Boston Field Trip: Harvard, Charlesbank, and the New England Aquarium

On Thursday, we were Boston-bound on the bus under beautiful blue skies by 8:30a.m. Despite Boston's "spaghetti streets" and tricky traffic, we arrived at Harvard University and were greeted at the gate by our tour guide, a rising senior majoring in history and physics. He cheerfully fielded a myriad of questions ranging from the role of Harvard police to the cost of attendance, all the while regaling the group with a carefully-curated smorgasbord of personal stories, historical facts, and campus legends. From the quad to Memorial Transept, our students seemed both intrigued and fascinated by the storied prestige of the campus.

Wrapping up our tour, we hurried to our lunch appointment at the Charlesbank Capital Partners offices at 200 Clarendon St., where we feasted on a delicious catered lunch and were privileged to meet Kim Davis, the co-founding partner of the firm, chairman of the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He spoke briefly on his own academic and professional careers, but focused largely on his passion for his work with BAFF. Inviting questions from students, he responded to queries on academic advice, his interest in U.S. history, and recommendations for entrepreneurial success. Students concluded the appointment by posing for photos (numerous selfies, naturally) with Mr. Davis and marveling at the panoramic views of Boston from the 54th floor.

Continuing on our sunny way, we trekked through the Boston Commons to the New England Aquarium, where the main attractions were penguins, sea turtles, fur seals, and sea lions; additionally, students were able to pet stingrays and otherwise peruse the diverse collection of colorful aquatic creatures. Exiting the aquarium, the students were released to roam Faneuil Hall Marketplace shops and take on the gastronomical gauntlet that is the Quincy Market Food Colonnade. Relaxing after the day’s busy schedule, we enjoyed our culinary conquests in the warmth of the summer evening with a backdrop of talented street performers.

Back on the bus, many students napped or read, and we program leaders naïvely thought they were down for the count; we should have known they would resurrect with newfound energy for ping pong and pool when we returned to campus with an hour left before room checks and curfew.

Program Leader Kassie