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For many people, getting into Harvard University is the dream.
But what is it actually like once you're there?
21-year-old Namira Lee Tzu, one of only two Malaysians admitted into Harvard's Class of 2029, recently shared what life has been like after completing her first year at the prestigious university.
Speaking to Harian Metro, the Environmental Science and Engineering undergraduate said Harvard's academic culture is unlike anything she has experienced before.
She said one of the biggest differences is how learning never really stops throughout the semester.
Instead of relying heavily on final examinations, students are expected to constantly engage with their coursework through weekly quizzes, assignments, discussions, and study sessions.
She said students are also encouraged to attend lecturers' "Office Hours", where they can ask questions and discuss subjects in greater depth outside of class.
Another thing that stood out to her was the collaborative culture.
Rather than studying alone, classmates often form study groups after lectures to revise together and complete assignments.
Namira, a former student at SMK Chung Hwa Wei Sin, scored 11As in SPM before accepting a scholarship from Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)
She later secured admission into Harvard University's Class of 2029, becoming one of only two Malaysians accepted into the university in 2025.
She said her interest in environmental science began after participating in the Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP) in the US in 2023.
During the programme, she worked alongside WWF Malaysia and students from SMK Penarek in Terengganu on a sea turtle conservation project, an experience she said opened her eyes to the importance of protecting the environment.
She also credited her mother, Najiah Musa, for encouraging her to apply to Harvard.
Life outside the classroom has been just as memorable
Although she misses her family, friends, and Malaysian food, Namira said she has found a close-knit group of friends from countries including the US, Greece, the UK, and several Southeast Asian nations.
Together, they study, complete assignments, and spend their free time exploring Cambridge and nearby Boston.
Outside academics, Namira is also active in Harvard's traditional Chinese dance club.
One of her biggest highlights was attending the UN General Assembly in New York last year
She had the opportunity to watch Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan deliver the country's address and later attended a dinner with him.
She also met Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir during his visit to Boston in September last year.
Looking ahead, Namira said she hopes to return to Malaysia after completing her studies.
She plans to fulfil her scholarship bond with PNB before eventually applying what she has learned to areas such as carbon trading and environmental conservation, with the aim of contributing to Malaysia's long-term sustainability efforts.
