom’s help. It was also the witness to a few sleepless nights, and my refuge in the cold days of winter. I guess that my attachment to it just shows that Harvard really has become a second home.

April 21, 2007

Moving forward despite sorrow and fear

It’s such a beautiful day today. The yard is green again and the trees have started to bloom. Walking to breakfast this morning, I truly enjoyed the warmth and sunlight of the newly arrived spring. Everybody is outside today, wearing shorts, playing frisbee, and watching playful squirrels on campus.

This weekend, Harvard welcomed the students admitted into the class of 2011 in its annual prefrosh celebrations. Since we have about 1,000 visitors every year, current students volunteer to host them in the freshman dorms and upper-class houses, and I was happy to host two girls. They both arrived Friday night, one from California and the other from New York. It has been fun showing them around campus and answering their questions. I had forgotten how overwhelming the college process seems at the beginning, when one might be misled by stereotypes and uninformed comments. For example, the girls were worried about an elitist attitude in Harvard students and about being able to make close friendships in a relatively large campus. I told them that the majority of the people I have met here are actually very humble and friendly, and encouraged them to go to scheduled events on their own so that they could meet other prefrosh students and find out for themselves. I also told them that in a large campus it is actually easier to meet people. Since the class is bigger and there is a wider range of interests represented, one is bound to find a niche.

For the next day or two, the girls will be attending mixers, panel discussions, and special performances put together for this weekend. Although I probably will join them for a meal or two, I want to make sure that they have the independence to meet other students, explore Cambridge, and not feel attached to my own schedule.

The nice weather and weekend festivities have somewhat served to counteract the sorrow that filled our university last week, when students at Virginia Tech were brutally assassinated. I had just come back to my dorm from class when I went online and my homepage automatically took me to the New York Times. I couldn’t believe the headlines I was reading. Minutes after, my father called and asked if everything was O.K. He and my mom had just watched the news on T.V. Soon, in dorms, bathrooms, and hallways, all you could hear were conversations about the shooting. In every face there was an expression of insecurity, and our discussions reflected a deep solidarity with the Virginia Tech community.

When such horrible events take place, the consequences inevitably spread across many boundaries, and the pain is felt by all. As soon as our school was informed of the events, the president of the Harvard Student Council got in touch with the president of Virginia Tech and offered him all our support. On Thursday, more than 200 students gathered at the steps of our Memorial Church for a candlelight vigil in memory of those who died. The Harvard University Health Services and Bureau of Student Counsel also held drop-in hours for anyone who wanted to speak to a counselor about the tragedy and its impact.

Personally, I was certainly shocked by this massacre. I have always felt very secure at Harvard. Although ours is a very open campus that welcomes tourists at all times, there are police officers around and emergency phones in many areas. We also have shuttles that run at late hours to take students around campus so they do not have to walk by themselves when it’s dark. Security measures definitely played a part in my college decision. However, now I am conscious that some tragedies are unpredictable, and that despite all the caution you may take, there is always risk.

But we cannot become overly fearful or paranoid, because that is precisely what aggressors want to achieve. They aim to create a culture of permanent alarm. You’re better off being cautious without neglecting opportunities for happiness. I am sure that now many parents and students will question the idea of colleges far away from home, but that should not be the case. What happened at Virginia Tech is the exception and not the rule, and with this precedent, I’m sure that security measures will be enhanced throughout the country.

From now on, my roommates and I have decided to be even more conscious of our safety. Before, we used to leave the door to our room open when going out into the hallway bathroom. Now we make sure to take our keys with us at all times and leave the door locked. These little things can make a big difference. Aside from that, though, we have decided not to let panic or excessive fear take over. As long as there is life, we feel that we might as well live it to the fullest, enjoying every second for us and for those who did not have the chance to enjoy them.

March 15, 2007

Projects, recreation and Spring Break

Walking out of the first Economics midterm of the year, I felt as stress-free as I’ve felt in a long time. I let my mind wander and think about going home next week for Spring Break, knowing I still had a lot of work to do before going home to Miami.

This month I’m particularly satisfied about completing plans for a few short-term projects. For example, my search for summer activities had been an anxious one. I wasn’t sure whether an internship, a job, or a study-abroad program would be the ideal way to spend my three-month break. In the end, I decided on an internship. This won’t be as rigorous as a job, but it nonetheless will provide me with pre-professional experience. And I can always study abroad later. I’ll be interning for a nonprofit organization in New York City that helps underserved children. Specifically, I’ll be helping influence public policy and writing advocacy papers, which will be useful training for my career aspirations in corporate law and business administration. Besides, I’ve never been to New York City before, and the opportunity to live there for an extended period of time is exciting.

In the short term, I’ll be working for the Harvard Admissions Office during Spring Break. The department is affiliated with a minority recruitment project, and they hired me to visit several schools in the Miami area and deliver presentations about the opportunities at Harvard and college life in general. I’m enthusiastic about this project, since it serves students who many times aren’t aware of flexible financial aid and affirmative action programs that make higher education possible. And because the majority of the population this project serves is immigrant, I believe that my contribution, as someone who also came to this country recently, will encourage prospective college students.

I also recently became a member of the Harvard College Consulting Group. With so many student organizations on campus, you have to learn to be selective so you don’t stretch yourself so much that you lose sight of priorities. What’s appealing about this group is its hands-on approach. It offers consulting services to small businesses in Cambridge, as well as to student groups and nonprofits. As a case analyst, I’m assigned to a team with specific responsibilities. I not only perform research and come up with viable strategies, but also help implement strategies. The last couple of weeks I’ve been busy attending training sessions covering our responsibilities within the organization, in public relations, and in the field of consulting.

I’ve also spent time rehearsing with the salsa dance team for an upcoming show and attending kickboxing and aerobics classes. I’ve learned to dedicate myself to only those activities that are fun and positive. In high school, there was a culture of joining extracurricular activities for the sake of a resume or prestige. Here in college, I feel like there’s more room to explore vocations and authentic interests, as trivial as these might be. For example, I’m not ashamed of setting aside two hours tomorrow to take part in the annual trivia contest with the complimentary pizza party. And I’m certainly not ashamed of finally deciding to open an account with Netflix—or of choosing Mary Poppins as my first delivery.

I’ll write again in a month, after Spring Break and my college presentations in Miami.

February 14, 2007

Second semester: Major courses and my first snowstorm

It was after midnight last night when I decided to take a break from my macroeconomics reading about mutual funds. Coffee mug in hand, I walked barefoot toward the large, old wooden windows, where I met the reflection of my Caribbean silhouette on the humid, frozen glass. There I stood almost in trance, shocked, unbelieving, in awe before the sight of my very first snowstorm, falling on an already iced, snow-white Prescott Street.

This morning the romanticism of snowflakes turned into frustrated efforts to remain dry on my way to Econ. Harvard Yard was a chaos of umbrellas and jumping students trying to avoid sinister puddles and brown inches of slush. I was wearing average black leather boots, thinking that this would suffice to surmount the mountains of swow and slush I encountered everywhere. But it didn’t take long before I was shivering, toes soaked, and dealing with an intrusive wind and melting snow covering all sidewalks. I had to walk to the nearest store and get myself some boots, in this case, the ugliest 100-percent rubber boots that made me look like a firefighter. Turned into a fashion disaster, but happily dry, I was able to defy weather conditions on my way to the library after class.

