Of course, the first thing I must do is congratulate you all on your tremendous achievement. Every year the challenge of the Harvard applicant gets more difficult and you should all be very proud.

I remember how I felt two years ago when I was in your position; the mixture of excitement and anxiety, the nervous anticipation of what it would be like here when I arrived. Well, I can honestly say that it was the best decision I ever made. I've had a lot of good times here and I'm sure you will too.

As Director of International Freshman Affairs for the Woodbridge Society here at Harvard, I want you all to know that if you have any questions or concerns or if you just want to chat, please get in contact with me. I am here to help! Hopefully you will all have received a booklet of advice from the Woodbridge Society of International students at Harvard already (or you will be soon). But if there's anything else you need, please email me at harvardfip@gmail.com.

I very much hope all of you will join us at this year's Freshman International Program. FIP is a fun introduction to life in America and Harvard. It is open to all internationals and even Americans who live abroad (and all other Americans wish they could do it too). We help you with all the important logistical things (visas, taxes, cell phones, bank accounts) before school starts and you become too busy. We have informative sessions with Upperclassmen and Administrators about how to succeed at Harvard, leaving you ahead of the pack when it comes to choosing classes and extracurriculars. But most importantly, we have a lot of fun! We go into Boston and we do cool activities in the afternoons and have awesome parties in the evenings. The best thing about FIP though, is the friendships people make. The bonds formed between freshmen at FIP are some of the strongest at Harvard. And the chance to really get to know a great set of Upperclassmen FIP leaders is invaluable as you traverse the troubled waters of college life.

I hope to see you all in September at this year's FIP. But whatever you might do, make sure you have a great summer. And, most importantly, welcome to the Woodbridge family!