Crimson opinion writer
Sandhya Kumar
Latest Content
Freshmen, Embrace Your New Home
Housing Day is not just about being assigned to a building, it’s about gaining a family. It is a transition from being a new student trying to find your place at Harvard to becoming an integral part of a long-standing tradition.
Harvard Needs To Connect the Disciplines
Many students choose Harvard for its diverse student body, yet the current curriculum limits interactions between them. The University needs to design courses that deliberately foster interdisciplinary learning beyond the Gen Ed system.
Harvard’s Registration Is So Off-Course
Changes to course registration are small but critical. They balance the needs of students while allowing faculty to plan out productive semesters that make for more effective teaching and advising.
Science Is Being Threatened. Researchers Can’t Stand By.
In the coming years, scientists must work tirelessly to regain public trust. Science alone won’t speak for itself.
I’m a First-Time Voter. Is This Really What Politics Are Like?
I feel more prepared to have my first legal drink than to vote in my first presidential election.
My New Tutor Is ChatGPT. Here Are My Concerns.
With my ChatGPT tutor, any basic conceptual question I have is reliably answered in a couple of seconds. I am concerned by this change.
Standardized Tests, Unstandardized Students
While it is reasonable for Harvard to seek an objective metric to compare its applicants, it is clear that standardized tests are an inequitable way to do so.
We (Still) Need More Women in STEM
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I am especially appreciative of women like the Harvard computers, who quietly set a precedent that made it easier for students like myself to participate in science.
Is College Worth It? Not Necessarily, But a Higher Education Is
A formal college education may not be the right option for everyone. This shouldn’t discourage us; it should remind us to consider the myriad of ways education can empower and uplift.
Why Networks Net-Work
Within the cost-benefit analysis of Harvard networking seems to diverge from the animal kingdom, we each have the potential to make connections with anyone and everyone with little or no consequence; we are afforded the luxury to choose. Rather than networking for survival, we network for problem set buddies, friends in high places, and critical professional connections that can help us secure selective dream jobs and future plans. This element of choice can lead to some negative consequences of social interactions.
Duck, Duck, Stress
It’s difficult to avoid jumping headfirst into Harvard life and its pressure cooker environment. Many ducks want to just start paddling: doing summer comps for competitive clubs, or reading ahead for difficult classes. But instead of focusing on the ripples made by the ducks around you, it is important to focus on doing your best — even if that’s floating instead of paddling.
The Uncompromisable Eight Hours
If you’re dozing off during a particularly long lecture, or can only get through the day when you’re amped up on caffeine, your body is telling you that you need rest and recuperation. So for all the habitual Lamonsters, ask for extensions, take later classes, and go to sleep!
Why I Call Home(Sickness)
Communication is one of the most efficient cures for homesickness — and you can do it while walking from class, grabbing a quick bite to eat, or taking a study break. So, if you haven’t already, make it a point to call home today!