<p>I went to Harvard as a theoretically well-connected preppy and probably came out much more influenced by the Philip Roth types. I never knew the future masters of the universe, only met one person in a finals clubs, none of my friends were wealthy or well-connected, and most of them were distinctly nerdy (mostly scientists and musicians). I’ve often regretted that I didn’t get more out of my Harvard years - though I don’t regret that the power elite eluded me. For various reasons the house system, as admirable as it is, failed me - though my last two years were better than my first two - I spent my freshman year trying out things I was unsuited for and then didn’t join enough organizations after that. I never really caught up. That said, I did get a pretty good education and was much happier there than I was in grad school which was a truly miserable three years! I certainly could have been happy many other places including JHS’s Alma Mater. I did meet my dh there and we are still happily married 25 years later. </p>
<p>Harvard made a huge difference for my Dad. He was a midwest boy, son of an immigrant. He had definite goals in life and fulfilled them getting to the top of his profession. He married a young woman from an old Boston family and enjoyed those connections I think, though my mother’s family was sort of flaky.</p>