The studying marathon of second semester still hasn’t begun. The beginning of every semester is slow-paced, focusing primarily on reading assignments. Essays and problem sets usually arrive a couple of weeks later, after the deadline for adding and dropping courses.

This semester I am far more oriented toward my major and its requirements. After having explored various departments and fields of concentrations in the fall, I now am pretty sure I will major in history and literature with an emphasis on the United States and Latin America. This is Harvard’s oldest concentration and requires the writing of a thesis during senior year. Coming from a culture where practical disciplines were the most common path for professionals, my parents found it somewhat difficult to understand the validity of my academic choice. A doctor and an engineer, they expected me to do something more practical, such as economics. However, the purpose of a liberal arts college is not to provide a pre-professional background. Instead, it cultivates the student in all academic areas, stressing analysis and thought process more than knowledge of a particular field. The history and literature major will prove very valuable in helping me polish writing skills, understand primary sources, and acquire a more global perspective. These attributes will serve me well in the future, when I pursue a career in law, where the ability to reason and write flawlessly are most important.

This semester, the four classes I’m taking are oriented toward this path. They are a Spanish literature course about Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortázar, a freshman seminar on political speech-making and the language of American democracy, macroeconomics, and the required expository writing seminar for freshmen, whose topic is “the voice of authority.” I was very careful in my selection, and my care has paid off with a deep interest in each course. In my Spanish course, I’ll have the opportunity to work with PhD students. In the second, I’ll have to deliver a six-minute speech for a 200-person audience that will include professors, students, and relatives. In my expository writing course, we’ll have the privilege to speak with two foreign political prisoners whose works we will be analyzing.

What I love about college is that you begin choosing classes based on your interests rather than just fulfilling requirements. In high school, you have less variety of courses, and limitations in terms of topics and even professors. In college, there are fewer requirements for concentrations, hundreds of classes from which to choose, and a vast range of professors. At Harvard some are even Nobel laureates. A student who is self-motivated and wants to learn has infinite possibilities. I explained this to my parents and they have finally understood—college years should be the last opportunity to study everything and anything we are passionate about, before we take on greater responsibilities in life.

January 19, 2007

Recovering from finals

It feels so good to write from the warmth of home, relaxing with 80-degree temperatures and the satisfaction of completing my first semester of college. I just finished my finals yesterday and I’m still recovering from the experience. It was an intense three-day journey, nine hours total, not counting the last-minute cramming and the alarm clock waking me each morning, marking the beginning of anxiety.

I have to admit that my winter break in December didn’t turn out very productive in terms of studying. Although I made sure to pack all books and binders to start preparing for exams early, the books sat on my shelves for two weeks, unmoved. On the one hand, this allowed me to dedicate more time to my family and truly recharge my batteries, disconnecting myself for a while from the academic world. On the other hand, upon my return to school two weeks later, the gap in studying made reality hit me hard. There I was two weeks away from finals and panicking. Setting my luggage aside, I designed a plan of study along with a day-by-day schedule, and set the alarm for eight in the morning. It was time to quicken the pace. The clock was ticking.

I only had to take three exams because my freshman seminar was a pass/fail course, which didn’t require a final test, so I had to divide my time preparing for Comparative Politics, Nanotechnology, and Microeconomics. I needed to refresh myself on the material, some of which had been forgotten with the heat of Miami days. I reread all my notes and even the econ. textbook. I’m happy I did this, because the exam actually covered very small details that could have been missed easily had I not gone back to the textbook. For the government class, we were tested over material in two thick, 4,000-page course packs, so it was most efficient to join a study group. These groups are very popular in college, because the size of assignments sometimes makes it almost impossible for an individual student to complete them all. When many students in the same class join a study group, they each are responsible for reading and analyzing an assignment in depth, and pass that summary and analysis along to the rest of the students. The study guide was of great help for finals, but only as a way to “refresh” material. I feel more comfortable reading everything myself throughout the year and creating my own interpretations and conclusions. There’s no question that the study guide is only a complement and definitely not a substitute for learning.

Another helpful tool was using a school website that contained old exams for every class, which students could use to review. I made sure to take every old test and mimic real testing conditions. I would wake up very early and start the practice tests at nine, as I would during the actual exams, and I also timed myself to gain speed. Most important, however, was to attend all the review sessions given by professors. Here you have the opportunity to clarify doubts, get feedback from the same people who write the exams, and compare methods of studying with classmates.

The two weeks of study guides, practice tests, and review sessions evaporated to bring, finally, the first day of exams. I felt confident that I was prepared. Now it was just a matter of thinking strategically and not letting nerves distract me.

My first exam was Microeconomics. For three hours in a large auditorium, pencils scratched the blue paper books, tracing supply-and-demand and consumer-choice graphs, as vigilant proctors watched, and the test takers, necks bent in pain, focused on problems written on interminable pages. I had studied this material exhaustively, so I was able to answer and double-check every question. But test scores in this class are graded on a curve. Sometimes, feeling like you have performed well can be dangerous, since other people might be feeling the same. Your grade depends on how well others in your class did on the test.

The next day I had Comparative Politics, followed by Nanotechnology on Thursday. My government preparation included writing several practice essays about topics I speculated could be included in the exam’s long-response questions. So the exam content came as no surprise to me, and I was able to attack each essay effectively.

As I write from home now, it is hard to believe that everything is over. I left the classroom where I had taken Nanotechnology as I chatted with friends, heading toward the dining hall, commenting about plans for intersession break. It has been quite a busy semester, filled with new experiences and growth. Talking to my dad yesterday on our way home from the airport, he interrupted me to say, “Wow, how you have matured. . .” Have I? Perhaps. There really is no other choice in an environment where you’re responsible for your own well-being. So I was reflecting a couple of days ago, walking through Harvard Yard. Stopping in front of Widener Library, my wet hair freezing (literally), I genuinely realized that I have learned, about government and economics and science, but also about public relations, social “survival of the fittest,” and life.

December 18, 2006

A holiday homecoming

Time seemed to stand still amidst the never-ending midterms, day after day of salty cafeteria meals, and frozen walks on cobblestone sidewalks destroying every heel on my shoes. Pencil in hand, fervently writing the last paper on Saturday, I anticipated my homecoming. When you’re so far away, the smallest sensory details of home are magnified in your mind. For me, they include the taste of Cuban plantains; the soft texture of Mia, my Yorkshire terrier; and the sight of my grandma’s fingers as she plays the piano and her head turns in perfect rhythm. I couldn’t wait to get home.

Sunday came with gentle breezes and warmth defying the frost as if to prove that I didn’t really need the heat and Latin flavor of my hometown. On my way to the airport, looking through the Yellow Cab window, I was amazed at how familiar Boston already looked to me. I never knew I would be able to adapt to my new life so quickly. It’s not an easy process, I admit, but it can be accomplished with will and time. I remember many of my high school classmates rejected admission into out-of-state colleges simply because it was hard to leave home. In my case, family separation definitely was a huge factor to weigh when considering college locations, but now I’m glad I was able to see beyond the black and white of the situation. Sure I’ve missed the comforts of home, I’ve been forced to deal with vending washing machines, and I’ve called home past midnight when all of a sudden independence seems unbearable, but not everything is bitter. There are sweet experiences as well, which make it all worth it.

