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{shortcode-90306c3fa53eca7fee9970905e1682150a2ae6a0}HUDS must be putting something in the food — because why is everyone getting to class 20 minutes early this semester?! If you are showing up at 8:55 a.m. to your 9 a.m., I can guarantee that you are doing something wrong. Answer a few questions to learn what time you actually should be getting to class.

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{shortcode-417664f550c6f77cd84def5a531319942ad6511a}Comping season — or frenzy, since that feels more fitting — is in full swing, with a million clubs begging you to join their mailing list or run for their board or pretty please drop your resume. Amid all these choices, narrowing down your list of extracurriculars can feel daunting, verging on impossible. It’s ever so easy to convince yourself, “Oh, I can do just one more club,” or to let yourself believe that another student, maybe a year older than you (if that), holds the keys to your future. Decision paralysis is real, as is the debilitating (though slightly irrational) fear of “wasting” your Harvard education. There are no right choices, and perhaps that’s the most terrifying thing of all. But deciding your extracurricular future doesn’t have to be as difficult as it feels at first flush (or first rush, if Greek life is more your style); with these tips under your belt, finding your way to a balanced yet fulfilling life outside of class should be as easy as pressing “read all” on your email spam.

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Only comp clubs you think you would enjoy being in. This might seem obvious but think about it: will each and every one of the clubs on your roster actually make you happier? If the answer is no, you might want to reevaluate. Of course, there are some clubs that will provide you with a non-negligible opportunity for skill development, but no process of growth is meant to be painful to the extreme. Clubs are meant to be fun — like Flyby! — not taxes on your mental well-being.

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Make a list of every club you have even a 1 percent interest in joining. Sit down and really consider the possibility of your life in each one of those organizations. Face the reality that you probably don’t have the time to do everything. Cross out as many as you can. And then rank the ones that remain. Cross out some more. Narrow it down until you limit your list to whichever nebulous number of commitments you have determined you can handle, and then maybe narrow it down some more.

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Please, please do not comp a club just because you feel like you should. Don’t comp a club because it is the “done thing,” because everyone is trying it, or because your friends want you to throw your proverbial hat in the ring. Social obligation and pressure, in the right (honestly limited) context, might provide you with valid motivation to join a club, but this should never be the only reason. Your suitemate, your parents, and that one really annoying kid in section (why are you listening to their club advice, again?) aren’t signing up for hours of work when you type your name in that Google Form, so your desires matter many times more than their opinions. Put yourself first.

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Find a fam in your club community. Forming friendships within a club setting can make your club tasks more enjoyable, and the people you meet when comping a club can tell you more about the personality of a student org than you think. (Case in point: the girls in my Flyby comp class are still some of my favorite people on earth = Flyby is the best club on campus. Come on, give me a prize, my logic is flawless.)

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Look into the comp process before you get in line to sell your soul. In the wise, wise words of a previous Blog Chair, comp is “annoying but just something you have to do.” Still, I find that the comp process for a club is often very indicative of your club experience; the tasks you’re asked to perform while comping are often mirror images of those you’ll be required to do as a full-fledged member. In other words, one of the best signs that a club is the right place for you is genuinely enjoying comp.

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You might not recognize this, but you will have more than one chance to comp a club (or to comp clubs, period). Freshman (or sophomore) fall does not have to be a time of crazed application writing and comping, followed by entry into clubs that you will stick with until you graduate. The process of joining clubs is more cyclical than it is linear. You can join clubs even after fifty percent of your undergraduate education has passed, and you might be all the better for it. It’s okay to take things slow.

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Believe in yourself. One common mistake many people make when joining clubs is applying for anything and everything under the assumption of rejection, but not shooting your shot can be just as significant an error. Some comps are competitive. Some clubs will reject you. And that’s okay. But the fear of rejection, that specter of competition, doesn’t have to keep you from trying for a spot in a club that you know you would love. Who knows? You just might make it in. (After all, you made it into Harvard.)

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You know, at the end of the day, there are no right choices. You are uniquely you, and your final list of extracurricular entanglements is likely to be equally as singular. There is no perfect path to success in these hallowed halls, just one undeniable truth: Flyby is the best club on campus. So…COMP FLYBY.

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{shortcode-7812aef584983c9fb07afa3a8972a06e3cf07b98}Our weekly column is here again with our all-knowing and professional mastermind advice. As the semester is getting into full gear of psets, readings, and exams, many of us will start longing for the peacefulness and comfort of home. That said, we’re getting a little sentimental today with some tips on battling homesickness.

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Q: How do I deal with homesickness?

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A: We’ve all been there. Harvard has a diverse student body, with students from all around the world. So many of us (including myself) live so far from home, and really only get to visit maybe 1 to 2 times a year. That’s such a dramatic difference from most of our high school experiences. (Disclaimer: This is, of course, a generalization and does not apply to everyone.) The adjustment is never easy, no matter if you’re a freshman or a senior on your way out.

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Thus, the first thing I’ll say is: you are not alone. Most likely, your roommate, your friend in section, your upperclassman big-sib in some random club feels the same way you do. Lean on them! Harvard, though sometimes daunting, is a home of sorts; and the people here are your community. Most likely, they’ll empathize, give you advice, or cheer you up as you remember that they are family too!

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Secondly, and I cannot emphasize this enough: call your family. Most of the time, we aren’t missing the physical space we call home (though, I totally understand that as well), we’re missing the people that make it so warm. Call the cousin, sister, mom, uncle, friend that reminds you of the place you’re missing. I know we’re super busy, and sometimes, the idea of a phone call seems as terrifying as plopping yet another meeting on the GCal. But I promise, after talking to that person, you’ll feel a little bit more connected to the space you’re missing. I’d also say that it’s a 9/10 chance that person misses you too but doesn't want to bother you in college. It’s a mutual barrier, break it down together!

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Lastly, I’d advise you to explore Boston. Most likely, this is a city you haven’t lived in. Escape the Harvard bubble and explore this huge city you’re living in for 4+ years! It has so much to offer you. The memories you create here are ones you’ll remember the rest of your life. If you need ideas of what to do, read some of our Burst the Bubble pieces (#shamelessplug).

