A Place for Me: Finding Your Community at Harvard

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A new place. An unfamiliar routine. And one question: where do I fit in?

Meet Maya, who has just arrived at Harvard with her partner. Follow her as she discovers HSSPA, meets people finding their own way, and learns that a small first step can lead to friendship.

This illustrated story introduces our community through fictional characters and everyday experiences. Whether you are ready to join an activity or simply curious, there is a place to begin.

Scroll down to follow Maya’s story through six illustrated pages.

Comic: Maya arrives at Harvard with her partner, Sam. While he attends orientation, she feels alone, discovers hsspa.harvard.edu, and decides to try an HSSPA gathering.

 

Comic: Maya meets Omar, Lina, and volunteer Jo at HSSPA. They share their experiences of arriving at Harvard and encourage her to start with one activity.

 

Comic: Jo explains HSSPA’s origins in the Society of Harvard Dames, founded by Anna P. Lowell in 1896. Maya discovers a continuing tradition of friendship and belonging.

 

Comic: Maya joins a sketching outing, laughs with new friends, and begins finding her own community. She wants to help with an activity without taking on a large role.

 

Comic: Maya explores ways to contribute, from welcoming members to helping with activities. The group discusses free options, funding approval, and listening to feedback.

 

Comic: Maya welcomes another newcomer and introduces her to friends. Her story ends with an invitation to find your community at hsspa.harvard.edu.

Your story can begin with one small step

Join an activity, introduce yourself, or come along and see what interests you. You do not need to know anyone before taking part.

Read the HSSPA Member FAQ or email info@hsspa.harvard.edu for help getting started.

Concept and visual direction by Abhishek Suryawanshi. Story and illustrations developed with the assistance of AI tools.

Characters and scenes are fictional and were created to introduce HSSPA. Historical scenes are artistic interpretations, not archival images.