Now I’m back home, and every second I spend with my parents is quality time. I’ve learned to love them differently in their absence, with more admiration and respect. I know that I need them, but I also know that I won’t always have them with me. In the future, in whichever profession I choose, my parents will not be there with advice on how to behave, how to treat others, how to handle a business. In college, you struggle and are exposed to a multitude of new experiences, so you have no choice but to seek success following your own conscience. I may make mistakes, but this is the time to make more of them, not when I’m an established professional.

I never fully internalized all these thoughts before applying to college or receiving admission notifications. I can hardly believe it happened a year ago; time has gone by so quickly. By now all the early applicants must have received their long-awaited letters. How anxious I felt last year around this date! I’m happy I prepared myself to apply Early Action, because it spared me the stress of handling even more applications during winter break.

Around this time last year I also was spending time filling out the FAFSA. Having my dad help me throughout the process was of incredible help, for some of the terminology can be confusing. I made sure to start the application very early, because it can take some time, and to have all the needed documents ready before me. High school counselors are well informed about this process, so ask for their help or attend special school or district-wide FAFSA information sessions.

Speaking of counselors, my old high school advisor sent me an invitation to speak at their annual college forum, which I accepted with enthusiasm because it was useful to me as a senior. It’s a great way for students to get firsthand information about the whole college application process. I’ll be talking about the academics, housing facilities, and life in general at Harvard.

The rest of the break is packed with visits to relatives and friends, shopping malls, and even the beach! The joys of living in the Sunshine State. . .However, I also will have to do some studying, since finals are just around the corner, exactly two weeks after my return to school. Until then, though, I am set to relax and recharge the batteries. After all, seven-eighths of college is still left to be completed.

November 15, 2006

A chaotic week of midterms

The second round of midterms has begun. After a long weekend of nonstop review sessions, key-terms memorization, and dissipation of last-minute doubts, this week brings no prospects of calm. The chaos started this morning with an hour-long Comparative Politics exam. Tomorrow a presentation on Waiting for Godot awaits, followed by another presentation and 8-page paper rewrite on Thursday, and a science midterm on Friday. While I dive into a pool of the thickest course packs and notes, anxious that I not miss the smallest detail, I try not to forget that, inevitably, the week will soon be over. Then I’ll welcome the most fun event that Harvard life has to offer.

On Saturday the college will host the annual Harvard-Yale football game. This is a much-anticipated party for which preparations are made way in advance to ensure that students get the most out of this tradition. Tailgates, battles of the bands, and cook-outs take place throughout the weekend, which is highlighted by the victory of either rival. Despite this popular rivalry, though, the Harvadians look forward to welcoming Yalies home. Even students from nonparticipating schools want to take part. I’ll be hosting two of my girlfriends, one from Princeton and another from Duke.

One of the benefits of college life is mobility, especially in an urban setting. Here you can easily move around using public transportation. When work permits, I like leaving Cambridge and getting a taste of Boston’s downtown with all its shops, restaurants and parks. I recently attended a fascinating Cirque Du Soleil performance, and just a few days ago, a modern dance show staged by Harvard undergraduates. You have to be careful with your spare time, though. I remember that during the first long weekend I had in Harvard, I miscalculated the number of assignments I had, and it was very hard to catch up later. You have to dedicate at least some time to schoolwork every day.

I’ve already been considering my summer activity plans. Harvard provides numerous opportunities for internships, summer jobs, and study abroad through its Office of Career Services and Office of International Programs. Next summer I would like to travel to Latin America and participate in an internship for a social service group, for example. Professional and international experience is highly valued by graduate schools, and it also fulfills my desires to explore and be exposed to new lifestyles and cultures. I am open to traveling in other countries, too, and even studying more languages. Next semester, I might take an extra course in Portuguese, whose melody really attracts me. Regardless of what I end up doing, though, it’s important to start planning for the summer as the end of the year approaches. Applications are due very early, and some programs require certain courses that I could take during second semester if I’m aware of the requirement.

In terms of studying abroad, however, there’s one particular program I daydream about. It turns out that Harvard University obtained special authorization to send students to study at the University of Havana. Just the idea of being able to live in my country a second time in my native town and so close to my family, to take classes with Cuban students for five months is overpowering. I never thought I would be given this opportunity and so I’m more than ready to embrace it. Here in the United States, my parents support me. Across the sea, in Cuba, my relatives wait for me with open arms. In my mind, their faces remain unchanged as do the streets and buildings and trees of my neighborhood.

Will I find them unchanged? Amidst my excitement, a delicate fear exists with the thought that, after all, everything I have idealized during these long four years might not be reality anymore. I might find that, despite my reluctance to adapt to new streets and buildings and trees in American soil, I have unconsciously forged a new identity.

October 16, 2006

Homework, laundry and homesickness

Where has the weekend gone? How did I come to be surrounded by stacks of government class papers explaining democratization, a bursting laundry bag, even much-dreaded winter clothing: gloves, scarves and a down coat? It’s the last night of the last week of calm. Midterms approach and are preceded by a chaos of review sessions, last-minute note-taking, so many questions and full-day adventures at the library.

This month has been dense, packed with the anxieties of establishing the most efficient new routine possible. I've never valued time so dearly before. In high school it already seemed a scarce resource, but now mere seconds truly make a difference. It was the norm to sleep fewer than four hours a night as a high school senior and still accomplish much during the day. Getting used to such habits was a mistake. If I don’t sleep at least eight hours every night now I feel the effects on my physical and mental performance.

There’s so much time management to do here. In order to be as proficient as possible, I’ve had to modify a lot of ideas I had in high school about effective studying. I’m currently taking four courses: Macroeconomics, Nanotechnology, Introduction to Comparative Politics, and Freshman Seminar on Utopia and Anti-Utopia. As opposed to high school classes, the college course load makes it difficult to distinguish priorities when you’re used to doing your best in everything you do. For example, reading at a very slow pace focusing on comprehension and not completion is a luxury that a college student rarely has. With more than 100 pages to read every night, the skill of grasping main concepts while overlooking facts and figures becomes invaluable. I feel like even if I spent entire days dedicated to homework, I’d still not have enough time to complete the work and prevent last-minute crises.

That’s why exercise is so important. Exercise is extremely useful in attacking all the stress that comes with the intellectual lifestyle of college. With this idea in mind, I joined Harvard’s salsa team, a small Latin dance group which isn’t very time-consuming and provides a great opportunity to have fun while meeting new people and keeping a fit body.

I’ve learned that it’s important to participate and be active in all aspects of college, starting with the classroom. High school grades were based mostly on written work, while class participation wasn’t as important. In college, however, because the aim is to educate and create self-motivated entrepreneurs and citizens, there’s more emphasis on social performance. Shyness won’t get you anywhere. At a big liberal arts college such as Harvard the large number of students makes access to professors limited. If you don’t take the initiative to attend office hours and raise your hand during lectures, it’s unlikely that you’ll be noticed or motivate a professor to write a recommendation letter for graduate school.

It’s important to keep the big picture in mind and prepare for your future, but also allow yourself to enjoy some of the best years of your life. As I solve innumerable problem sets and write never-ending paper assignments, I am determined to do the best job I can, because I am convinced my grades will lead to a successful professional life. But I also work in teams and enjoy lively conversations with fascinating classmates and friends, sometimes in more than one language.

And this is what college is all about--that bittersweet mixture of anxious nights of trying to do homework when you’re missing your mother, and sharing that homesickness with the roommate next door, drinking hot chocolate and reading pages of modernization theories while winter knocks on the door.

September 15, 2006

Finally...I'm at Harvard!

