My Daughter is a Senior at Harvard

<p>Curious, how is the Senior year at Harvard made special? Lots of parties and special events?</p>

<p>Senior year is filled the the pressures of completing the senior thesis (due before spring break) and the time commitments of multiple job interviews. Only after the thesis deadline is there a schedule of “senior bar” nights at various establishments around Cambridge.</p>

<p>Graduation week is full of activities for seniors (Last Chance Dance, Booze Cruise, a trip to an amusement park). Afterwards, the three days when families arrive have many commencement activities, PG rated. With the packing and moving of four years worth of stuff added, it is a hectic time.</p>

<p>Back in the day, a lot of folks used to make their senior year special by writing their senior thesis, and also by complaining about writing their senior thesis. Usually about one part writing to three parts kvetching, I think.</p>

<p>Or substitute applying for grad/med/law school for multiple job interviews.</p>

<p>Here’s another “Back in the Day”: my department had a very nice celebration party when seniors dropped off their theses, complete with champagne, since seniors were over 21. Also, many House Masters have a special dinner for seniors, often inviting small groups. In Lowell House, it was called High Table and we dressed up. There is also the senior Baccalaureate service held two days before graduation in Mem Church, where the President of Harvard speaks to the class. President Faust mentioned this event two or three times at Freshman Convocation last week; she clearly enjoys this event as she does Freshman Convocation. </p>

<p>(Due to his “Back in the Day” references, I used to think Sikorsky must have graduated several decades before I did; when I read that he graduated within five years, I suddenly felt much older. :slight_smile: )</p>