By Bautista Bassi MPA/ID 2027
One of the greatest parts of being a student at Harvard Kennedy School is feeling empowered to pursue an academic path I've always dreamed about. After graduation, I hope to become a space entrepreneur and help humanity reach a multiplanetary life. That is my dream, and HKS is giving me the tools and confidence to chase it. At HKS, we are encouraged to dream big—and to turn those dreams into action.
From Argentina to Harvard Kennedy School
I was born and raised in Carlos Tejedor, Argentina, where fewer than 10,000 people live. On March 15, 2025, I woke up very early in the morning in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and saw my acceptance letter from HKS. I called my parents first, then my best friends, and my advisors who had written my letters of recommendation. I was thrilled, but it took some time to process my acceptance.
Coming to Cambridge
I arrived on campus during the first week of August for the Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program Math Seminar. Coming from a small town in Argentina after months of backpacking, it felt surreal. And, it continues to feel that way. I’m constantly surprised by the people around me—not just because of their intellect, but because of their values. At HKS, you will meet kind, genuine people who push you to be better every day.
Engaging with peers from around the globe
The cultural exchange at HKS has been so enriching: the food, the music, the history, and the traditions of so many countries all blend together here. I quickly learned to embrace the different ways of living in this community. Americans are especially interesting to talk to, and I have had the pleasure of interacting with them every day. In January, I traveled to China with a large group of students from Harvard—most of whom were American. Spending 24/7 with them in another country allowed me to better understand the world through their eyes.
“I’m constantly surprised by the people around me—not just because of their intellect, but because of their values. You will meet kind, genuine people who push you to be better every day.”
The academic environment
Taking classes with people from all over the world is one of the most valuable aspects of studying at HKS. I enjoy listening to my classmates' many perspectives. Our backgrounds are very diverse—not only in terms of where we come from, but also in what we studied before. When we discuss cases in our development courses, for example, I pay close attention to my classmates' views so that I can learn to approach problems from new angles.
One of my favorite classes so far has been API-209: Advanced Quantitative Methods: Description and Prediction with Professor Dan Levy, who is an amazing teacher. I already loved statistics, but his explanations are unforgettable. I highly recommend taking at least one course with him.
Life outside the classroom
As an HKS student, you will also build a life outside the classroom. In my case, I:
- Assistant teach at Harvard College
- Practice the guitar with my friends (we even founded a guitarists' association!)
- Play tennis and squash at the Harvard recreational facilities
- Cook with friends—it’s how I stay connected to my home
When it’s cold outside, my favorite place to study is Lamont Library or different coffee shops around Cambridge. When the weather is warm, I love studying outside in the public spaces around Harvard Yard or at outdoor tables on campus.
My advice
If you are thinking about coming to HKS, do it. The experience is transformative. Your perspective will change. As Professor Dan Levy told us: “you are not here to prove yourself, you are here to improve yourself.” And if you ever have doubts, feel free to reach out. The students, alumni, and staff at HKS are here for you.