It's a rainy afternoon and a chilly wind blows red and yellow leaves from the trees—signs of the beginning of autumn. From the window of my room in Canaday Hall, I check out the other freshman dormitories, Memorial Church, and students that come and go immersed in excited chat. I’m finally on the other side of Harvard's gates and it seems as if, all my life, I’ve been preparing for this moment.

I left Miami about two weeks ago and I never expected the "good-bye" to be so painful. At least I was going to see my parents a couple of days afterward, when they would come to help me settle and attend the opening exercises, but I would have to wait until Thanksgiving break to see my sister. She just started at a rigorous middle school, and it hurts me that I won't be there during one of the most important periods of her life. She and I have been the best friends and roommates, and I know that this separation, although well justified, will be very hard to bear.

Aside from my departure, there really hasn't been much time to feel homesick. Since the moment I stepped foot in Cambridge, activities haven't ceased, allowing me to adjust more quickly to the college lifestyle. During the first week I took part in a freshman orientation program called "Dorm Crew," which employs students in cleaning jobs. Since all participants were in the same building, we had a lot of interaction, which created bonds of friendship that will strengthen throughout the four years ahead. I arrived on campus a week earlier than some students, and I’m glad about it. In the course of those days I got to know my new neighborhood very well, discovering restaurants, libraries and shops. I also was able to familiarize myself with the college as I explored classrooms, dining halls, and even upperclassman houses in the absence of the hectic atmosphere that showed up with the arrival of the rest of Harvard's class of 2010.

The best feature of Harvard, to me, is the diverse group of students. In this brief time I've met people from every cultural, ethnic, economic, political and religious background. My dorm is perhaps one of the best examples. I share space with four other girls—students of Portuguese, Asian, African-American and Greek heritage—each unique in her own way. At Harvard, you can request to live in a diverse residence hall. I encourage you to do that if given the chance. Opening yourself to new situations and people is an enriching decision, and college years are the best time to do this. You're actively participating in a learning experience when you leave your comfort zone and embrace what seems strange to you. I've come to understand that most learning is done outside the classroom, and I expect there will be quite a bit of it in the next four years.

Now that I’m finally here at Harvard, I’m glad I didn’t follow a single passion or interest in high school. Although you ultimately concentrate in a specific area in a liberal arts college, you’re expected to be well versed in a wide range of subjects, being "scholars" in the entire meaning of the word. Many students come from high school certain of what major they will pursue, and they find themselves anxious or frustrated when they become interested in something else or disinterested in their original major choice. Our counselors advised us to maintain an open mind about our course selection. We were told that we shouldn’t hastily choose only those courses that meet a certain major's requirements. Instead, we should explore various disciplines that appeal to us, and select classes that satisfy prerequisites and are enjoyable.

Since college life can be stressful, I’m making sure that my routine embraces much more than academics. It was important in high school to work hard on academics and get involved in extracurricular activities. This balance helped me prepare for college, and I intend to seek balance in the same way in college, too.

I already attended an activities fair and joined enough student organizations to become active, but not too many that I will neglect coursework. Sometimes you can get overwhelmed in college by all the changes and your newly discovered freedom. If you forget to focus on your priorities, you can have problems.

Despite the challenges of college and this new independence, I couldn't be happier about my decision to attend Harvard and take a chance to leave my parents' nest. I’ve been presented with a passport to the world; in the next four years who knows who I’ll be meeting, what academic work I'll be taking part in, how much I'll grow and learn. I can't wait to discover...

June 05, 2006

A new meaning to my high school journey

This afternoon finds me in the sweet seclusion of my bed, writing as I escape the unbearable heat of Miami summer days. I glance towards my desk, that wooden friend always buried by piles of books and pencils, stacks of college-ruled papers, random handwritten notes and reminders. Now the desk is clean, organized and dust-free, almost deprived of the fingerprints left by a long high school journey. The desk supports a diploma, framed pictures of friends and a box of keepsakes. From the corner of my room, a hanging graduation cap adorned with a golden tassel bears a sadness-drenched countenance. Everything weeps because I soon will be leaving, welcomed by a new room, a new desk, a new bed.

I daydream of Harvard and the excitement of the unknown. I imagine which dorm I will be occupying, the new faces I will be meeting, the walks to Annenberg dining hall with its magical, Hogwarts-like atmosphere. I am ready for the freedom to study what awakens my passion and not a rigid set of required courses. Even my plans regarding my major have changed. Although I know I’ll follow a humanities-oriented track, I’m unsure of which discipline I’ll choose. Will it be sociology, psychology, history and literature, or social studies? The choice can determine opportunities for study abroad and interaction with prominent professors whose teaching can inspire and motivate me. These questions now float in my mind, unanswered. I trust that with the help of my counselor, peer advisers, and upperclassmen, I will make the most out of this new chapter in my life.

I am crossing this threshold dressed in self-confidence and soaring expectations. I have become a mature woman who does not fear new adventures and challenges. I indeed have grown and separated from that 14-year-old adolescent, the girl once lost in the complexity of a foreign educational system. The girl who entered high school with a Spanish-English dictionary under her arm and determination as her only school supply.

My new being has been shaped by both the good times and bad. I’ve learned lessons from positive and negative experiences, because they provided an opportunity to grow.

My language barriers challenged me to achieve eloquence, gain control of English grammar, and succeed in an American high school. I learned that the linguistic and cultural background, the accent, or the strength of one’s identity does not make the student. I learned that perseverance, commitment, and self-discipline are as important as academic prowess, if not more. I learned that if you’re not proactive, you’ll only achieve mediocre results. I learned that you need to balance academics and your social activities to become well-rounded and to reach your potential. I learned that sometimes it’s more difficult to be a good team member than a team leader, and that neither of these roles should be neglected or left unexplored. I learned about the value of motivation, of learning for the sake of learning, of maintaining independent thoughts.

As a freshman, I slowly began discovering that there were not fixed paths or approaches to be successful in high school or to reach the college of your dreams, for that matter. I learned that you must first define your interests and talents and then use the resources available to you. Sometimes peer pressure or even misinformation can lead us to design an academic and extracurricular track that doesn’t help us to exploit our full potential. An underclassman might not realize that the choices made will be crucial in the college-planning process. But the admissions committee will indeed see through transcripts and resumes if they aren’t representative of who the student really is.

My advice is to take part in activities you enjoy and in which you can make a long-term commitment. In academics, do this by balancing rigor and passion. Colleges seek students who challenged themselves with the most demanding curriculum, but they also value students who maintain focus on a specific academic area as well. In extracurriculars, join the groups that will stimulate you intellectually and socially. Colleges crave leaders, community-oriented individuals, students who manage their time wisely and not only do a lot, but also do it well. Extracurricular activities offer you the opportunity to demonstrate these qualities.

It’s also important to be strategic. Frequent meetings with counselors, conversations with successful and college-bound upperclassmen, and a willingness to expand your social network can be incredibly helpful in the transition from high school to college. I used these sources to draw my plan of attack when it became time to think about college applications. It helped me determine the right time to take standardized tests, understand Early versus Regular Action programs, and write about the topics on the college essays. Again, it’s all about being proactive.

Job experience during these early years is also beneficial in more than one way. Colleges want students who have demonstrated responsibility and proficiency in a field of work. But job expeience also allows you to explore potential careers and develop leadership and communication skills. For me, working with ACT has opened an infinite number of doors. Through my entries I was able to create lasting memories of my senior year and develop my writing abilities, not to mention reach a national audience and hopefully help other students with their college planning. Most importantly, however, I had the opportunity to interact with a team of professionals who developed in me a strong sense of cooperation, self-discipline and excellence.