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It’s so human to miss the places and people we’re familiar and comfy with. One day in the future, you’ll look back, and potentially feel the exact sentimental feeling towards your undergrad years. Enjoy them while they last!

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xoxo,

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Flyby Blog

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{shortcode-efe6aab5d1fb4f55e5e5302a48a6eff3e7d244e5}Dear HUDS,

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I would like to start by acknowledging the hard work and dedication that is needed to provide thousands of Harvard students with food every day. My impromptu Spanish chats with the Latine staff always make me grin from ear to ear (btw no shade to them — I get it; they’re just following the recipes given to them). On the other hand, your attempts to serve cultural food…

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As a Mexican-American student who constantly yearns for the comforting flavors of my mother’s kitchen, the mention of a special dinner in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month filled me with anticipation and hope. The menu promised tempting options: Chicken in Mole Verde, Chicharrones, Stuffed Poblano Peppers, Shrimp Ceviche, and churros. I envisioned this meal as a potential highlight of my Harvard dining experience, even worth sharing in the family group chat. Little did I know, pictures would indeed be sent to the family group chat, but for entirely different reasons... {shortcode-f500cc4443eba60cd432510d8574ed8d0625ac2b}

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Let's begin with the presentation. Upon stepping into the dining hall, my initial glimpse of the Chicken Mole Verde was disheartening — enough that my friends and I all turned to look at each other in disbelief. What should have been a rich, complex sauce composed of over a dozen ingredients had been diluted beyond recognition.Next in line was the Stuffed Poblano Peppers, which appeared promising and momentarily reignited my hopes. {shortcode-910d31641e5317787f69f23ebf455cb834b9d9f2}

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However, the evening took a downward spiral when I encountered the most egregious offense of the night: Chicharrones with fries. The shock and denial I was facing was too real; I blinked, shook my head, and blinked some more. I couldn’t believe it: bacon mixed into french fries and you called it a night. Once I had shaken my head a couple of times, I was able to move on to the Shrimp Ceviche, which looked okay. The lettuce threw me off a bit, but I was hopeful. Last but not least, let’s not forget the dessert section, where the churros and tres leche cake looked ready to steal the show. {shortcode-1191c36a3f2e2ca281db002522eeef2fa93a719f}

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As for the taste, the Chicken Mole Verde was okay: it definitely wasn’t Mole Verde, but it wasn’t a crime against taste buds. Perhaps a renaming to Chicken in Green Salsa would be more appropriate. The Stuffed Poblano Peppers were good; that cotija cheese was putting in some serious overtime. Now, let’s address the so-called “Chicharrones” with fries – the “Chicharrones” was bacon, which tasted, well, like bacon. You could have slapped on some cheese and declared them the most American thing since apple pie: loaded bacon and cheese fries. The Shrimp Ceviche, unfortunately, was playing a game of hide-and-seek with the key ingredient, lime. It managed to be passable, but oh, what could have been? {shortcode-f14077125be32ebfe6a6f478b38918013e343c62}

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But now, let’s celebrate the true hero of the night: the churros. Out of this disappointing dinner emerged one shining star. The customization was phenomenal; you could add sugar and cinnamon, chocolate or caramel syrup and pair them with vanilla ice cream scoops (or Lactaid ice cream for us lactose intolerant girlies). I’d even go as far as to say that these churros should be headlining every meal.

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In conclusion, dear HUDS, while your valiant efforts to feed Harvard students deserve a round of applause, there’s room for improvement in the Latinx cuisine department. I can’t believe students left dinner tonight thinking they were eating mole — it just isn’t right. Let’s give these dishes the authenticity and respect they deserve because they’re more than just food – they’re the heartbeat of a vibrant, diverse culture. P.S. To all: Remember to celebrate this month by listening to the voices of the Latine community on campus because “Latindad” is truly diverse and not a monolith. Here’s to hoping that churros stay around and that next year’s dinner can always strive to be better. For now, I’ll have to rely on the conversations with HUDS workers and the Latine community to get a sense of home.

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Yours in taste bud turmoil,

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SG

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{shortcode-9d201c98b84e1213210119320b1c557ad64c7e59}No context. No intro. Just read.

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Confessions of a Harvard Beezer

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Listen, if the Boomers thought that Gen-Z’s obsession with Tide Pods was messed up, we cannot help but wonder what they thought about the Millenials’ decision to apply Burt’s Bees lip balm to their EYELIDS. Like…were people okay back in 2014?? What were they even stressed about?? One Direction hadn’t even broken up yet…

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Anyways, here’s Flyby’s take on “Beez-ing” as they called it. Enjoy your trip back to the era of the iPhone 5s. Maybe that’s why they were so bored back then. Jeez.

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My 13-inch Long Rat

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Body bags. Blood. Snack theft. Thirteen freaking inches. Is this a Colleen Hoover novel or is this Flyby Blog’s “My 13-Inch Long Rat”? Yes, this is a true story. No, there was not a love story between the rat and the Currier ceiling. Or maybe there was. Read this not-so-long-ago story to find out.

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Math 23’s Boy Genius

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When I was at the Activities Fair, I met a freshman taking Math 55 and a graduate quantum chemistry class, and promptly felt the classic crippling shame of our favorite imposter syndrome. Well, Overachieving Freshman, meet the 10-Year-Old Boy in Math 23. Bet you’re not feeling so special anymore huh? Boo hoo. Granted, this was back in 2010, so maybe our boy genius is here now. If you’re reading this, #compFlybyBlog.

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Lowell to Release Swimsuit Calendar, Exclusive Interview with Model

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Lowell House has many things going for it. David Laibson, Lowell Tea…umm…But back in 2010, Lowell House had a truly special asset (iykyk). Likely because they still felt threatened by the Jonas Brothers in Camp Rock, the men of Lowell launched their very own, limited-edition Swimsuit Calendar. After reading this calendar, just maybe, we wanted to Get Low-ell. ;)

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Quincy Residents Receive a Load of Crap

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Surprising deliveries in your room this semester? Unexpected packages on your floor that beg the question How did this get in here? No amount of 2023 surprises can top the surprise of the 2010 Quincy Residents Charles W. Li and Duncan J. Watts who once received a literal pile of shit. It may have been a crappy situation, but it’s the perfect read for when you’re sitting on the porcelain throne.

