MAKING IVY A BIT GREENER – TWO AMAZING YEARS AT HARVARD
by Thomas Kraubitz
There is no feeling like being encircled by friends and family in Tercentenary Theatre receiving a degree from Harvard University at an early June morning. I have never believed in the magic of such a moment and not felt that way graduating from previous studies in Germany or China. The intensity of the Commencement as well as entering the historical gates of the Yard for the very first time however can only be seen as a framework for a unique experience. It is indeed far away from the essence of Harvard. Life there is filled with classes, coursework and research with some of the brightest minds of the academic world that will be far more difficult to meet outside the structured networking channels of Harvard. Much was about personal development and about learning to ask the right questions, not only within the Yard, but also outside the red brick walls.
- Thomas Kraubitz and his fellow graduate Pater Davos at Commencement
During my first semester, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the new environment and the workload. After pulling 17 all-nighters I have stopped counting the endless nights in studio, the library or at late time fireside chats in the dorms. It was there where the most diverse topics were discussed and lasting friendships built. In school, one was always trying to find something new, questioning everything and everybody time after time, outlining design manifestos or just producing pages. This is when inspiration was needed most and I often found it in the city. When concentrating on one’s studies it is easy to forget the outside world. Meeting people can be a welcomed distraction to ensure that you don’t lose grip with reality.
- Birthday party at Cambridge with fellow students
Academic Life was so rich and colorful with great opportunities offered on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. The list of grand speakers I was allowed to listen to during my two years is endless and include the Dalai Lama, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Al Gore. Personally, I found the intimate colloquia with great thinkers like Bruno Latour and Peter Sloterdijk wonderfully fulfilling. Nothing, however, was as inspiring to me as an evening with Mohammad Yunnus, the distinguished Peace Nobel Laureate from 2006. His speech at the Kennedy School of Government was eye opening. It was delivered with a passion and true love for what he was doing with his financial institution for the poorest. Some years back someone told me that someone who really wants to lead and fascinate people needs to love them, and he certainly does. He has devoted his life to making it better for many of the unprivileged. I knew that he was a Fulbrighter to the US back in 1965 and thus I brought over my Fulbright booklet that I have received upon my arrival in the US. Later that evening he signed it for me and just hearing the name 'Fulbright' brought a big smile on his face.
- Thomas Kraubitz with the famous John Harvard Statue at Commencement
Besides my studies at Harvard I have also had the chance to take courses at the MIT, which was made possible through cross-registration. Another great institution, just 15 minutes bus-ride away which gives enough time for thinking through new concepts and grabbing a bite on the way to class. With some students from MIT I have trained for the German sports badge (Deutsches Sportabzeichen). Taking them on a run along Charles River on a frosty winter morning is also a wonderful and fresh part of my memories. At Harvard, I was offered a job as a Teaching Assistant which gave me the great chance to gain my first teaching experience. As a Peer Advisor, Member of the Student Forum and elected Class Marshal I was always very close with the university wide student body. Even though it took a lot of time and commitment I loved those activities and looking back I would not like to miss any of them. Great friendships have been developed along those duties while I still managed to receive my 'Master of Architecture in Urban Design with Distinction' as the 1st German Student at my school. And although I 'only' graduated from a University of Applied Sciences (FH) back in Germany. I have been awarded both Departmental Awards for 'Academic Excellence' and the 'Overall Leadership Award'.
Now I am 30 years old and have spent over half the time of the last decade abroad. I have learned that it does not matter where you live in the world, as long as you can adapt. Of importance are only the people around you and it does not matter what language they speak, what profession they have or who they vote for – it is the uniqueness of each person that you live with and whose lives you may touch that makes a place worthwhile. I truly believe that home can be anywhere where you feel accepted, welcomed and content. Cambridge and Harvard have become home for me, and I will forever savor the many positive memories.
Thomas Kraubitz was a postgraduate Fulbright Grantee and Teaching Assistant at Harvard University, MA from 2007 -2008 and received continuous support from Fulbright Germany for his 2nd year from 2008-2009.