As someone who has lived in places as warm as California and as sandy as Cairo, Egypt, the idea of moving to a place where temperatures can drop low was not the most exciting prospect. Moving onto the total opposite coast was a possibility that, as you might imagine, made me a bit anxious. I had no idea what life in Cambridge would be like, in addition to not having a clue as to how I was going to attempt to look cute in marshmallow jacket weather. All my concerns about the weather overshadowed some of the wonderful, unique things I have discovered about living in Cambridge and the greater Boston area that make it a truly wonderful place for all those passionate about technology or education to be in for a year.
First off, my absolute favorite thing about living in Cambridge is that the city feels like being on a gigantic campus that features constant opportunities for growth. Whether you are a music person, a lecture-person, a workshop person or someone who just wants to meet people, there is quite literally an event going on in Cambridge about every day, if not multiple! The great thing about Cambridge is that it is quite accessible in terms of walking distance and public transportation. On many days, you will find yourself going from class, to multiple events, to the gym, to maybe even a concert, and not needing to jump in an Uber at any given moment of the day (if you’re a walker like I am!). Being a Harvard affiliate gives you access to events going on at all the graduate schools, in addition to many other interesting occasions happening in and around the area. In addition to great events, Cambridge is a great placed to explore if you consider yourself a foodie by any means! Check out the slideshow below to see what I have been up to the past few months!
It is true, the weather is erratic, and you will likely have to make a few wardrobe adjustments when coming to live in Boston, but any discomfort associated with the weather changes are compensated by the rich societal experiences you will have, both inside and outside the classroom. When I first got here, somebody told me that Cambridge is the best meeting place in the world, and I have truly come to see it as such. This area attracts some of the world’s brightest and very best and to be in this community of practice and academia is truly an experience I have come to see as one that occurs once in a lifetime. My only complaint is that it is all happening so fast! How is it that half my program is nearly over?
Blog post written by Dalia Abbas. Photos provided by Dalia Abbas
Dalia Abbas is a student at the School of Education with a focus on technology and innovation. Born and raised in California, Dalia moved to Egypt with her family when she was 17 to continue her high school and undergraduate education. At the American University in Cairo, Dalia developed an interest in history, media, and international education. She worked as a teacher in Cairo for two years and then and went on to work in various academic roles in education in Istanbul, Guangzhou, and most recently, as a history teacher at a STEM focused school in Silicon Valley. Dalia hopes to combine her passions for technology and history and her experience as an educator to contribute to optimizing learning experiences for both teachers and students, in the United States, Egypt and beyond. Dalia is an avid runner as well a lifestyle and food blogger.
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