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As you continue to digest HUDS’ questionably vegan mac ’n’ “cheese,” we invite you to scroll through the rest of Flyby’s feed. Maybe you’ll find some gems like we did. Or maybe you’ll just find this.

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{shortcode-265a8cc8272719be7eb10dfb76adce07b9e07b81}The Harvard campus is bustling with tourists and students. It can be overwhelming, especially since some of them (somehow) never learned how to walk at a reasonable pace. Have you ever wanted to barrel through a gaggle of tourists or friends? Read this. Have you ever tried to teach someone to walk quickly? Send this to them. Are you the friend this article was sent to? Well, whatever the situation is, whether you found this and need some advice on how to walk or are in fact that one friend, please read on.

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Grab your headphones

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Need to get somewhere quickly, but don’t like to walk fast? Well, music can always fix that. Listen to some ’80s pop rock — specifically some underground artists like New Order (jk) or Modern Talking — or everyone’s favorite Dean Khurana playlist on full volume and you won’t even realize you did your usual 10-minute walk in five. Put on those headphones and get to class!

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Remy the Cat is RIGHT there

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The best part of walking through Harvard Yard is — you guessed it — a Remy sighting. But be careful —you don’t want to scare Harvard’s pride and joy away. Remy is so close, yet so far. How are you possibly going to reach him? Well, by walking a little bit faster of course! Don’t start running or else you’ll scare him away, but pick up the pace and you might reach him (and class) in time to get a good photo with the best pet on campus.

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What’s that smell?

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The sun has just gone down, it’s dark outside, the air is growing more frigid by the minute. You’re walking across Harvard Yard when you get a whiff of something absurd! It’s strong, sharp, and acidic. You immediately cover your nose to escape the vile scent. It isn’t until you’re reaching the edge of Harvard Yard that you realize the smell is following you… You peek behind your shoulder to get a good look at what it could possibly be when it comes into view: it’s tall, coppery, with a golden foot walking menacingly just a few paces behind you! You never know what could happen in the Yard. All the more reason to walk fast.

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Look out, the Harvard rats have found their evening prey

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Have you seen the little critters roaming around campus, ready to pounce on you at any second? Well if you want to walk faster, look out because they could be coming for you! They are always lurking behind buildings, behind doors, behind people… the faster you walk, the closer you are to safety. If they capture you before you reach your destination, you will never be safe for the rest of your Harvard life. Nothing! No one! Nowhere! Will ever be safe again!

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The gaslight yourself method

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Do you live in Pennypacker and want to get to Berg before the dhall closes? Are you Quadded and your class in CGIS started a minute ago? Did you just wake up and you don’t know where your class is because you haven't checked Canvas yet? Well, don’t worry because you can get there in five minutes! You can get anywhere in five minutes! You’re a Harvard student for goodness gracious! Don’t believe what google maps tells you — gaslighting yourself is much more effective.

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Hopefully this article taught you how to walk faster and promote peace on the sidewalk. To all of you making the trek across Harvard’s campus, I wish you the best of luck on not getting carried away by waves of students and tour groups every time you leave your dorm.

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{shortcode-7b188d190db4fd8e12f08847bc630bf22cf2f038}

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The tote bag epidemic is upon us. There’s days when you can strut your stuff with a tote bag, and there’s days when you need a backpack for sufficient space for snacks (and books, of course!), or else you risk being snapped in half. It is inevitable that there will be a day you cannot make the right decision, and although we can’t interfere with that canon event, we can try to help you avoid it with this flow chart.

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{shortcode-c72ae6800a2c95eb7d1c1ea078cc81f3570294d8}We’re back on Monday with our Dear Flyby column! You asked and we’re ready to answer. With the add-drop deadline sometime in the horizon, it’s never too late to start thinking about whether that fifth (or sixth) class is really worth taking this semester.

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Q: Should I drop that sixth class?

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A: First things first, if we’re actually talking about your sixth class, drop it. Now. (Unless you actually need it to graduate, in which case do what you gotta do.)

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Ask yourself: would Marie Kondo approve of your course schedule? Does this class spark joy? Will it contribute to the transformative experience Dean Khurana so dearly wants you to have? Will it water your crops, clear your skin, and raise your GPA generally bless your soul? You’re a student, but you’re a person first. No class is more important than your wellbeing.

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Are you curious about this class? Have you been vibing with the professor? Enjoying the readings? Or is everything in this class just a drag? If you have to drag yourself to class and nothing is helping you stay focused on the subject matter at hand — maybe take a class that will make you believe that this (very expensive) degree is actually worth it.

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In terms of required classes, consider what you need to take to get this degree on time — is this class one of those classes? If it is, think about whether you can push it off to next semester or complete the requirement in a different year (unless you’re a senior, rip) Everyone completes their requirements on different timelines so don’t feel pressured to do everything at the same time as your peers (Yes, you can push Chem 17: “Principles of Organic Chemistry” to your Junior year). If this fifth class is not a requirement, then consider whether or not it is truly sparking your interest.

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On the flip side, don’t drop a class just because it’s challenging. Not to be cheesy, but sometimes, the hardest courses are the ones that teach us the most — about new subjects and about ourselves. Okay, that was a little cheesy, but we mean it. It can be a really rewarding experience and a memory that can last beyond your college years, for better or for worse (we hope for the better!)

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If this is your first time dropping a class — or even contemplating doing so, for that matter — it might seem daunting. You might feel unsure, anxious, or even petrified. But, add-drop period exists for a reason. It’s an opportunity, a trial period, a chance to listen to your reasonable doubts. And if you’re reading this, that means you’ve been thinking about it. This might be a sign. It might be your sign.

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While we can’t tell you exactly what to do, we hope that we can help you make the decision that is the best for you. And the one that will help you become the academic weapon of your dreams. And the one that will make you the least sleep-deprived this semester.

