Harvard Students' Spouses and Partners Association

Instead of just featuring the group leaders or HSSPA volunteers, this week meet Alexandra! She’s a new HSSPA member and would like to introduce herself. If you’d like to do the same, please email me for details!

Name: Alexandra Karamitrou

Country of origin: Greece

Arrived in Cambridge: February 2011

Which part of Greece are you from and what are the most beautiful/interesting sights there?

I was born and raised at Thessaloniki named after the sister of Alexander the Great. The most exciting thing about Greece is that in whatever city/island you go, you can combine relaxation on beautiful, sunny beaches with a sightseeing in the most old and amazing architectural monuments. You can also enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine which according to a recent article in Harvard Gazette is considered to be the healthiest way to eat. In conclusion, if you like to get a great tan, enjoy the sea, explore the ancient history, eat tasteful and healthy you have got to visit any place in Greece!

 What inspired you to pursue your career in geophysics?

We spend our entire life on this planet and yet, how much do we know about it ? Having that question in my mind I decided to pursue a career in Geology. Through a Masters Degree I studied Geophysics and more specific about how the waves radiated by an earthquake can affect large cities.

My second passion is Archeology. The science of exploring our history by digging in the Earth ! So, in my PhD I combined satellite images with measurements of the electrical and magnetic field of the Earth (geophysical methods) in order to detect buried archaeological relics. Our Earth is full of surprises and I am willing to uncover as many as I can!

Tell us about one amazing thing you’ve done in the USA.

I saw the Nutcracker from Boston Ballet and I was amazed ! The costumes were fabulous, the music breathtaking and the dancers were really talented ! It was a magical night in Boston!

 What inspired you to join HSSPA and what do you like most about it?

HSSPA members are from all over the world! I like meeting new people from different cultures having to deal with the same situation as me. What I most like about it is that it gives me the opportunity to visit interesting places all over Boston having a great company at the same time!

What’s the main piece of advice you would give to someone who is new to the US?

Try to explore and learn as much as you can about this country. You can find amazing things to do and interesting people to interact with.

Thanks Alexandra!

Meet the other half of the I Like Psychology group.

Name: Cyntia Barzelatto        

Country of origin: Chile        

Arrived in Cambridge: 

August 2012

Which part of Chile are you from and what are the most beautiful/interesting sights there?


I was born and raised in Santiago, the capital of Chile. One of the most beautiful sites in Santiago is Cerro San Cristobal, a 230 foot hill that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Another of my favorite places is Barrio Bellavista, a neighborhood that is full of history, nightlife, good food and a great atmosphere. Here you can also find Chilean poet and Nobel price winner, Pablo Neruda´s, artistic and beautiful house. There are also many beautiful landmarks outside of Santiago, especially in the central valley. If you are a wine lover, you will find incredible vineyards that offer the finest national wines. More to the North in the coast, an incredible place to visit is Valparaiso, where you can wander around and explore the different hills, embracing the harbor´s art, culture and food.

What inspired you to pursue your career in Psychology?

I was inspired to pursue my career in Psychology at my early teen years.  Studying in an international school in Chile, from K to 12^th grade, granted me the unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and share diverse perspectives and worldviews. This experience developed my interest in multicultural issues and I became especially attracted to the manner in which social interactions took place. As time passed, my interest on these ideas grew and I decided to study psychology to broaden my knowledge and gain a better understanding of the motivations underlying human relationships.

What inspired you to join HSSPA and what do you like most about it?



I was motivated to join HSSPA primarily because I wanted to meet new friends and interact with people that were living a similar experience than mine. In September I attended my first social get together, and there I met two of my most beloved friends! What I really love about HSSPA is that it is a very friendly and welcoming group that seeks to maintain all of its members connected through activities and groups that provide a space of interaction, learning and fun.

What inspired you to lead the HSSPA I like Psychology?



I love my profession and I have always enjoyed discussing and sharing my knowledge with others. I was inspired to lead this group because I found in HSSPA a space and opportunity to put in practice three things that I love: teaching, interacting with different people, and discussing psychological issues.

What’s the main piece of advice you would give to someone who is new to the US?


Living abroad is a unique and incredible experience. If you are arriving to a new country, immersing in a different culture, and learning a new language, don´t feel too overwhelmed and enjoy the experience as much as you can! Take advantage of all the opportunities and activities the city has to offer, don´t be afraid of meeting new people and be open to make new friends. The best thing you can do is joining HSSPA and other related groups!

If you would like to tell HSSPA members a little more about yourself, please contact the HSSPA Communications team at katie.bornn[at]hsspa.harvard.edu!