Now, as I look at my reflection in the oval mirror facing my bed, I see a dynamic mixture, the product of all the experiences, all the activities, all the decisions that high school life brought. The sensation is bittersweet as an overflow of both nostalgia and excitement invades me. I am nostalgic, because a comfort zone has been left behind, because the protective arms of my parents and teachers won’t embrace me in my new independence. Nonetheless I am excited, because more challenges and surprises await and because I will be at the best setting to take advantage of them; because I have only gained in courage and confidence.

Most of all, however, satisfaction fills me. The solace of my room is shattered upon the arrival of my 10-year-old sister and her fresh laugh. As I look at her, I realize that my high school journey, life itself, has acquired new dimensions, new meanings. I suddenly realize that it’s not about me anymore, but about my sister. It is about inspiring her to be the best that she can be, about setting a lasting example that will convince her that the concept of impossibility is lost when there is commitment and passion. I am indeed satisfied, because I think my sister knows. I then laugh myself, because I’ve done my job.

May 22, 2006

Scholarships and a final decision

May has come full of pleasant surprises and reasons to celebrate. Only days away from the culmination of my high school years, it seems like I’m finally savoring the fruits of everything I planted throughout this journey.

I have decided to attend Harvard in the fall. Although Harvard was indeed my Early Action application and thus my first-choice college, making the final decision was not easy. I had the opportunity to choose from many distinguished institutions, each unique in its own way. It was very difficult having to turn down so many appealing offers, knowing how desirable these spots were, and knowing that when I lived in Cuba I wouldn’t have had the chance even to apply for admission into these colleges.

In the end, it all came down to the college that offered me the best financial aid package and with the most comfortable atmosphere for me. All the colleges I applied to have excellent academic reputations. Yes, the prestige of Harvard was appealing to me, but the generous aid that the university provided my family and the flexibility of the payments were crucial in making my decision. Also, I knew it was the place for me after meeting many of my future classmates at the Harvard-Princeton Cuba Conference and through facebook.com and the Harvard message board. I knew these were the people I wanted to interact with in the next few years. I want to be challenged and stimulated by their conversations and discover, as I’m doing now, all the interests we have in common.

My parents have been very supportive of my decision and are now helping me prepare for the transition from high school to college life. I will have to do a lot of shopping for winter clothes, as well as for some furniture and accessories for the dorm. The housing applications were available online just a few days ago, so I have been filling them out. I would like to have three roommates and live in a suite, but we’ll see how everything turns out.

I also heard back from all the scholarships I had applied for, and I’m so appreciative for the help I’ll receive. These scholarships, combined with the generous offer from Harvard, alleviate my family’s financial burden. Toyota Community Scholars selected me as a regional recipient, and I flew to Kentucky to claim my $10,000 award. I had an amazing experience during my stay with the 91 other students from across the nation who attended the event. We spent two days at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel in Louisville, toured the Toyota plant in Georgetown, cruised aboard The Belle of Louisville, and dined at a banquet at the Kentucky Derby Museum. What’s more, I met many future classmates of mine, as well as students from other universities. The trip was wonderful, and it only took some essay writing and requests for teacher recommendation letters to earn it.

I also attended the Silver Knights ceremony recently, where I was happy to win a $500 honorable mention award in the general scholarship category. It was a very competitive scholarship, and the show itself fun, like the Academy Awards ceremony. Even if I hadn’t won anything, just attending the event and being a nominee would be an honor.

Univision and Papa John’s Pizza also granted me the Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud Scholarship, which I initially thought was a $2,000 award. However, as I arrived at the banquet I found that other sponsors of the event, such as BrandsMart and Toyota, would be donating money as well. I was greatly surprised to earn a total of $8,000.

Just days ago I was notified I also won the Mas Family Scholarship, available only to students of Cuban heritage. This is an extremely generous one, for it awards me $3,000 for each year I spend in college. I feel fortunate to have received all these scholarships and I encourage other students to do the work and apply as well. I’m glad I took the time to do so.

Aside from scholarship banquets, school life has actually quieted down a lot lately. I’m done with AP exams, which is a big relief. I think I did well on them but the results won’t arrive until the third week of July. I also attended Gradnite and prom. They were incredible. Gradnite at Disney World included bands such as Fall Out Boy, and they had foam parties and free games for us throughout the night. And prom exceeded my expectations. The music and food were great, and as one of the last moments spent with my friends this year, I will always remember it.

I’m now dedicated to writing the speech I’ll be delivering at my graduation next week. I’m also in the midst of finals, but after the stress of AP exams, these are proving to be much lighter than we all expected. All the stress is fading away and now I look forward to enjoying my vacations, spending time with my family, and living the last summer of my high school years.

April 19, 2006

Narrowing college options for May 1 decision day

Today I write from my Environmental Science classroom where I’m surrounded by birds, dogs, cats and hamsters that people find in the streets and bring to the caring hands of my teacher. I catch glimpses of nervous classmates who refuse to believe that AP exams are just two weeks away, of others who talk excitedly about plans for prom and graduation, and yet of others like me who have fallen into a state of pure reflection and anticipation towards the new paths we will be walking next fall.

Truth is, I have been immersed in serious considerations. Admission notifications from the colleges I had applied to under the regular decision program finally arrived, and that news was the focus of many family discussions in the days after. I was greatly surprised to hear that Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Florida and the University of Miami offered me a place in their freshman class. It’s time to decide.

The national reply date for colleges is May 1, and as it approaches I have been narrowing down my options. Hopefully I will be wise enough to choose the college where I’ll have the experience of a lifetime.

Since my parents will be moving to New Jersey in the summer, attending Columbia or Princeton is an appealing choice, because both institutions are so close to our new home. Although I definitely want to be located near my parents, I also want enough distance to allow me some independence. Knowing how overprotective my family is, living in New Jersey or New York would be too much of a temptation for them to overlook the fact that I finally had moved out.

Setting priorities is important when making a college decision. I am looking for an urban atmosphere with a good public transportation system, rich cultural life, and at the same time, a sense of cohesiveness between university and community. I knew that the Penn campus satisfied this requirement, for its intimate campus combines perfectly with the city life of Philadelphia. Princeton is somewhat isolated from the city’s center of activity. On the other hand, the overwhelmingly active environment of Columbia might not provide me the feeling of intimacy I also want from an institution.

There are, of course, many other factors that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when you realize that these factors will determine the course of the next four years of your life. For most students one of those factors is financial aid. I’m comparing financial aid offers now, and have to say that Harvard has been particularly generous. Their innovative financial aid program doesn’t require a parental contribution from families with incomes of less than $60,000, and the costs for those who earn between $60,000 and $80,000 have been significantly reduced. Also, outside financial aid awards can now be used to meet the summer school requirements.

In the midst of all this reflection, I received an invitation to attend Penn’s Scholars’ Preview, a three-day event that emphasizes diversity in the institution. Because the Penn representatives offered to cover all my travel expenses, I figured it would be an excellent opportunity to visit the campus and find out if this was the place for me. I can’t stress how important it is to visit the campus before a final decision is made. I realize that financial circumstances might prevent you from getting a taste for each school you applied to, but if you have the chance, take it.