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xoxo,

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Flyby Blog

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DISCLAIMER: As always, know that Flyby Blog does not provide professional advice for your academic journeys and we always recommend discussing with your academic advisor (found on your my.harvard.edu and sending them a quick email).

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{shortcode-42b0c973ea2ffbad4c22ed94d53d8806922dd9f2}

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I had just finished my silly little Menschel Hall lecture and started walking towards the September heat when I realized I was a bit peckish. I could go to the Broadway Starbucks, maybe, and spend $7 on a croissant? Or perhaps I could go to Broadway Market and spend $11 on an apple? The situation seemed dire, but then I remembered which building I was in. I waltzed my way upstairs, finding myself in a mostly unfamiliar atrium reminiscent of the Colosseum. This was the art museum.

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The Cafe is Cool

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I sauntered into the museum cafe to meet very friendly staff who described all of the snacks to me. I went for a blueberry muffin bread thingy, which was tasty and just $4! And then, as I was paying, I was asked if I wanted a coffee. This coffee was FREE, and small coffees are free for all students in September. The cashier said to tell my friends, and you, dear Flyby reader, are, of course, my friend.

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The Atrium is Cool

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I ate my snack and drank my free coffee in the atrium, enjoying the echoes of merrymaking and caffeination. I zoomed with my concentration advisor, who was very impressed that I was in the museum. He then mentioned my prospective thesis, and I had to take a lap around some statues to calm down. Nothing like the serenity of recovered columns to make me forget my academic woes.

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The Art is Cool

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In fact, there is lots of art in the art museum, which is very cool, but I will not write about it further, because I do not want the Arts section to recreate this painting where Flyby is Adam and I am (of course) Eve. Suffice it to say that I now feel very informed, cultured, and like a productive and artistic member of society.

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And Now, I am Cool

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I feel very silly that I did not take advantage of this museum sooner. They do lots of cool stuff. Do not be like me. Go to the museum NOW.

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But not when I’m there. I like that it’s quiet.

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\r\nNew school year, new me… right? At least, I hope so. As we wrap up our first full week of classes, I’m looking back at past me to reflect on the mistakes I made in previous back-to-school months so that you can avoid these boo-boos for this new school year.

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Subscribing to too many email lists

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When you first get on campus, whether it be for the very first time or simply just returning from a summer away, you want to be in the know about everything: all the House events, all the club info sessions, all the festivities. You may also want to get involved in a bunch of new activities, since this is supposedly your calling to find a new passion or hobby. As a result, you’ll find yourself adding your email to every single sign-up sheet you see. You think, it’ll be fine, I’m just tossing a wide net to catch all the events so I’ll never miss out on anything. Wrong. For the rest of the school year, and honestly for the rest of the existence of your college email, you will get email spam about every. single. event. happening, no matter how relevant it is to the email list(s) you subscribed to. And to make it even better? The same email will get sent to the five email lists, so you’ll just get five iterations of the same email. Your inbox will never be empty again. Be selective with your email — don’t let it fall into the wrong servers.

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Giving in to FOMO

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Similar to above, there will be so many activities and events going on, especially during the first few weeks when classes haven’t picked up yet. You may be riding off that back-to-school adrenaline high for now, but sooner or later, the fatigue will catch up to you, reminding you that your body needs rest. Listen to your body!! You may be hesitant to take a break, especially if all your friends are still going out and having fun, but trust us, burning out in the first month of classes is not how you want to kick off the semester. Don’t exhaust yourself — you’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to do everything you want to do.

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Not establishing guidelines with roommates about common spaces

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It doesn’t matter if it’s your childhood best friend you’ve known since diapers or the randomly assigned roommate that you met for the first time when you forgot your key five minutes after move-in and had to ask them to open the door for you, YOU NEED TO SET CONCRETE, WRITTEN BOUNDARIES WITH YOUR ROOMMATES!! Sometimes, even with the best intentions at heart, miscommunication happens between people and it can lead to nasty living drama. While some may argue that’s a canon event, it still sucks. So, be sure to set roommate expectations early about guests coming over, hosting gatherings in common spaces, and, if applicable, bathroom cleaning. That last one can really flush away even the strongest of friendships.

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Not doing assigned readings

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I know that our generation’s attention span has been absolutely destroyed thanks to social media like Instagram Reels and TikTok, but yes, you still have to sit down for a set period of time and do your assigned readings for class. Trust us, it’ll be much better to be on top of your readings at the beginning of the semester because before you know it, you’ll be so behind that you’ll need to read 1,000 pages a day just to catch up. Don’t do that to yourself. Pace your reading. And if you can’t do it in one sitting, don’t! Space it out over the course of a day or two, but remember to give yourself enough time to do that while still staying on schedule. Snacking can help too, with both motivation as well as brain fuel. Pro-tip: try letting yourself have a bite every time you finish a page.

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Buying textbooks (If you’re a STEM kid)

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First of all, they’re so heavy. Secondly, most STEM professors have designed their curriculum to either a) not require textbook readings at all, b) suggest textbook reading as additional information, or c) include free access to an online version of the course text. And, unless for some reason you really just prefer having a physical textbook (nothing wrong with that as well!), there’s always a way to access your textbook online…

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Not going to office hours

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Your professors are so cool! Your TFs are so cool! You too can be cool, by getting to know the teaching staff during their office hours. Especially if you’re in a large lecture class, going to office hours is a great way to get to know your professors and TFs on a more personal level. You don’t even need to have questions about the content — just pop in for an introduction or a quick chat! You can even take advantage of Classroom to Table, where you can take your professor out for coffee or food and Harvard will cover the bill. I truly cannot emphasize this enough: your professors and TFs are all such amazing people, and you can build really strong connections with them just by going to office hours. (Added bonus: they’ll also obviously provide pset help, so that’s a double win!)

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Not comping Flyby?!

