Kurt Tsuo

Kurt Tsuo didn’t come to Harvard planning to be active in the environmental movement, it just sort of happened - yet it’s been at the core of his Harvard experience. He started out as a Freshman REP trying to green Harvard Yard back in 2007. The following year, he took what he had learned with him into Eliot, where he became the House REP. In June 2009, Kurt was named Freshman REP Captain. He now oversees the 3-4 Freshman REPs that are hired each year, giving them instructions and support as they spread awareness to 1600 of their peers.

What got you interested in environmental issues and REP in particular?

I had never thought systematically about environmental issues until college. However, my parents made sure that, growing up, I spent lots of time hiking and biking (family vacations were often to national parks). As a result, I've always had an appreciation for nature and the great outdoors. That didn't really translate into any kind of environmental interest or work until my second or third night at Harvard, when, as luck would have it, I saw a REP advertisement right outside my door on the top floor of Pennypacker and decided to apply for the program. So here's a shout-out to my parents, the national park service, and the person who bothered to climb up to the fourth floor of the most remote freshman dorm at Harvard to put up a flier for REP: You are heroes.

What do you hope to accomplish at Harvard?

Well that’s a really big question and I'm not sure I am really ready to answer. Given that I'm halfway done with college, though, I know I should give it a go. First and foremost is having strong friendships and relationships as a result of my time at Harvard, which is easier said than done, unfortunately, so I have to put more work into that. Secondly, I would like to work on a major environmental project that has tangible effects, whether these are on- or off-campus. I have some ideas for this but I'll definitely need more ideas and help - so let me know if you want to collaborate! Finally, I want to be able to flambé all of my food by the time I graduate.

What has been your favorite REP related moment?

There have been a few of these. Decorating the John Harvard statue to give him a green beard and toga during sustainability week was great. I also had a good time last year at REP’s hiking trip to Mt. Monadnock. If I really had to pick my favorite of all my REP moments, though, it would have to be working on a display that spelled R-E-C-Y-C-L-E out of recyclable items. We (the freshman REPs) worked late into the night to cut and assemble the huge letters, and then arranged them on the Science Center lawn, leaving the display there for all of ARTS FIRST. When we removed the letters a week later, it became obvious that the grass underneath the display had died - so for a week afterwards, if you had walked in front of the Science Center, you would have seen dead, bright yellow grass that spelled out the word "RECYCLE" - truly epic.

Where do you see yourself after you graduate?

I think I'd like to do something related to environmental sustainability and also work on a project that is really innovative and "game-changing." I'd also like to live abroad for a few years just to see how the world is transforming and developing. Other than that, my post-graduation plans are completely open.