Fun Fact: If you mention the name “Pauline Ryan” to any person on Harvard’s campus, there is a 99.99% chance their face will noticeably brighten and that a smile will instantly grace their face. Optimistic, sweet as candy, and a source of friendly warmth, Pauline has made a name for herself here on campus as one of the best friends a person could have. Read more about this world traveler, intellectual genius and fantastic woman.
Name: Pauline Ryan
Year: 2017
Concentration: Sociology
House: Dunster (best house!!)
Hometown: Redwood City, CA
What activities are you involved in on campus?
I’m so proud to be involved in two incredible women’s organizations on campus. Having gone to an all-girls school for four years, it was very important to me to find an all-women’s space here at Harvard and I’m so lucky to have found two amazing ones. I know that social organizations on any college campus face skepticism about superficiality, but these two organizations are about so much more than the Harvard social scene and encourage members to pursue purposes larger than self. Beyond these two groups, I’m involved in the Women’s Initiative in Leadership at the IOP and CAARE, a group that aims to educate the Harvard community about sexual assault and healthy sexual relationships more generally.
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
This is so hard, but I think I’d have to say San Sebastián, Spain. It’s an incredibly beautiful coastal city in the Basque region of Spain with amazing food, which is essential for me as a foodie. (Fun fact: San Sebastián is the city with most Michelin stars per capita in the world.)
What has surprised you most about Harvard?
Definitely the people. Of course I expected everyone to be incredibly talented and intelligent (which they are!), but I’ve been floored by how kind and genuine people are as well.
What has been your favorite Harvard memory?
I really can’t pick one favorite because when I think of my time at Harvard so far, I think of so many small but amazing moments strung together: passing hours in the colorful chairs in the Yard talking to people, watching snowfall for the first time freshman year, picnic dates along the River when it’s warm enough, getting late night food (whyyyy do Kong scallion pancakes have to taste so good ugh) and so many more.
Which class are you enjoying the most so far this semester?
My psychology seminar on memory is really phenomenal. It’s taught by two of the world’s foremost experts on memory and it’s just one of those classes that reminds me how lucky I am to be at Harvard.
What will you be doing this summer?
I will be traveling to Greece and Turkey at the beginning of the summer, then taking on a marketing internship at San Francisco Magazine!
Do you have any advice for the incoming class of 2019?
Think about taking a gap year! No one who chooses to take a gap year regrets it, but I know many people who regret not taking one. (For those hesitant about going through any more admissions-type processes, don’t fear- it’s surprisingly easy! I sent only one email and was given the go-ahead.)