Finding My Voice: Becoming a Student Vocalist at Harvard
A student shares their journey of discovering and nurturing their musical talent at Harvard after initially doubting their ability to pursue music. Joining the Harvard Choruses and utilizing resources like the Holden Voice Program and music subsidies, they trained as a vocalist and performed in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. They explored genres like jazz, gospel, and R&B, and participated in initiatives such as the Jazz Combo and a cappella groups. The student encourages aspiring musicians to embrace Harvard's rich musical opportunities to develop their craft and share their voice.
Ten Stories That Shaped 2024
At Harvard, 2024 began with an ending — the chaotic close of Claudine Gay’s short-lived presidency. It would not be a quiet year. Pro-Palestine student protesters staged an encampment in Harvard Yard. Congress expanded its investigation into campus antisemitism, issuing threats alongside blistering reports. Amid it all, Alan M. Garber ’76 quietly ascended from the interim presidency to a permanent post at Harvard’s helm. Here, The Crimson looks back at 10 stories that shaped the University, and Cambridge, in 2024.
Arts Vanity: Top 4 Gothic Stories That Would Benefit From an Immersive Experience
Gothic horror is resurging in film with anticipated projects like Eggers’s Nosferatu and del Toro’s Frankenstein, alongside controversial adaptations such as Wuthering Heights and The Picture of Dorian Gray. Yet, this Gothic revival risks being overshadowed by questionable interpretations, suggesting a trend of subpar Gothic adaptations. Meanwhile, the popularity of immersive art exhibits offers an innovative alternative. Iconic Gothic tales like Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado and The Masque of the Red Death or Jackson’s The Lottery could thrive as immersive experiences, delivering their unique horrors more potently than through screen adaptations.
Arts Vanity: Artist Profile: Theater Executive Angelina X. Ng ’26 is Single
Angelina X. Ng ’26, a theater enthusiast and Co-Theater Executive on The Crimson Arts Board, blends her passion for storytelling, comedy, and romance in her work. Drawing inspiration from BuzzFeed and Broadway, Ng channels her love for theatricality into articles and creative projects. From emotionally resonating with showtunes like Newsies’ “Watch What Happens” to dreaming of a comedic one-woman show, Ng's humor and introspection shape her artistic vision. Despite initial awkwardness with co-exec Isabelle A. Lu, their partnership thrives, fueled by shared passion for theater, memorable collaborations, and a mutual love of Wicked.
Op Eds: Intellectual Vitality Is More than Op-Eds in The Crimson
Harvard faces pressing challenges requiring nuanced debate, yet campus discourse often succumbs to polarization and self-assured assertions. In their op-ed, members of the Intellectual Vitality Student Advisory Board critique the limitations of siloed approaches to controversial issues, highlighting missed opportunities for meaningful engagement. They advocate for a culture of intellectual vitality rooted in tolerance for nuance, epistemic humility, and respectful dialogue. Rather than treating disagreement as grounds for division, the authors urge students to foster understanding and openness, promoting a shift in campus attitudes and behaviors to enhance inclusive and thoughtful discourse.
Former Harvard president Larry Summers slams Ivy League schools for putting ‘social justice’ over excellence
Concerns about grade inflation at Harvard have resurfaced, with 80% of the Class of 2024 earning a GPA of 3.7 or higher, and 20% reporting near-perfect 4.0 GPAs. Larry Summers, Harvard’s former president, has long criticized the trend, arguing it undermines academic rigor and disadvantages students in the job market. Grade inflation is a wider issue across higher education, with GPAs steadily rising at institutions like Yale. Harvard also faced controversies over anti-Semitism and campus culture in 2023, though it received over $525 million in donations in fiscal year 2024.
Harvard Undergraduate Tuition: Total Cost + Aid
Harvard's annual tuition for 2024-25 is $56,550, with total costs, including room and board, at $82,866 per year ($331,464 over four years). Despite the high sticker price, Harvard's robust need-based financial aid makes it accessible, with over 55% of students receiving aid and nearly 25% paying nothing. Families earning under $85,000 annually typically pay no tuition. International students qualify for the same need-based aid, covering up to 100% of demonstrated need. Harvard’s resources, prestige, and supportive House system make it a sought-after and inclusive institution.