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Technically, I did comp Flyby my freshman fall, so that’s one thing I did *right* during my start here at Harvard. Yes, this is a self-promo. Yes, you should sign up to comp The Crimson, and comp Flyby specifically. ;)

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Not leaving Harvard

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I know, I know, making the transition to Harvard and college life is hard enough; there isn’t enough time nor energy to do that AND explore Boston. But if you have the time, take a few hours on a nice Saturday or Sunday to go into Boston and see what’s happening lately. There are farmers markets, open streets, art museums — and if all else fails, shopping and/or dining out! Don’t get trapped in the Harvard bubble, because you’re going to be spending so much time here for school anyways. Might as well take the chance to explore what’s on the other side of the river, too.

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Well, there you have it. My first “advice” piece as a senior. Though, I don’t really know if I’m qualified to be giving advice when I’m still figuring things out too. But hey, glad we’re all on this journey together. <3

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Summer may be over, but according to us, it’s never too late to enjoy some of the best music from the past few months. While we may no longer be constantly basking in the sun, this playlist will walk you through the highs and lows of summer 2023. We hope this playlist will help brighten your walk from class to class!

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{shortcode-d88bbab5818a58d19c8dfebdd9720bcd7de5df8d}Every summer, we all channel and manifest the same energy: this summer will be my summer. No matter how your summer went, we hope that your Harvard summer is just as ~transformative~ as your Harvard semesters. For us here at Flyby, we had it all: from MCAT grind to 9 to 5 workforce, some stayed in their hometowns while others traveled to the other side of the world. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), no one found themselves caught in a love triangle with two brothers during our yearly summer getaway to Cousins Beach (iykyk). Instead, here are a few stories from our writers as this was the summer they turned…

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…bureaucratic – Tina Chen

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Hopefully, one day I’ll know how to spell that word without autocorrect. This summer, I interned with the United Nations Population Fund through the Harvard Global Health Institute. I worked with the Maternal and Newborn Health Team, specifically focusing on the Campaign to End Fistula, which aims to eliminate obstetric fistula globally by 2030. Navigating the bureaucracy of the U.N. was definitely … interesting, to say the least, but this summer piqued my interest in global health and reminded me why I want to go into the medical field. It was also great to be back in my home city (NYC babyyyy) this summer. I rented an apartment with a friend, so we were living that hot girl summer life with lots of cute museum dates, fun river walks, and delicious NYC eats. With that said and to make the medical dream a reality, this Barbie’s job for the semester is MCAT.

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…insufferable – Raymond Wu

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After 20 years, I have finally realized my dream of becoming one of those people. Yes, one of those people who brings up their study abroad every single second and who is unable to readjust to the grueling, monotonous American lifestyle after living it up in some place that actually cares about public infrastructure. I was in Taipei, Taiwan this past summer studying Mandarin as a part of the Harvard Summer School program. I ate lots of good food, saw a lot of really cool places, and made a lot of great friends. Did I learn Mandarin? Yes, I think I improved a lot actually. Have I retained any of that knowledge? Well … what’s important is that I had fun.

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…spontaneous – Alexandria T.Q. Ho

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If there is one thing my globe-trotting summer taught me, it is: sometimes, it’s better to throw your planner away and go with the flow. Well, technically I didn’t throw away any planner since I used Notion religiously and cannot live without my laptop. But, for once in my life, I was okay with not planning out every single minute of my day with activities and embracing the unexpected moments of life. So what if I accidentally missed my subway stop and found myself in an unfamiliar neighborhood in Stockholm? That was simply an opportunity to explore a new cafe for fika. Our flight back to Stockholm from Reykjavík got delayed 10 hours? We got some time exploring more of the beauty of Icelandic nature then. Of course, I do miss the structure that college brings but not gonna lie, I am excited to let some spontaneity into my final year of school.

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…wanderlust – Hailey E. Krasnikov

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This summer I became the classic ~London School of Economics kid~ as I spent the majority of my summer exploring studying London for nine weeks. It was my first time outside of North America, so I decided to see as much of Europe as possible. From trying gelato in Italy, to eating a giant pretzel in Germany, it was an unforgettable summer.

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…’90s rom-com protagonist – Eve S. Jones

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Ok, no, I didn’t have any meet-cutes or start dating anyone. But otherwise, I had the classic ’90s Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, “Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall, New York City summer. I read submissions and fact-checked for a magazine in Brooklyn. I lived in Queens with two fashion students and their dopey yet charismatic boyfriends. I searched Bushwick thrift stores for ~the perfect find~ (catch me in my new/old wool coat in a few months). As I sipped a Yemeni latte and read “The Transit of Venus” in a cafe in Greenpoint, I couldn’t help but wonder … was I the main character?

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…romanticist (romanticizer?) – Arezoo Ghazagh

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Home! Good for a few weeks, not necessarily a couple of months — something that I did not realize when I tried to be cost-efficient and find a commutable distance internship to fill my summer. Even though I quickly got bored of my childhood bedroom and office cubicle, I eventually was able to rediscover all of the things about my little Connecticut beach town that made me miss it so much in the first place; sunset paddleboarding by the beach, late night drives with no destination, even a coffee run at the local Dunkin’. Playing the side character this summer showed me the true beauty in the mundane, and summer definitely had her redemption arc (just like Taylor and Steven in season 2 of TSITP — forget Belly, I’m team Saylor (Taeven??)).

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…corporate – Hayeon “Rachel” Ok

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Yes, that’s right folks. I’ve succumbed to the career path that is perhaps most frequently discussed on this campus. Finance. This summer, I discovered the beauty of a 9 to 5 workday, but didn’t necessarily enjoy the 5 to 9 because I am still a ~broke college student living at home~. Did this fuel the relentless fear that I will be forever bound by the capitalist machine that is corporate life after I graduate? Why, yes. It certainly did. But honestly, working a 9 to 5 and then not worrying about homework or office hours or psetting in the evenings or weekends was splendid, 10/10. Good luck to my premed besties! Y’all will kill it in med school, but more years of school is just not for me. #itsnotaboutwhatidoforcapitalismbutwhatitdoesforme <3

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…sleepless – Kat Ravichandran

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Prince said, “Time is a mind construct. It’s not real.” And I repeated those words to myself at hour 36 of being awake as I hallucinated in the S-Bahn home from my German class after working 9 hours at a startup after taking a 6 a.m. flight from Milan after having an all-nighter in the city after taking a day trip to Lake Como. As a chronic extrovert, I certainly had my trepidations about living alone in Berlin; that is, until I learned that living alone is an extrovert’s paradise. No one minds you coming home at 2 a.m. from a long day of coding (and then the obligatory after-work drinks); no one minds you practicing your German out loud at midnight (or aggressively mispronouncing Eichhörnchen); and no one minds you sleeping noon to 5 p.m. on a Saturday to execute back-to-back club escapades. Ah, Europa. Coming back to Harvard, I was worried I would lose my newfound axiom of sleeping when I’m dead, but I would like to give a very special thank you to my CompSci professors for giving me enough pset problems to last until I die <3.

