An ode to California.
For Cambridge is not you.
This is not the land of dreamers and beaches.
But, living here won’t break you.
Five states. Twenty-Five years. All roads leading to here. I have been on the move since I was born, but that does not make the process of moving or starting a new chapter of life any easier. If the concept of moving to a new state seems terrifying to you, you are not alone. You will not be alone at HGSE.
What you will be (no matter where you’re from), is freezing. It was 31° when I left my dorm this morning, and it’s only autumn! But, you can add layers of clothes, drink warm cider, and cozy up indoors. In addition to the harsh, and oftentimes unpredictable weather, Cambridge may come as a culture shock to you. If you’re not familiar with the short and snappy Boston vibe, you are in for an adjustment. This does not mean that people will call you names or trip you as you’re walking down the street; however, you may smile at someone who responds with a look of confusion, or they may simply look straight through you.
Similarly, if you are used to seeing many people of color on a daily basis, you will experience way less of that here. I am the only Black person in four out of five of my classes. Sometimes I feel hyper-visible, like everyone is gawking at me everywhere that I go. Sometimes folks are genuinely curious because HGSE students come from all over the world; yet, occasionally, it feels hostile. For the sake of transparency, I’ll share my encounter at a local restaurant. Upon me entering this infamous pizza parlor in Harvard Square, the cashier blurted, “We don’t have a bathroom here.” Not, “Good evening, welcome to ___.” Not, “Hi, may I take your order?” Instead he relayed an insidious, “You don’t look like you belong here or like you have money” vibe. To which I responded, “Well I came here for pizza, but now I’m leaving” and politely took myself to another pizza shop where I’m now a regular.
This type of behavior and these types of experiences are not particular to Harvard. These are issues that exist across the nation and worldwide. Either way, we are all overcomers and should not grant people the power to diminish our light. So move to Cambridge! You’ll have a great time. For all the prospective applicants, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cambridge is a bubble, and not a true representation of all that Massachusetts has to offer. Get out and explore Boston. You may be surprised by what you find.
- Get involved! HGSE offers many cultural organizations and a wide spectrum of research and volunteer opportunities. Oftentimes, serving others leads to building community.
- 9 months fly by so quickly! Focus on the present because the year will end before you know it. Then you can go home- if that’s where you want to go.
- Talk to someone; therapy is an essential component of self-care. Harvard’s Counseling and Mental Health Services offer well trained practitioners from diverse backgrounds, and sessions are covered under student health fees.
- You’re leaving with a Harvard degree. You will change the world. Period. That in itself is worth sacrificing some comfortability.
It is easy to live life complacently, stuck in our routines and old ways; however, movement welcomes opportunities for growth and change. Change is different, but difference does not equate to bad. So, give yourself the space to be courageous and take a chance.
Blog written by Naj Turner. Photos provided by Naj Turner.
Hey, I’m Naj! I’m in the Prevention Science and Practice Program- Elementary School Counseling track. I came to HGSE from Los Angeles, CA, but I’m a native of Freeport, IL by way of Marietta, GA. I graduated from UCLA in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and two minors in Education and Afrikan American Studies. Before HGSE I served as a youth advocate through mentorship programs and access projects targeted towards inner city high school students. I love to write creative journals and listen to music in my spare time. In the future, I hope to direct films that raise awareness for mental health in K-12 schools as well as become an amazing elementary school adjustment counselor.
HGSE Admissions Blog 