Tomorrow, for example, I’ll be traveling to Princeton to attend the Cuban American Undergraduate Student Association (CAUSA) conference. Although I’m not taking part in any prefrosh events, I’ll still be able to acquaint myself with the environment and meet current students.

I also received notices from various scholarship programs I had applied to some time ago. Toyota Community Scholars selected me as a regional winner and I have earned a $10,000 award. What’s even greater, I still qualify for another $10,000, which will be given to those chosen as national recipients. I’ll find out about this in May, when I travel to Kentucky for the scholarship banquet. Ford Salute Scholarships have also given me $1,000, and I’m still waiting for the Mas Family Scholarships, the Silver Knights, and BrandsMart USA to respond. It seems like all the time I spent writing scholarship essays has finally paid off.

You might be thinking that no time-management strategies can possibly allow involvement in so many activities in such a short period of time. The key is to prioritize and plan in advance so you can take advantage of everything that’s available to you while you also enjoy the last weeks of your senior year.

For example, I recently came back from spring-break trips where I left behind my stressful high-school life and relaxed with my parents and sister. After I returned from Penn, we traveled to Orlando, Fla., where we stayed at a tranquil resort within a short distance from the Universal parks. As we laughed and caught up on much missed conversation, I realized how difficult it will be to leave them. Sometimes I found myself wishing that time together would never end. Yet other times, the days seemed too slow for all the dreams I’m trusting the future will fulfill.

March 15, 2006

End-of-the-year senior events have started

Well, this month definitely has gone by fast. It seems that the closer we get to the end of the year, the faster the days pass by. Although I’m really looking forward to moving to New Jersey in June and more to starting college in September, I can’t help but feel nostalgic at the thought of saying good-bye to those friends and teachers who have made my high school experience truly unforgettable.

Our Senior Breakfast has been one of the most memorable activities we’ve had this year. It was held at a nearby restaurant which was decorated following the theme of “Sailing towards the Sunset.” Nearly all the seniors participated. The teachers prepared games and skits for us and the Senior Superlatives were announced. I was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.”

A few weeks ago we bought our tickets for Grad Nite. This event takes place every year at Disney World in Orlando. We leave on a Friday and spend all night at the park, which opens only for seniors of various schools across Florida. Popular bands perform and we get to eat for free. I can’t wait.

Unfortunately, AP exams start two days after we arrive home from Grad Nite, so I’m sure I’ll be studying the five hours to and from Orlando. In the midst of our senioritis, the teachers are trying to remind us that there is much to review before the dreaded exam dates; it really is time to face reality.

I bought guide books for about every AP class to help me study. Since it’s impossible to find a quiet spot at home, I have to start going to the local library to really concentrate on the material. I don’t think I will form study groups because they haven’t worked for me in the past. I’d rather read on my own, make note cards with definitions and key concepts, and take timed practice tests whenever I have a chance.

I also intend to find myself another job as soon as possible. I’m thinking about applying at the Publix Super Market, which is only a block away from where I live. We’ve had a lot of expenditures with the upcoming move and I’ll also have to spend more money on the rest of the senior stuff. I just bought my prom dress, but still need to buy the accessories and find out the prices for the makeup and hair stylist. I also need to pay for the yearbook, the senior memories video, and the cap and gown for graduation. In other words, attending a public school DOES cost.

These past two days the students in Florida have been taking the infamous FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test). This is a big thing here because of the evaluations given to schools according to their FCAT passing rates. Fortunately for me, seniors who have already passed it were free of the stress and got to enjoy those two days. Our school prepared picnics and movie sessions for us to make sure that attendance wouldn’t be affected significantly. I, however, decided to take part in an AP workshop, the first of its kind ever to be held at my school. During this workshop, AP students participated in sessions covering test-taking strategies, writing skills, discussions on logic and reasoning, and general ideas to solidify the advanced studies program. Overall, I think the workshop met its purpose.

Tomorrow, though, fun will be over and my academic routine will go back to its chaos. I have multiple exams this week and many books to finish reading, so I better get going. Hasta pronto!

February 21, 2006

The FAFSA, scholarships, interviews and senioritis

I hate to admit it, but once again things are getting pretty hectic in school. Senioritis is trying to creep in, and my classes seem endless as I anticipate summer vacation. It doesn’t help that we have so many events coming up, such as Senior Breakfast, Grad Night, award banquets, prom and, of course, graduation. It’s getting hard to properly concentrate on academics, but it’s the worst time to slack off.

I’ve maintained my good grades because I know that AP exams are just around the corner and I know that favorable scores on those exams might satisfy course requirements in college, saving me time and money. We are beginning to have review sessions after school and will soon start having mock exam sessions on Saturday mornings. I just realized that this year my birthday falls exactly one day before exams begin . . . I want to pull out my hair and cry.

In the past couple of weeks I’ve been finishing the college application process. I had my Yale and University of Pennsylvania interviews, which I think went well. The interviewers were able to answer many of the questions I had about two of their majors—law and business administration—which interest me very much. I have also finished applying for federal financial aid, using the famous FAFSA. It was a long application and I needed my father’s help. He provided me with family income and tax return information to complete the form.

I am also still searching for scholarships. I was just awarded Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud, sponsored by Papa John’s Pizza and Univision. With that aid I think I can pay the costs of the first semester in college. I have applied to the Mas Family and the Comcast Scholarships as well; the former is for college-bound seniors who were either born in Cuba or have proof of Cuban descent. A short time ago I had also applied to Toyota, Ford Salute, BrandsMart USA, and others. Also, I was selected as my school’s nominee for the Silver Knights in the general scholarship category. This prestigious scholarship is sponsored by The Miami Herald. The committee selects 15 recipients from Miami-Dade County in various categories, including art, mathematics, debate and English. I hope to qualify for at least one of these scholarships. I recommend applying to as many scholarships as you can. Students often neglect scholarship searching and end up missing a great opportunity to finance their education.

I’ve been considering not attending Harvard’s Prefrosh weekend after all. I was just invited to participate in the annual conference of the Cuban American Undergraduate Student Association (CAUSA) that will be held at Princeton University on the same weekend. I’m eager to participate in the conference because CAUSA is a very active organization at Harvard—and the conference will enable me to expand my social circle, get a taste for college activities, and maybe even help my chances of landing an internship. I’ve been interested in the group since I started looking at Harvard and researching its extracurricular activities. This invitation shows why it’s important to be proactive and investigate the extracurricular activities offered at the college you’re interested in before you make your final decision. Had I not contacted CAUSA before deciding, I never would have been considered for participation in the conference.

The big news, however, is at home. Finally, after four years of hard work—learning English all on her own and almost studying her career all over again—my mother has certified her medical doctor degree. She has been offered a position in the pediatrics residency program at Lincoln Hospital in New York. Because of this my family has decided to move to New Jersey in June. I welcomed the news with happiness since now my parents and sister will live much closer to Harvard and I will able to see them more often.

So, not only is my high school journey drawing to a close, so is my life in Miami. Who knows what adventures await us. I just can’t wait to experience them!

January 17, 2006

A much more relaxed second semester

The second semester has already begun, and it seems like all the chaos left with the year 2005. I am so much more relaxed now that I know which school I will be attending next year. It really is a relief when so many of your goals have been accomplished, although the prospect of going to Harvard means that I have a lot more goals to reach.

