Class Matters at Harvard

anonymous

cw: classism

Class matters at Harvard. It is saddening that, even at a place full of resources like Harvard, my socioeconomic status limits me in so many blatantly obvious ways and “others” me from the majority of students here.

Receiving a spring break Crimson Cash grant othered me as a student – not only is crimson cash only accepted at a limited number of restaurants, it also sends a message that Harvard does not trust poor students with money.

Viewing my admissions file othered me – it seemed to imply that I only got in because the admissions officers were shocked at how much I worked during high school, even going to the extent of questioning whether it was even true. It also said, “Perfect for HFAI.” That should not define me.

Being surrounded by people who complain about HUDS food and eat out all the time others me. As someone who lacked access to food for much of her life, having unlimited access to buffet-style food is something that I have felt incredibly guilty for during my time at Harvard because my family does not have that. And I can send money home and help as much as I can, but it still doesn’t take away the sting when I hear people complain about the food, or when I see people eating out in Harvard Square multiple times a week.

Being unable to write a senior thesis because I simply could not find the time to do that and continue to work the multiple jobs that I need in order to support myself and my family is an othering experience.

Witnessing my peers complain to parents about their class assignments and ask for advice is othering because, given that I am the first in my family to graduate from high school, my parents would have no clue what I was talking about. For me to complain about the things that stress me out here would be like a slap in their face, given how much my family struggles simply to survive.

I feel othered when I hear people ask their parents to deposit any amount of money into their accounts because my family asks me to deposit money into their account.

I am grateful for the opportunities Harvard has given me during my time here and for future opportunities that the Harvard name will continue to give me. But I cannot deny that the most prevalent emotion from my time here has been an omnipresent sense of otherness.