Last week, I wrote an article interviewing students studying abroad for the Spring semester. When I asked them what advice they had for students considering the studying abroad program, each one spoke highly of the venture they were on, and recommended that every student go for the experience to find themselves and get away from the “Harvard Bubble.” While their advice convinced me, it also sparked my curiosity with a different question: what does the “Harvard Bubble” actually mean?
For most, the “Harvard Bubble,” entails an attempt to escape the realities of this school— an experience filled with applications and never-ending discussions of the future— and to instead seek out new opportunities. However, I want to offer you a new perspective: utilize the privilege we have as Harvard students and members of the “Harvard Bubble” for societal good—to listen to the struggles of the world around us, and ask ourselves what we can do to help.
We’re only a little over a month into 2023, and so many astonishing events have already taken place around the world. On February 6th, an earthquake struck Turkey, Syria, and surrounding countries, causing mass destruction and a death toll currently past 33,000. Police brutality and racial profiling continue to affect the lives of minority communities, with the recent beating by five officers, killing Tyre Nichols, and the repeated unlawful tasing and murder of Keenan Anderson. Palestinians continue to be displaced from their homes in Jerusalem and targeted by Israeli officers. Gun violence continues to take countless lives, with mass shootings in places such as Half Moon Bay, Monterey Park, and Michigan State University. Climate change, poverty, inaccessible healthcare, unaffordable housing, and violence affect countless communities across our population everyday.
I feel as if I could correctly assume that many Harvard students are unaware of the extent of the issues that take place. In a place full of future politicians, business executives, and leaders in health, we have both the knowledge and resources to successfully accomplish change. Often, it is the same kids posting on social media or sending emails about the same issues of injustices, war crimes, and inequities, begging you to care. It’s time you did.
We are all so busy: taking classes with professors who are at the top of their respective fields, attending events with prominent public figures and world leaders, and comping clubs that have both academic and personal interest to us. Harvard is a place where we should immerse ourselves and take advantage of the limitless opportunities. But, it is also a place that should empower us. Empower us to call out injustices when we see them occur. Empower us to call on to Harvard’s power to initiate societal change. Empower us to fight, problem-solve, volunteer, motivate, and come together. Imagine what we could collectively all do if we paid a little more attention.
The bottom line is, empowerment does not just have to mean going to a new place or trying out new things. It can and should mean standing up for others in less fortunate positions than you and to using your voice and knowledge to make a difference. The “Harvard Bubble” is not an excuse to ignore the realities of what is wrong in the world. Rather, the “Harvard Bubble” is a place to advocate for better conditions and for justice to be served. We are protected by this bubble; not everyone has a place to hide.
I am worn down and outraged to still be seeing the headlines of another Black life being taken at the hands of a police officer who is supposed to “protect and serve.” I refuse to just accept another mass shooting, violation of the immigrant rights, environmental catastrophes, overly priced health necessities, or war crimes and political conflicts in countries across the world. These things affect me, and I am sure they affect you, too. So, it is time we do something about it.
I am calling upon all Harvard students, myself included, to always advocate against injustice, fight ignorance, educate peers, and take the time to learn about current events. Being at a prestigious institution like this comes with the social duty to speak out for those who cannot. At this age, there is no justification for staying silent. We can worry all we want about what internship we will land next, but we will never be truly fulfilled if we allow the world to crumble around us.
Harvard students need to pay attention. Harvard students need to care. Take some time today to help someone in need, read the news, or find out more about a cause that interests you. Escaping the “Harvard Bubble” is good; using it to make change is better.
Layla Chaaraoui ’26 (laylachaaraoui@college.harvard.edu) wants to inspire you to find your inner activist.