First-Year Experience Positive, Despite Flaws

To the editors:

In “First-Year Fraud” (op-ed, Feb. 16), Alexander Bevilacqua claims that freshman year here at Harvard is, well, a fraud, partly because of the “growing pains” involved. However, though adjusting to college was a difficult process, I hardly think Harvard is unique in that respect. For most freshmen, this is the first long-term experience living away from our homes and our laundry machines. And despite the possibly awkward adjustment, I think there’s still plenty of Harvard to enjoy.

He also claimed that students are discouraged from taking departmental classes in their first year, but those are what my adviser advised me to take—classes to help me pick my concentration. She shifted my attention from core classes and encouraged me to shop courses in departments she thought might interest me. Although I cannot vouch for the entire freshman class, I can say that my adviser steered me in the right direction. But I agree with the idea of instituting a program connecting upperclassmen with freshman in terms of advising.

I will not say that my first semester did not have problems. Nor will I say Harvard’s freshman year is perfect—it’s not. But so far, I’ve had a really good time and I’ve already been exposed to experiences I personally thought Harvard was all about, including amazing lectures, debates, and internship opportunities.

And, yes, I even loved Expos.

SARAH H. ARSHAD ’09
February 21, 2006