Testimonials
Why be a Rep?
Here's what Reps have to say, in their own words.
The Words of the 2003-2004 Reps
"I've
really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to people in my house community
about issues I feel passionately about. It's been interesting to learn
more about how the university works behind the scenes. I've enjoyed
getting to know other people at this university who have similar ideas
and points of view." -Sara Clark, Kirkland Rep
2003-04
"...A place like Harvard should be setting an environmental example - and REP is a great way to get the message out. The studybreaks are a blast. I never knew organic cookies could be so darn tasty!" -Emily Martin, Leverett Rep 2003-04
"I really enjoyed tabling at Sunday brunch and meeting more people in my house. It's so exciting when others get interested in something you care about. The Green Cup is a fun way to get people involved through competition and, in the end, everyone wins!" -MaryEmily Colvin, Currier Rep 2003-04
"For
me, REP was an awesome experience because I got to know all these amazing
people who run the Green Campus Initiative, the House staff, and other
students. It was a great way for me to learn more about how I can save
energy and reduce waste, and then tell others about it at the fun study
breaks!" -Sandra Venghaus, Lowell Rep 2003-04
"I've been doing REP for two years now, starting from when I got to Harvard as a freshman. REP has been one of my major commitments at Harvard and has provided me with an enriching personal experience. Not only have I gotten to meet new people in my freshman dorm and in Mather House, my participation has educated me about how I can make more environmentally-conscious decisions in my own life." -Yui Hirohashi, Mather Rep 2003-04 and Yard Rep 2002-03
"As a REP, I've felt empowered to speak up in my House and on campus - I was able to educate myself on sustainability issues through working with the student and administrative leaders. Out of all the activities I'm worked with at Harvard, REP has been my favorite." -Alli Rogers, Mather Rep 2003-04, REP Captain 2003-04
"REP is instrumental for making Harvard greener. By encouraging Harvard students to save water, energy, and increase recycling rates, REP improves Harvard's efficiency - saving money and reducing its ecological footprint. REP's energetic and vivacious house representatives inspire students throughout Harvard to be more enviro-friendly." -Brian Matthay, Quincy Rep 2003-04
"Our outreach [in the Yard] was bigger than we know. Meeting Mathieu and Morgan [fellow Yard Reps] - truly the best part of my first year at Harvard. Learning to do laundry again, eco-consciously, has been really rewarding - learning where to buy products that are safe." -Caroline Schopp, Yard Rep 2003-04
"REP was a great opportunity to feel involved and active in campus conservation. It really feels like we're making a difference, when I realize people are actually interested in what REP is doing and care about being environmentally responsible. Cookies, REP people, and the study break were all great!" -Lexi Tuddenham, Dunster Rep 2003-04
"REP was a great way to find out what other student groups and Harvard organizations are doing for the environment. I enjoyed the variety of events - Mount Trashmore, Earth Day, and so on - with which REP was involved. It was a unique way to learn while educating fellow students!" -Mathieu Desruisseaux, Yard Rep 2003-04
"REP has been an awesome way to apply my interests in environmental issues to a program with is deeply rooted in campus student life. ...The results of REP's work is very real and rewarding." -Bryan Ho, Adams Rep 2004
"REP stands for Resource Efficiency Program, but to me,
It means other things as far as I can see:
Really Energetic People
means our message isn't feeble:
To the earth, wastefulness can be lethal.
So Reduce Energy Please has been
a big request. If you've waste made of tin
paper, cardboard, or plastic, throw it in the recycling bin!
And Return Empty Plates, cups, and bowls
To the dining hall, and instead of driving, take the T, or ride foals.
These are just some of our goals.
We're always Running (happy) Efficiency Patrols!"
-Alex Pasternack, Winthrop Rep 2003-04
"I learned quite a lot, particularly in our water unit, about just how pervasive environmental issues are. It was great when people who I'd been reminding for a while stopped using plastic cups! I loved honoring envirocitizens." -Mary Jirmanus, Eliot Rep 2003-04
"A terrific initiative for Harvard, run for us, by us. It's hip to the jive! REP makes me think there are better ways of living." -Morgan Potts, Yard Rep 2003-04
Other Testimonials
"REP was a dream-like cap to an amazing college career studying Environmental Science and Public Policy. It was a hands-on, brains-on experience with a cast of characters I will never ever forget. The personalities that began the program are varied but all priceless: unfailingly enthusiastic, constantly visionary, unbelievably efficient, impressively tireless, compassionately considerate - in short, chock-full of all of the characteristics of wonderful human beings." -Rachelle Gould, REP Captain 2002-03