OSSE Scholars at Harvard University: The Ivy League Experience

Story and photos by Jordan Rouse. 

LEFT: Students pictured at Harvard Summer School from left to right: Eduardo Mancini, Maxim Krepp, Christina Liuu, Bianca Z, Jordan Rouse, Austin Chao, Tivin Wu, Abdul A, and Ishaan Pabla. 

RIGHT: Students pictured at Harvard Summer School from left to right: Trinity Green, Jamisha Wilson, and Jordan Rouse.

OSSE Scholars is a scholarship program that allows eligible sophomores and juniors who display a desire to go to college a ‘mock college experience.’ This encompasses living at a college for four weeks during the summer and taking college classes to get a taste of the real experience. Scholars who are eligible to enroll in the OSSE Scholars program have to write an essay comparing two desired colleges offered by OSSE. Their application essays are reviewed and, if the scholar is accepted, they are matched with a college based on their essay. After being accepted into the OSSE cohort, students then have to complete more steps in order to get accepted into the college itself. Once accepted, they move on to choosing their courses. 

Last summer, I spent four weeks at Syracuse University. You can read about my experience here! This summer, I spent seven weeks at Harvard University. I learned a lot about other cultures and met so many people from around the world, but most importantly, I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I tend to do things absolutely wrong when I am under pressure, and that I can’t be home or around people when I am doing homework. On a more positive note, I also  learned that I’m very funny (whenever I am not upset or down about something)! Harvard University left a positive impact on my growth and the best is yet to come for me as a rising senior.

Over the summer I learned about German and Asian cultures, specifically their food and customs. While I couldn’t partake in eating all the foods due to my food allergies, I was still able to create lasting friendships and memorable experiences. My summer college friendships started on a Sunday night run to CVS to get snacks. We went to the movies, amusement parks, and even talent shows together. My friends helped me with my classes last summer, since we all needed support with our rigorous courses. By the end of the summer we all passed our courses with each other's help and support.

Aside from my much larger friend group, I had a smaller one as well. We spent a lot of time together in the summertime hanging out, playing Uno, and reflecting about our time at Harvard. Our friendship is still strong today, even with our busy senior year schedules. Despite the fact that some of my friends are across the country, or outside of the US, social media helps us keep in touch with each other as we embark on our final years of high school.

My experiences at Syracuse University last summer, and Harvard University this summer, have made me comfortable when it comes to the topic of college, and I can't wait to enjoy what it has to offer in my future.

Jordan Rouse is a senior at Friendship Collegiate Academy.