"The need for a dazzling junior summer experience on your resume is overrated and often misunderstood," says Nancy E. Saunders, assistant director of the Office of Career Services. Many students look for summer jobs that will give them a chance for a lucrative offer the summer before graduation.

"There are so such quick fixes that I know of," Saunders says.   Mary C. Cardinale

SENIOR SPRING: Separation Anxiety

Seniors are now in the dusk of their time at Harvard. Three and a half years ago, members of the class of 1999 had four years to decide what to do with the rest of their lives. Only one semester remains to figure out how to manage life in the "real world."

"It'll all come to a close so fast," said Courtney A. Ermler '99. "I'm looking forward to moving on, but I'll miss comforts of having friends here."

Ermler is not alone. Many seniors agree that while they are excited about the future, whether it involves Wall street or professional school, they are also apprehensive about leaving the security of college.

"It's scary to be going out into the real world," Ermler said. "It's scary to not be coming back. Things won't be the same next year."

Seniors say their Harvard education had not necessarily prepared them for the rigors of daily life. While Religion 1520, "Introduction it Hermeneutics," is intellectually stimulating, it will not necessarily help graduates navigate the aisles of a supermarket.

Although coursework may not help seniors with the transition, there are resources available for seniors outside of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

For the first time, Harvard University Dining Services is offering cooking classes to seniors this year. Four sessions in February, March and April will allow seniors to learn the basics, from separating an egg to cooking full meals.

The Office of Career Services (OSG) is also responding to seniors' concerns about everyday life after graduation. Later this semester, OCS plans to offer a program that will prepare seniors to find a place to live and handle their personal finances.

Seniors will have ample opportunity to escape from their worries about the future, at least temporarily. The College will sponsor activities for seniors, making the 99 days before Commencement a time for celebration.

Senior traditions, such as the kick-off at the Hong Kong restaurant and the last chance dance, will allow seniors to spend their last days here with classmates and friends, said Class Marshal Baratunde R. Thurston '99, a former Crimson executive.

Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III, who will usher out his last class of seniors this spring, says he hopes the soon-to-be graduates will begin to feel differently about Harvard this spring.

"I hope that they are growing a feeling that the College belongs to them in an important way as a link with continuing education," Epps said. "To quote T.S. Eliot, "You may get to know the place for the first time."'

A sense of separation may give seniors a new appreciation for the College, he added.

"I think also people begin to get an inkling of what it might feel like not being at Harvard," Epps said.

Thurston agreed that seniors will face many challenges next year.

"It's crazy, all these things you don't have to think about here," Thurston said. "The most important thing, though, is how to maintain my Internet access."   Tova A. Serkin