I came back from Spain a couple of weeks ago. I made sure to have enough fun to make up for all those weekends I sacrificed studying. Living in Spain for nearly three weeks taught me that there’s a lot out there that books can’t possibly teach you. Knowledge about life in Europe can’t be compared to the experience of tasting that life.

Despite the cold weather, Spanish people of every age group crowded the streets at all times of the day. They were lively and friendly and their sense of humor truly captivated me. They were not afraid to start a conversation with me, a stranger, and were eager to share thoughts about their customs and lifestyle in general.

Used to the fast pace of Miami, I was shocked by the types of enjoyment that the Spanish treasure. They are a people of museums, parks, walks and music. My family took me to the Prado Museum, the Escorial Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, and the Royal Palace, to name a few. I could relate so well to their history and traditions, being a Spanish descendant myself. I’m grateful that I took an art history class last year, for it helped me appreciate the art and architecture of Madrid and Toledo, the two cities I visited during my stay. Again, the real-life version is so different from what books present. I was literally breathless.

The best part about the trip, though, was my family. I had not seen my grandma, aunts, and cousins for four years, and being such a tight-knit family, this separation has been a burden. I had to dedicate some time to the schoolwork assigned for winter break, but I spent all the time I could with my loved ones, since I don’t know when I will see them again.

Now life has returned to normal back in Miami . . . or a little quieter than normal. I’m taking American Government and I like it so much I’m considering political science as a concentration of study along with my college major. I still have to worry about filling out the form for federal financial aid (FAFSA), as well as sending the mid-year school reports to all those schools I applied to. I have also been contacted by a few schools to attend admission interviews. Even though Harvard has accepted me and I’m sure that I’ll be going there, I need to continue the admission process with the other schools. I don’t want to close any doors until it’s time to tell the colleges my decision.

As you can see, I’m still somewhat busy. I’m looking forward to all the senior activities in the upcoming months. My high school journey is definitely drawing to a close. I’m going to take advantage of it while it lasts.

December 14, 2005

News from Harvard arrives

Today was the day. The Harvard website said the Early Action decision e-mails would be sent on Dec. 14 after 5 p.m., and I was just going nuts in the hours leading up to that moment. Time had never gone by so slowly. I couldn’t wait to read the e-mail, but at the same time I was scared. I knew that the second I read that e-mail, my life would be changed.

It was five o’clock and my inbox was still empty. I had my parents and sister waiting beside me for that MSN messenger alarm that would go off as soon as the e-mail arrived. Thirty more minutes, nothing yet. Relatives and friends kept calling. I wanted to disconnect the phone. I couldn’t take it anymore.

I ran to take a shower to see if this would make time go faster. It did, indeed. All of a sudden I heard my mom break into the bathroom, screaming that the e-mail had just come in. In my robe, my hair soaked with shampoo, I hurried toward the computer where my dad and sister were already waiting.

There it was. The subject read: Early Action Decision. Oh my god. Let me open it. Let me see…. The first lines were, “I am delighted to inform you that the Committee on Admissions has admitted you to the Class of 2010 under the Early Action program. Please accept my personal congratulations for your outstanding achievements.”

I WAS IN!!!!!

Before I knew it I was crying like a baby, hugging my parents, calling my family in Cuba, listening to my grandma cry too. It feels really strange, the fact that I have just now achieved something I’ve fought so hard and such a long time for. I am very happy because going to Harvard has been my dream since I was still living in Cuba, but I am also sad at the thought of having to move away from home. Hispanic families tend to be very overprotective and this early independence clashes with our cultural standards. Nonetheless my parents support my decision and know that the education I will receive is worth the sacrifice of having to separate.

Although I am almost convinced that I will attend Harvard, I have not made my final decision. I will continue applying to the universities I had initially planned to apply to so I have plenty of options to choose from, and so I’ll be able to compare the financial aid offered by each. There’s still a long way to go though since regular action notifications don’t come out until early April. Regardless, I’m very relieved to have been accepted by my first-choice college, and I’m ready to go visit the school again on April 22, when Harvard hosts its annual Prefrosh—the welcome event undergraduates prepare for pre-freshmen. During Prefrosh weekend, those admitted are shown around campus, attend classes, and get a general feeling for the atmosphere of the place.

I am so glad this semester is over! Ranks are done, grades are in, midterms are over. I’ve never had such a hectic semester in my entire high school career. It was too stressful having to deal with college and scholarship applications, grades, and extracurriculars all at once, not to mention the hurricanes! I still have one or two more scholarships I’m interested in, but I can take care of them during the break. It really is not much of a break if you think about it, since the amount of homework we need to turn in as soon as we come back is ridiculous. But I can’t complain because my aunt and cousins have invited me to spend time with them in Spain. This will be my first time visiting Europe and I am as excited as can be about the trip.

I hadn’t mentioned that I received my ACT results. I wasn’t able to take the test in October because of Hurricane Wilma, so I took it on a rescheduled date. I’m not disappointed with my overall score, but I am with scores from two of the tests. I did pretty well during the first half of the test period, since I scored extremely high on the English and Math Tests. But my scores for Science and Reading were significantly lower.

Reflecting on test day and testing strategies, I think a couple of things might have contributed to the difference. For one, with all the rush that took place that morning, I forgot to bring a snack with me to the test. Because the test was approximately three hours, I found myself hungry very soon. A snack might have helped with my loss of concentration. And time management was definitely another issue. Although I had taken several practice tests before, I still had to guess on a few Science questions because I was running out of time. The good thing is that the ACT has no guessing penalty, which offsets the pressure of taking a timed test somewhat.

However, I don’t think I’ll take the test again since my score was really not that bad. Also, my college-application process is now about to end and it’s unlikely that schools will accept scores past the late December deadline.

I feel like I am finally living the American Dream my parents sought when we came to this country. Attending Harvard will be a passport to the world, an opportunity to expand my horizons and discover my true passions and talents. It’s hard to believe, but I’m on my way.

November 18, 2005

I need more than 24 hours in a day!

The end of the first semester is just around the corner. With midterms, scholarship deadlines, and colleges’ final decisions approaching, I need to do a lot of planning and organizing to keep things under control. I have already discovered how easy it is for life to get chaotic when two hands and 24 hours are no longer enough.

I am somewhat relieved after having completed the application to my first-choice college: Harvard University. Indeed, the process of applying to Harvard ended just hours ago after I was finally interviewed by a school alumna. I closed this chapter and prepared myself for the short yet dreadful wait for that December 15th e-mail, the one that will tell me of an acceptance, a wait list, or a denial.

Last week Pamela, the alumna, called and explained that the office of admissions asks graduates to help evaluate applicants by interviewing candidates that live nearby. Although not all universities request an interview as part of the application process, an interview can work to the student’s advantage. As much as it serves the admissions committee in finding out if the student’s personality depicted through essays and letters of recommendation is authentic, it also gives students a chance to demonstrate how and why they would be a unique asset to the college.

This was the first time I was going through an interview and, as it drew near, my nerves were frazzled. To prepare myself, I sought advice from other students who had been through an Ivy League college interview. I asked about the formalities of the interview, the questions I should be expecting, etc. I also made sure to have a general knowledge of current events just in case I was asked to take a stand on a specific news topic. I forgot to ask Pamela if she wanted me to bring a resume, but maybe it would have been a good thing to bring along.

