10 things Harvard taught me – Susana Orrego Villegas
10 things Harvard taught me:
A few days ago, I graduated from the Master’s program in Harvard Medical School Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery . Beyond its prestige, today I want to share with you 10 things I learned during my studies:
1. You don’t need to be a genius to study at Harvard, but you do need to be disciplined: My goal was not to be the best, but to learn and enjoy the process.
2. Let yourself be surprised by the unknown: My time at Harvard was a combination of faith, serendipity, destiny, and positive energy.
3. Never accept a ‘no’ as an answer: Even though I was told I didn’t have the required score on the English exam, I decided to apply and surpassed the test.
4. Everyone makes mistakes, even Harvard: I learned that processes and people are not perfect, and it’s important to accept challenges and learn from them.
5. English can be learned outside the classroom: Despite not having a bilingual education, I developed language skills through music and helping foreigners learn Spanish.
6. Value what you have, who you are, and what you know: I overcame imposter syndrome by realizing that my peers also had insecurities.
7. Be original and proud of your roots: My goal was to showcase the beauty of Colombia by gifting coffee, traditional accessories, and sharing thes country’s culture.
8. Embrace uncertainty: Sometimes you won’t have all the answers, but it’s important to be curious and willing to learn.
9. Be curious, as every day brings new knowledge: Studying and living in another country broadened my mind and allowed me to experience new religions, cultures, and traditions.
10. Be a light to illuminate the path for others: The brightest individuals I met at Harvard shared their light and were humble beings focused on helping others.
Studying in another country pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow. I learned to value my family, open my mind, and express gratitude for the experiences and people who made me stronger.
Thanks to Seguros, tendencias y riesgos SURA Harvard Medical School Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) for the support.
Let’s remember that while we may not be able to change the world, we can change someone’s life, and that is always worthwhile.