New to GoCrimson.com in 2014-15, "Around The Yard: Life As A
Harvard Student-Athlete" will explore what life is like away from
the playing fields for select Harvard student-athletes through
their own first-person narrative. For a full list of blog
entries, click here.
For more student blogs from Harvard Amissions, click here.
Caroline Code
Oct. 23, 2014
After completing my last midterm this morning, I was able to
enjoy walking through the Yard on a fresh autumn day filled with
relief of being done. It really was a picturesque sight; the golden
red leaves had fallen and crunched underneath my feet as I walked
to treat myself to a celebratory tea latte at Crema. With the
whirlwind of the past week and weekend behind me, I was ready to
enjoy a little downtime.
Ask any Harvard student, and we will all agree that midterm
season is zero fun. Last week was packed to the brim; every moment
was spent studying, working on problem sets, being in class, taking
midterms, or running to practice. I had three exams in two days,
which honestly isn't even the most terrible exam schedule
– I've heard worse! But I survived, not too worse for
wear, and was able to enjoy a fun weekend.
This past weekend was Head of the Charles – a lively and
exciting two days in Cambridge. People travel from all over to
watch or participate in the legendary races. With a game against
Cornell on Saturday and UNH on Sunday, I unfortunately wasn't
able to watch as much as I wanted to, but it looked like lots of
fun. Vendors come in and set up tents along the river, selling HOCR
paraphernalia, raffling off tickets or advertising a nice hot bowl
of “chowda” – my boyfriend's favorite. I
was also fortunate to have my three brothers and parents visiting
this weekend! We were able to get together to celebrate my
mom's birthday – no easy task these days. It was so
great to see my parents and laugh at my brothers' antics; the
visit was timely considering the crazy week before. Enjoying their
company was a nice reminder to take a step back from the hectic
midterm craze, and just breathe!
But as much as I'd love to sleep for the next three days,
there are readings and projects to do, so I have to take my calming
breath in stride. Luckily, I'm channeling motivation from two
great friends working hard right next to me as I write this (at
least I think they're working hard, I can't see their
screens, and one has a habit of procrastinating). Maybe it's
just their British charm, but with Thanksgiving just around the
corner, I can't help but be appreciative of their friendship.
Most of the time, it really is about the people – my
experience here has been shaped by the friends I've made and
the memories we share.
As the weather is finally turning, I'm remembering that
winter does exist in Boston! I broke out my warm boots on Monday,
and my teammate wore her hat and gloves to Spanish class yesterday.
We gave her a hard time for breaking down at the first sign of
cold, but we all secretly wished our ears were warm too…
The field hockey team is working hard this week in preparation
for our game against Princeton this Saturday - wish us luck!