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…Mr. Worldwide – Abigail Mejia

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This summer I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea through the Harvard Summer School program! It was my first time traveling outside of North America and it was a little daunting to do that alone but it ended up being a really unforgettable experience. In the second half of the program, we were partnered with students from the local university we were staying at (Ewha Womans University) and we became a pretty tight knit group <3 (bonded by the hardship of the Gov course we took together). Overall, a wonderful experience, other than that time a bus driver got angry because I called him by the wrong honorific, but that’s a story for another time.

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…a vigorous walker – Stephany Gutierrez

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I like half of this campus spent my summer in Europe. I was studying abroad in León, Spain. But most of all, my step count was through the roof; my health app has never been prouder. Being in a walkable city was life-changing and is something I will forever miss. I truly embraced the new walker personality when I embarked on a five-day hike of more than 100 kilometers while walking the Camino of Santiago (I still do not know how I did it). I also visited Paris, Lisbon, and Rome, which were annoyingly documented on my Instagram. Overall, my summer was ~transformative~ and I met so many new friends and checked many things off my bucket list <3.

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…studious – Subul Ahmad

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Never back down, never what? Never give up! Friends, you must incessantly repeat these pep talks in order to persist through studying for the MCAT. I would know, because I spent my summer holed up in the library doing exactly that. Fair warning: you think that the MCAT is soooo far away and that you have all the time in the world before you have to worry about it. Then, you blink, and all of a sudden, you’re faced with conjuring up all of your knowledge of Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. To be real, I had barely recovered from going through those weed-out premed classes. My summer may not have been that different from the regular college programming, but once I take this exam, I am going to be vibing — no thoughts, head empty — and that’s motivation enough.

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There you have it folks, Flyby’s summer recap. Until next year!

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You asked, we answered. Flyby’s back with our weekly advice column. This week’s theme: tackling senior year.

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Q: How do I answer the question “How do you feel about being a senior?”

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A: As the resident senior-in-denial of the friend group, my go-to response is: *sighs and looks down* “It is what it is.”

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Class of 2024, it’s weird to think about how we got here. Having just had our last first day of fall classes ever (except for all of you overachievers planning on going to graduate school), I can’t help but think about how long it’s been since freshman fall. With our masks and lanyards in hand, some of us moved into our freshman dorms, whether they were in Pfoho, Lowell or the Yard. Some of us never even stepped foot on campus for the entirety of freshman year, and spent the year at home. But… I’d like to think that we’ve made up for it since. We were the first (and hopefully only?) Harvard class to ever have sophomore convocation, we had single-serve chocolate Oatly in the d-halls (Ah, the good old days) and we got to experience the making and happening of Harvard’s first-ever virtual FOP (can someone explain how that worked? I’m still confused).

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Three years later, here we are — experts at sprucing up HUDS dishes, picking classes (obviously jk), getting to Smith early on the weekend if we want to find a table and daring enough to go out on Thursday nights, call our TFs and (some) professors by their first name (I haven’t gotten here yet, but maybe others have) and skip that Gen Ed lecture when class seems just-a-bit-too-far from the Quad on a random Tuesday. So, while being the Covid-19 freshman year class sucked, being a senior means we’ve still had lots of fun memories here at Harvard in the past three years, despite our challenging start. And we’ve got a lot coming up. One more Harvard-Yale with a student ticket discount; one more first snowfall living on campus; one more go at Datamatch (3rd time’s the charm guys); one more crazy (or cozy) spring break. And while we started our time at Harvard on Zoom, I am hopeful that our graduation next May will be bustling with 3-D family and friends.

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So, when you get asked about being a senior and graduating soon, don’t be bogged down by things ending. You can still have fun while appreciating the finality of things, knowing that there are so many things to look forward to as a senior (did someone say senior priority status to finally get into that one class you’ve always wanted to take?). Answer with a smile, that you’re excited for all the things that senior year will bring.

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Or don’t. Just smile and walk away from the poor little freshman who asked you, in hopes of getting some sage advice. They’ll figure it out and experience it on their own. Or, they can read Flyby. ;)

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xoxo,

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Flyby Blog

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Every Monday, we’ll answer your burning questions. Submit your next question @flybyblog on Insta or email us at flyby@thecrimson.com

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{shortcode-e37e279a188aeadbef59228fd9839760a8aff388}Your favorite amateur astrologists have returned. We’re back from a somewhat restful (see extreme heat), very entertaining (see Barbenheimer), and unfortunately retrograde (see I cried a lot) filled summer to predict your back to school experience. We can confidently conclude what you should prioritize as you get back into the swing of things. And remember, if our predictions are wrong or too right, blame the stars, not us.

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Virgo

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There is something so fitting about beginning school in Virgo season, and this is your time to shine. You are vision boarding, buying new planners, downloading Notion (is it actually helpful? Asking for a friend), and making daily Container Store runs. Will the ambition persist? Probably you sexy, meticulous slayer, you. We just have one piece of advice. This week your first house will get a boost from Jupiter, meaning that now is the perfect time to examine how you really feel. You don’t need to go to therapy for this (though maybe you should). Just take the time to ensure your actions align with your true passions and emotions. Also, stop complaining about the heat.

