There are many ways to start 2021. We have decided to do so with hope.
I have been staring at the screen for the past 15 minutes trying to figure out how to start this letter—not that I needed any more screen-time—to convey in a few words how happy and grateful I am to be your new Editor-in-Chief at the Harbus. I cannot help but think of my seven-year-old self, devouring books and writing stories for fun—something very few understood at that time. The path that brought me from there to here is intricate and complicated, making Steve Job’s famous recommendations to “connect the dots” an arduous quest. Biomedical engineer by training, management consultant by passion, writer by hobby and life-long migrant by upbringing, becoming Editor-in-Chief was the “next logical step.” You can, therefore, understand, how happy I am with my very first issue in the role. A great start for 2021.
I was initially worried that my happiness would be too much of a rough contrast to the suffering, uncertainty and confusion we have lived in the past year. Thankfully, the Harbus incredible team of editors and contributors have proved me wrong. We inaugurate 2021 with an issue full of optimism. We have chosen to not only look on the bright side of life, but also bring that side to you through inspiring stories. Professor Trevor Fetter sums up this attitude in his column, in which he explores the optimism amidst a beginning of the year with mixed feelings—“there is a lot to be grateful for.” Felipe Cerón shares the optimistic point of view, inviting us to find happiness and build community through art.
Life, much like a sail weathering the storm, goes on. The tumultuous start of the year did not stop HBS entrepreneurial spirits from venturing into the yearly HBS Startup Bootcamp with a positive mental attitude—Yvonne Ferrier shares with us the story of five such ventures. Ale Eguren also reminds us how this is yet another incredible year to be a badass, sharing tips from the popular SIP. I invite you, readers, to reflect on the opportunities lying ahead as you enjoy these pages. What will you do this year? How will you approach it differently?
Noelia Lombardo (MBA ’22) was born in Argentina but identifies herself as a global citizen. She is a biomedical engineer and a management consultant, a storyteller and a lifelong migrant. She loves the outdoors, diving, yoga, reading, and good debates.
