Meet All Ways Up Campus Ambassador, Harvard Senior, and September Scholar of the Month, Melisa Santi

Q: You're back on campus. How's that going?

A:With Labor Day weekend behind us, the fall term has officially begun at Harvard and various other universities across the United States! For me, this marks the beginning of my final year at school. Albeit it is an unprecedented time, I am hopeful that this year will be one of growth, healing and community building.

While I chose to return to campus this fall, being on campus is far from normal. With regular testing and strict social norms, I am constantly reminded of the pandemic and political climate we are currently facing. I am still adjusting to daily Zoom classes and the workload that this academic term brings; however, I am pleasantly surprised by the measures that my peers and professors have taken to accommodate any extenuating circumstances this pandemic has caused. As a result, I have made it a note to be more kind to others and myself. This includes being understanding when things don’t work out the way I initially expected.

Q: Despite everything that's going on, what accomplishments are you most proud of thus far? Any specific goals for your senior year?

A: Although this year has complicated my initial plans, I am very excited to complete my senior thesis. When I was a freshman I didn’t think I would write one, but now it is one of my favorite past-times. I am excited to delve into a topic that I have been interested in for quite some time now: religion, identity, and art in Los Angeles. When complete, it will represent the culmination of a large part of my academic and personal exploration at Harvard.

Q: Any tips for dealing with Zoom/online learning? What helps you with any burnout you are experiencing?

A: Zoom learning is our new normal, so here are a few tips to help you maximize your academic learning and avoid Zoom burnout:

• Make sure to space out your classes and meetings. Back to back meetings may sound like a great way to get all of your classes out of the way, but Zoom burnout is real so space them out!

• Take notes (for me, writing notes helps me be more engaged, particularly during online courses).

• Keep your camera on! Although, it may seem easier to turn off your camera, keeping it on helps keep you stay engaged. Don’t forget to take breaks! Disconnect from your electronics. Go outside, stretch, or simply take a nap. Schedule time to talk to friends or family (either in person via socially distanced hangouts or video chats). These hangouts can be re-energizing.

Q: What are some of your favorite activities, or tips you have for other scholars to help with this new normal?

A: While this new normal can seem daunting, finding ways to connect with yourself and others can really help. My tip for scholars is to take the time to explore new activities and find engaging hobbies that are safe, yet fulfilling. Some of my favorite activities have been running along the Charles River in the evening or sitting with a friend or two and watching the sun set (with a mask on, of course). I also started keeping a journal to keep note of my thoughts. This has helped me understand my feelings and what I need to meet my personal and academic goals.

Q:What are you looking forward to as a campus ambassador this year?

A: As a campus ambassador this year-- along with Rayne, a senior at Bowdoin College, I am excited for the online virtual events and to be a resource to younger scholars in the Northeast region. I hope that the community we form will help scholars find the support they need to make the best of an academic school year with various unforeseen complexities. I love the idea that when you become an All Ways Up scholar, you join a family that supports each other through the good and the bad!