Tomorrow the Class of 1996 faces the Real World. Some seniors will take the traditional routes of medicine and law, others the popular consulting option. Still others will strike out on their own.

Harvard is well-known for churning out investment bankers, lawyers and doctors and pumping them through Johnston Gate each June.

But not all members of the graduating Class of 1996 are heading straight for Wall Street and graduate school. Some have followed Robert Frost's advice and taken the road less traveled.

Changing the World, One Country at a Time

Kathleen R. Hartnett '96 never dreamed that focusing on American law as a government concentrator would help her to land a position in diplomacy, but it did.

Beginning this September, Hartnett will be using her political know-how to navigate her way around the American Embassy in Paris as an intern.

She expects to work in the political section of the embassy where she will be dealing with diplomats and preparing daily cables to send to the United States on French politics.

As a student, Hartnett was involved in Harvard's Model United Nations program, although academically she focused primarily on American politics. Until this internship opportunity, she says, "I never thought of really combining the two interests."

Originally, Hartnett planned to study American law at Harvard Law School next fall. She now thinks she might study international law when she returns to Harvard in the fall of 1997.

Hartnett is excited about going abroad, despite the language barrier.

She took French all through high school and as a first-year at Harvard, but she says her language skills need a bit of polishing.

She was able to practice her French while in France for two days backpacking before this academic year. Though she says that wasn't enough time to really experience all France has to offer.

"I want to immerse myself in the culture," she says.

Changing the World, One Race at a Time

Originally, Gregory M. Ruckman '96 was recruited by Harvard as a distance runner. But during his first year here, while running along the river, this midwesterner became intrigued by those rowing past him. One day he walked into the boat house and started asking questions.