La Chambre de Thoreau

In this series, we chat with the freshmen who were lucky enough to land dorm rooms that once housed Harvard’s most famous almuni.

Today, we bring you to the room in Hollis where Sandesh K. Kataria '14 and Collin S. VanOstran '14 currently reside. This expansive double once housed Henry David Thoreau in the year 1833. With a poster of “Flight of the Concords” on the wall, the decoration of the room has certainly changed since Thoreau’s time.

Here are some excerpts from our conversation:

Henry David Thoreau is best known for his book Walden, which reflects upon simple living. Have you ever been to Walden Pond? If not, what is your favorite body of water?

Kataria: Nope. I guess the Charles River. Actually, I think I like the Hudson more.

VanOstran: The Mississippi River. [Are you from Mississippi?] No, I’m from Missouri. I just really like the Mississippi River.

Thoreau was also political. He once said, “That government is best which governs not at all.” What is the first thing you would do if the government were absolved?

Kataria: Grand Theft Auto in real life.

The father of Thoreau was a pencil maker. If you could make any one thing sold at Staples, what would it be?

VanOstran: I think I’d like making the chairs – like the nice, comfy leather office chairs.

Kataria: So I think they’re doing a really good job with the Easy Button…

Thoreau once said, “I stand in awe of my body.” What is your best physical trait?

Kataria: My hair, I guess. When it’s looking good.

VanOstran: I like my blue eyes. They’re pretty stunning. They stare right into people’s souls.

Thoreau lived in Hollis throughout his four years as a student. If you weren’t forced to move into a House, would you stay there forever?

Kataria: Actually, maybe. Well, only if they made the room with a built-in bathroom, then I wouldn’t mind.

VanOstran: It’s close to everything – I love this room!

Photo courtesy of Sophie T. Bearman/The Harvard Crimson.