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Libra

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Your kind roommates likely won’t say it, so let us: Please, for the love of God, finish unpacking. After full days of errands, exploring, and quality catch-ups, imagine how nice it would feel to return to a clean room. But don’t sweat it. We know you’ve been having fun dressing up for school, curating your fall playlists, and judging the first year key-on-necklace look. Unfortunately, in a couple days, you could feel unsettled by some strong emotions or difficult conversations. Try your best to refrain from overthinking. With the Moon in Gemini, you may experience heightened wisdom and intuition to navigate any problems that arise.

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Scorpio

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Amid the back-to-school activity, you may have found yourself speaking with more people and posting more than usual. You may feel overwhelmed, but do retreat! We are sensing that something with the moon will give you the surge of energy and passion needed to resync with others. Reach out to old and new connections and say yes to invitations. Also engage in energizing physical activity (just no hot yoga in this heat — speaking from personal experience).

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Sagittarius

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Your adviser wasn’t lying. It’s true. You have 12 concentration requirements left with only four semesters to go. The stars are confident you’ll make it through. (Us, and your adviser, not so much.) With Jupiter in your sixth house, you may enter a time of accomplishment. Just remember success won’t come from cutting corners. That’s right, it’s time you actually purchase (and read!) your textbooks.

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Capricorn

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Let us be the first to say it: Stop looking at pictures of your dog because you have separation anxiety and also are lonely. With the Sun in your ninth house, it’s the time to open yourself up to a romantic breakthrough. Text an old fling or sit next to your section crush. Capitalize on the warm weather, the great vibes, and your quickly fading summer tan. Give into FOMO! Be bold! We know this seems like terrible advice — that’s how you know the stars (we) really mean it.

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Aquarius

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You’ve told everyone that you’re excited for school to “bring some structure into your life,” but you are already bored with your classes. Rats. But good news! Your quarter moon is in your celebrity house. This means now is the time to wear your daring outfits, post that Tiktok draft, and do that face mask. We’re confident you will turn heads. Just remember: Don’t get carried away. With many planets in retrograde, subtlety is your best friend.

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Pisces

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You swear the walk through the Square is cursed — running into old faces and talking about your summer (again and again and…) can certainly be draining. However, as Jupiter and the Sun move into your house of communication, focus on developing connections. This can take many forms: Instagram stalk the new couples, spend some quality time with your roommates, get a meal with the person you keep saying you will get a meal with, and open yourself up to unexpected friendships.

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Aries

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It’s been difficult. You still haven’t determined the most tactful way to tell your roommate you don’t like their common room wall art. Don’t worry, dear Aries, we know you are patient and flexible (somewhere deep, deep down). Next week, Jupiter in Taurus aligns with the Virgo Sun in your sixth house of service (this is not made up). That means the new semester should consist of acts of kindness. Let someone cut you in the dhall, don’t roll your eyes in section, watch the Crimson Jam openers. Still skeptical? It’ll be good for you and the world! Also, stop complaining about the heat.

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Taurus

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Picture this: Over the summer, you built many healthy habits. You read more, went on walks, got into yoga, drank water, and cooked delectable meals. Now, returning to campus, you are unsure of how you will stay grounded. The Coop is overwhelming, it’s hot outside, (Down Under is offering 4 weeks unlimited for $49!), your Hydroflask is nowhere to be found, and your culinary options are limited to the measly microfridge and school-provided coffee table. Nevertheless, we know you can stick to it! Block off time for self-care, include others in your rituals, and get creative. You’ll start the semester off right, and we are all jealous. Maybe this was too specific and not at all your experience. If so, sorry… you’re clearly doing something wrong.

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Gemini

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You may be questioning your schedule, major, future, life, decision to skip the Eras Tour, and, honestly, every other decision you have ever made, as well. How do you cope? Back to school functions galore. We haven’t even had a real weekend on campus, but everybody knows that FDOC, SDOC, and TDOC are effectively Fridays. Heed our warning: Even though the steamy rooms, cheap alcohol, and questionable house music will miss you, consider some rest and reflection during the Jupiter retrograde. Take the opportunity to find some inner balance and avoid falling back into the bad habits of your past. Leave things on read! (Whatever that means.)

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Cancer

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You went back and forth about whether you needed the bigger bed. Whatever decision you made, you probably regret. While you, dear Cancer, often make decisions intuitively, you may be doubting your instincts. The beginning of school generates many opportunities for indecision (note that it is unsustainable to shop seven classes for a month). Decisiveness can be hard, but we urge you to trust your gut, heart, mind, body, soul, arm, spine, hair, etc. etc. Trusting yourself (and us) will lead to many new and exciting experiences. Also, stop complaining about the heat.

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Leo

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This summer was, dare we say, a movie. You crushed your job, made many new friends, and reinvented your style several times. Was it a struggle to fit all your new clothes into your dorm closet? Sure. Was it definitely necessary to pack three pairs of cowboy boots? Yes, duh. But even the most Leo of Leos needs to press pause. Take the time to adjust to your new space, appreciate the touching back to school moments, and focus on true collaboration with others. Your eleventh house (and sleep schedule) will thank you.

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We hope this was informative! And, while we are overly confident in our predictions, as always, the semester is in your hands. Go get ’em!

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{shortcode-3b3d9e5af9a056f865cdae6dcf306951ad3da7a7}Welcome back, [yet-to-be-determined Harvard mascots] and loyal Flyby readers! Read on to find out what you need to acquire for this school year, and perhaps what to add to your CVS list. From conquering frat flu to securing that name brand internship, we’ll touch on every essential aspect of Harvard life.

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An iPad and Apple Pencil

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Calling all STEM majors or anyone taking a math class: you need these in your life as soon as utterly possible, or else you’ll waste multiple trees trying to perfect your pset. Not only will this magical device save you paper, but it will also save you ~unavoidable back pain~ in the future. If you need one more reason to get this combo, buying these Apple products basically forces you to be productive. You can’t buy them just to not do your pset. If you don’t like doing homework, an iPad might just be enough to guilt you into it.