Studio Gang Rethinks the typical Conference Center
Studio Gang's *David Rubenstein Treehouse* at Harvard University reimagines the conference center as a sustainable, community-focused space. As Harvard's first mass timber building, it emphasizes low-carbon construction and fosters interaction with its surroundings. Located in the Enterprise Research Campus, the 55,000-square-foot facility includes event spaces, meeting areas, and dining facilities. Sustainable features include a self-shading facade, rooftop solar panels, and rainwater collection. Design highlights include treetop views, a central skylit staircase, and tree trunk-style elevator shafts. Under construction in Boston, the Treehouse aims to redefine accessibility, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
‘The Snow Queen’ Review: Grand Kyiv Ballet Shares Its Unique Identity
The Grand Kyiv Ballet presented The Snow Queen at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre, blending Ukrainian cultural identity and philanthropy into a holiday spectacle. Choreographed by Alexander Abdukarimov, the performance featured sharp movements, bold lifts, and Ukrainian folk elements. Despite modest sets and a rushed finale, the dancers' technical skill captivated the audience. The production supports Ukraine through charity initiatives, including aid for the Kyiv State Ballet College. Ending with a message of compassion, the ballet reflects the company’s hope amid global conflict. Swan Lake follows on February 19–20.
Harvard University has 125 courses you can take online for free
Harvard University is offering 125 free online courses in diverse fields, including computer science, business, humanities, and health. These self-paced courses, ranging from one to twelve weeks, cater to various skill levels—introductory, intermediate, and advanced. Popular options include CS50: Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python, and Resilient Leadership. Participants gain access to videos and readings and can study asynchronously. Upon completion, a verified certificate can be requested to enhance resumes, making this a great opportunity to upskill or explore new interests in the new year. Check out the full list of available courses here.
Sleep apnea and heart disease: A weighty matter
GLP-1 agonists, commonly used for diabetes and obesity, may also help alleviate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder linked to cardiovascular issues. Obesity is a key risk factor for OSA, and medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have shown to reduce sleep apnea severity by nearly 59%. Weight loss from these drugs can even eliminate the need for traditional treatments like CPAP machines. While tirzepatide is not yet approved for OSA, its potential benefits may expand treatment options. GLP-1 drugs are becoming more accessible as their advantages for heart health and obesity grow.
Seafood selections that help your heart — and our planet. Healthy, environmentally friendly options include smaller fish and bivalves like clams and oysters.
Eating smaller fish (like sardines and herring), bivalves (clams, mussels, oysters), and seaweed can benefit heart health and the environment. Small fish provide protein, omega-3s, and essential nutrients with lower mercury levels than larger species. Bivalves are rich in zinc and vitamin B12, while seaweed offers iodine and fiber. These foods also have a lower environmental impact than terrestrial proteins. Choosing wild-caught or sustainable farm-raised seafood further supports eco-friendly practices. Expanding seafood choices can improve health and reduce the carbon footprint of dietary habits.
How Much Alcohol Is Safe?
Harvard researchers Kenneth Mukamal and Eric Rimm challenge the oversimplified message that no alcohol is safe, arguing that moderate consumption may offer cardiovascular benefits, like reducing heart attack risk and improving cholesterol levels. However, even small amounts raise cancer risks. They stress moderation, following U.S. guidelines (up to one drink/day for women, two for men) and spreading intake across the week with meals. They advocate for more randomized trials to clarify alcohol's effects, lamenting the challenges posed by polarized attitudes and funding limitations. Current advice: drink responsibly or abstain altogether.
Incorrect arm position may skew blood pressure readings
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine (Oct. 7, 2024) highlights how arm position affects blood pressure readings. Researchers tested 133 adults and found that incorrect arm positioning—resting in the lap or dangling—overestimates systolic blood pressure by 4 to 7 points, with errors reaching 9 points for those with hypertension. Proper technique requires supporting the arm so the elbow is at heart level for accurate measurements. These findings emphasize the importance of correct arm positioning during blood pressure checks.
Is olive oil really better for us than other plant oils?
Dr. Frank Hu, chair of Harvard's Department of Nutrition, highlights the significant health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. Studies show EVOO consumption lowers risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mortality. Substituting unhealthy fats with olive oil also reduces health risks. EVOO's advantages stem from its rich oleic acid and polyphenols, offering anti-inflammatory benefits. While other plant oils provide cardiovascular benefits, olive oil appears superior but requires further study for definitive comparisons. Hu emphasizes EVOO's environmental sustainability and cultural significance in promoting both personal and planetary health.
闽公网安备35010202000536号