Barend says her professors have been “extraordinarily supportive” and generous with their time and advice.

“The brain trust at Harvard—the amount of people with innovative ideas—is a huge, huge resource,” said Barend. “To be surrounded by students who share my passion for public service is just wonderful.”

Fellow KSG student Sara F. Shenkan encourages Barend to enter the race if Houghton does in fact retire.

“It’s been great to see Sam evolve into the leader she’s become. I voted for her in college,” said Shenkan, who also attended the University of Pennsylvania.

Shenkan and Barend laughed about how Barend lost an Undergraduate Assembly election at Penn because of conspiracy—”the fraternities ganged up” on Barend.

Bressler, who worked with Barend on the Undergraduate Assembly, vouches for Barend’s strong work ethic.

“She did more than everyone one else combined,” he said. “She’s a good person and if we don’t help good people get into office, we’ll end up with bad people.”

But for all the support Barend has received from friends and professors at Harvard, she also seems to feel an added pressure at the prospect of carrying a Harvard diploma into Congress. The November election comes just five months after her graduation in June.

“I go to the Kennedy School of Government, named after the ‘Good Samaritan.’ There is a heavy weight on my shoulders to continue my activism,” Barend says.

King says Barend’s intentions are pure and her ambitions selfless.

“For Sam, there’s no ego in this. I wish she had a little more ego,” she said.

“If Amo retires, I do believe she will be the next congressman from the 29th district.”

—Staff writer Robin M. Peguero can be reached at peguero@fas.harvard.edu.