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Frat Flu Remedies

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Make your sickness survival kit now. You’re going to want all the cough drops, Tylenol, and DayQuil you can get your hands on. Trust us, you’ll thank us after you go out on Halloween and wake up with more than just a headache. You don’t go out? Those random coughing kids in lecture are going to transfer their ~mystery illness~ to you one way or another. The last thing you want is to add a CVS run to your schedule when you’re sick right before having to take three midterms back-to-back.

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Halloween Outfits

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Speaking of Halloween, it’s the one weekend where Harvard students forget about their psets and internship searches. It might be the only time you see your pset group out in the wild (aka Harvard Square) so you’re going to want an Insta-worthy outfit for it. Some ideas for the perfect outfit: cat ears, devil horns, a Dean Khurana selfie dynamic duo costume (up for interpretation), our beloved CVS, a Harvard Shop employee, a CS50 kid, a ghost, a Taylor Swift concert outfit, and that pset that you swore you would start before the day that it was due.

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Breakfast Bars

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Harvard kids never make it to breakfast, but we still gotta eat. Especially if you like to maximize sleep and don’t have a habit of sitting down for the first meal of the day, buy some kind of breakfast or protein bar you can grab before you make that five-minute sprint to lecture. It’ll save you the embarrassment of your stomach rumbling in your morning class for the next hour.

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Photos That Make It Seem Like You Have Time For Friends

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You’ll not only have very cute room decor, but also have memories to long for while you’re buried in psets and papers during midterm week. Whether it be photos of your high school friends, blocking group, or Visitas besties – print them out and stick them on your walls!

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Tissues

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Let’s face it. At least a couple of tears will fall some time this semester, maybe even multiple times. From midterm seasons and comp rejections to Remy’s refusal to be pet by you, or simply the chilling darkness of Boston winter, there will likely be moments of frustration this fall. It’s better to take advantage of the back-to-school sale and stock up on tissue boxes now instead of going to CVS at 2 a.m. with tears streaming down your face.

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Outfits for Your Dean Khurana Selfie

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It doesn’t matter how many awards you have, research articles you publish, or newspapers with your accomplishments framed at home — your Dean Khurana selfie is your No. 1 claim to fame at Harvard. So, let this be the justification you need for doing some last minute online shopping and pray that when Dean Khurana sees you in the Yard for your long-awaited selfie, you will not be wearing a hoodie.

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Triple Espresso Shots from CVS

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In an ideal world, Starbucks would not close at the early hour of 9 p.m. (Seriously? We’re on a college campus here!) Alas. At least you can always get the triple shots from CVS to get you through the long hours of psetting and essay grinding. Although, for your sake, I hope you can delay the inevitable usage of caffeine for late nights for as long as you can.

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A Functional Sleep Schedule (and Melatonin)

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This is maybe the most important — a functional sleep schedule. It will take discipline and lots of self-care, but eight-hours of sleep per night will do wonders for your health and ability to function the next day! If not, for my fellow perpetual night owls, I’ve been told melatonin works wonders…

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A Job Offer

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You know what would be great in this economy? Job security. If only there was a way I can add a job offer into a cart, skip all stress and pain and tears from the job hunt, and place the order for a six-figure, fulfilling, life changing, non-soul crushing career in NYC. Sigh. If anyone knows the trick, please let me in.

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And so commences a new school year. I hope you end up getting all your shopping done before you drown in readings. Whether you’re freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors, enjoy these first few weeks before the pace of the year truly picks up!

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('

{shortcode-90ebb46be533dafb9603b6494c30db4fbfbd692b}You know it, you love it, Flyby’s back with our Overheards on FDOC series!! As the student blog, it’s our job to be your eyes and ears, and so today, we took to campus to observe the buzz as we all trickled back into classrooms and lecture halls for another exciting school year. Here are some memorable highlights, from your very own peers:

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“The SEC is a cool building but at the same time, it looks like a maximum security prison for the scariest people in the world.” — an SEC tour guide-in-the-making?

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“I’m anti pre-med.”

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“Yes, I’m pre-med.”

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— pretty much every pre-med ever

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“Happy FDOC!!”

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“I’m not a freshman, why would I be happy?”

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— typical FDOC duality

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“‘Nice to see you kids, but I gotta go really bad’, and I kid you not, he then sprints to the bathroom.” — chatter in Memorial Hall basement

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“Can someone check PassioGo for me, I’m not tryna walk to the SEC.”
\r\n“PassioGo’s App Store rating is 1.5 stars…”

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— first-timers to the SEC

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“You know this shuttle goes to the SEC, right…?”

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— student to SEC first-timer

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“Are you all good with your sections? Because that seemed remarkably painless”

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The entire class immediately: “We were already given sections?!”

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— a student body that hates sectioning

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“Take a nap now, you’ll never be able to nap in peace again.” — simultaneous pro-napper and anti-napper

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*lost in Lamont* (that’s it, that’s the whole FDOC vibe)

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“I don’t believe in naps, as in I don’t believe I’ll wake up from one if I take a nap midday.” — unnamed chair who is already sleep-deprived

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“Don’t be nice to me. I’ll be rizzed.” — resident of delulu land

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“No, it wasn’t that bad, he just got a little manipulative.” — another delulu citizen

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“Yeah, you definitely need to be in this course.” – Professor to a student who gave a very “section kid” answer in lecture

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“I think your brain and my brain think differently. I guess we’re all engineers in our own minds.” – Same professor to a student who gave a weird answer to a question

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“Do you have a will to live?”

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“I live for the bench.” (Editor’s note: unclear if referring to gym bench or lab bench, or both)

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— non-STEM kid and STEM kid talking about their passions

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“I think I am unhinged, does that count?”

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“You are one of the most hinged people I know.”

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“But it’s not as funny to say I am hinged.”

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— friendly banter between friendly roommates

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“It’s a 30 min walk. In NYC time, that’s basically 20.” — confident speedwalker

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“Happy last FDOC!” – non-senior living in excitement

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“It’s literally not. There’s still spring FDOC.” — senior living in denial

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*student asks professor a question*

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“Uhhh…oxygen, nutrients, life, *insert buzzword*” — Professor sharing their field expertise

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Our eyes and ears are always open. ;)

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xoxo,

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Flyby Blog

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