On interview day I made sure I arrived in plenty of time for the 5 p.m. interview. As Pamela came out of her home to welcome me, all the ideas I had formed in my mind suddenly vanished. Her smiling face and casual appearance made me feel comfortable. Things got even more relaxed after we entered the house and SHE TOOK OFF HER SHOES! The interview definitely was more informal than I had anticipated.

She started off by asking open-ended questions just to get a feel for my background and school activities, since the only information alumni interviewers have is the applicant’s name and high school. As I spoke I tried to sound confident and pronounce my words clearly, since sometimes when I get nervous I tend to speak extremely fast and this, with my thick Cuban accent, can be a problem. She asked other questions about community service projects, jobs held, summer activities, hobbies, and books I’ve read. I was certainly expecting more questions about my interest in Harvard and what I had to offer the school, but she barely mentioned the university. Only after I had purposely asked her about her experiences as a student was I able to give her some insight into my own opinions about the school.

I knew that it was important to be myself. I realized that an interview can do you more bad than good, meaning that a great performance probably will not determine whether you get accepted into the university, but demonstrating arrogance or immaturity will certainly lower your chances. The key was to control the situation and not let nerves control me instead.

So I’m now marking days off the calendar and hoping for the best. In the time remaining, though, I’ve got to get busy.

These past days I have been harassing my college counselor in search of fee waivers and scholarships. There are so many good scholarships out there, and I’m trying to narrow down the list to the ones I actually have a good shot at. Since most of them ask you to write an essay about personal challenges and obstacles overcome, I decided to write an initial essay that I can modify for each scholarship. I have done the same with teacher recommendations, asking my teachers to change the name of the recipient for each letter to save them time and effort. At this point in the year, you have to be practical.

I’m also working on applications for the rest of the colleges I’m considering. Although I had requested hard copies from each school, I’m now thinking of applying online to benefit from discounts for applying this way. I was a bit paranoid about online applications since I feared materials would somehow get lost, and I preferred to pay some extra money for priority mail. However, applications are much more expensive than I thought they would be. Sending an application costs an average of $60 plus the money you have to pay to send extra test scores and financial profiles. Applying online is usually $10 less; if this is multiplied times the many schools I’m applying to, there’s definitely a reason to consider online applications.

The advantage of applying to so many schools is that you have the opportunity to compare many different financial aid offers and visit the campuses to see which ones fit you best. I didn’t want to bind myself to a school through an Early Decision application which, if I were admitted, required me to attend that university. Early and Regular Action are much more convenient. With Early Action, you apply to your top school in early November and hear back from the college in mid-December. The benefit of this process is that if you get deferred, your application still gets reevaluated along with the other Regular Action applications; if you are admitted, you have the chance of either accepting or rejecting the offer. You can only apply to one school through the Early Action policy, and I applied to Harvard. Usually only the more selective universities offer Early Decision and Early Action admissions. With Regular Action you are evaluated once for admission, and the application deadline is usually early January. You can apply to as many schools as you want.

With all the college stuff in mind, I have to be careful not to neglect my class work. It’s still my most important responsibility. Here in Miami we can still feel the burden of Hurricane Wilma as we desperately try to catch up on material before midterms arrive. This has led to an excessive load of work coming from each class as sometimes teachers forget that we have five other classes to take care of. The insane amount of homework and tests that teachers are assigning is exhausting me; I usually can’t get to bed before two in the morning after a non-stop studying session.

Oh well, Thanksgiving and then winter break are coming soon and I am ready to take off for some good vacations. I have to admit that after having experienced a weekend of college life, I hardly can stand high school any more.

November 01, 2005

Applying to college and dealing with Hurricane Wilma

The clock has just announced midnight and I am still sleepless—too many things in my head. I can’t recall having felt so overwhelmed before, yet so eager at the same time.

For five days we were forced to leave our apartment because of Hurricane Wilma, and accept my godmother’s invitation to spend the hurricane period in her house. Anticipating the loss of electricity and the vulnerability of our windows, we quickly gathered our belongings and fled to the safer area of Miami Lakes before the fury of Wilma intensified.

This hurricane season has proven to be devastating. Although we have been fortunate not to suffer any significant losses or damage, I am afraid that the canceling of classes for a one-week period will bring consequences. Because we just got power back, I wasn’t able to use the Internet to complete many of the projects assigned for the present week. More serious, however, is that now we will have to rush to cover all the material before midterm testing begins in December.

Also, because of the hurricane season the ACT test date was postponed in Miami. In one way, the rescheduling has been beneficial, for it will allow me more time to prepare for the exam. This past month I have focused on adapting to the time limits that the test imposes, since I am a very slow test-taker. There are many ACT practice textbooks available at local libraries, but I would recommend purchasing one (online stores are cheaper) to take full advantage of the practice tests that the books include. Owning the book allows you to annotate and highlight the text, which is helpful for last-minute reviews.

I’ve tried to manage my time wisely to avoid conflict between my preparation for standardized tests and the rest of the college application process. These last couple of days have been hectic as I worked on the finishing details of my Harvard application. Since this school is my Early Action choice, I had to make sure to have all materials ready to submit before the Nov. 1 deadline. Of course, this was not half as easy as it sounds.

I had requested three copies of the application with the idea of using one as a rough draft and another as an emergency resource. As I had feared, I saw myself using all three copies after I had accidentally filled one out with blue ink and not with black, as the application requested in VERY small letters. After this minor incident came a major headache: the essay. The Common Application—which a great number of colleges use—suggested a few topics to address in the personal statement. I chose to write about the lesson of perseverance that my mother had taught me as she studied to certify her degree in medicine. The way I began writing the first essay, however, was guided by the question, “What would colleges like to know about me?” instead of the more appropriate, “What do I want colleges to know about me?” Only after I realized the significance of answering the latter was I able to write an insightful, effective essay.

My application complete, I set out to truly discover Harvard. This past weekend I traveled to Cambridge with the purpose of getting a taste for the college’s atmosphere and finally seeing the place that had fascinated me since early childhood in Cuba. I had read exhaustively about Harvard’s academic programs and extracurriculars, and attended info sessions presented by the college’s admissions department. I was aware of Harvard’s concept of “concentrations of study,” the history and traditions, and the fact that they look at the whole student as an individual to determine whether he or she would be a good addition to the freshman class. I, however, wanted to meet the faces behind all these papers and virtual tours.

To visit Harvard’s campus was an essential step in my application to the university’s undergraduate program. I was able to stay at the dorms and have one-on-one conversations with students, whose diversity and friendliness (contrary to common expectation) were by far the greatest feature I found during my stay.

Reflecting on my experience at Harvard, I encourage you to avoid misconceptions when applying to a certain college. It’s imperative that you know the environment—both academic and social—of the institution. Many high school students hold the idea that they must apply to a large number of colleges as early as possible without making much consideration. Often, the prestige or commentary about a college can be misleading, and only by personally experiencing life on campus can a student identify “the right school”—not one of the top five in national rank, but the one in which he or she will be happiest.

October 08, 2005

Looking back and looking ahead

It’s hard to believe that I am finally living “this moment.” Senior year is now a reality; it’s time to look back and draw conclusions and at the same time march ahead with definite plans for the future.

Everything has happened so fast these last couple of years…. It seems like yesterday I was entering ninth grade at Santaluces Community High in West Palm Beach, Fla. My family and I had just come from Cuba and I had no idea what to expect. I was living rough days with all the nostalgia, as well as depression, that came with leaving my family and friends in the country where I had lived for the first 14 years of my life. Academics only aggravated the situation. I have alwa