Harvard Story - Oliver Murcko

What were your expectations? Was there anything that surprised you? Either for better or worse?

I was really looking forward to it, but I don't think the full weight of the decision hit me until I finally set foot on campus. That's when I fully realized how big a step it was and that it was a bit of a leap into the unknown.

Have you talked to your parents about how they are handling your departure to the USA?

I think they take it as it is. They definitely miss me and so do I, we call each other regularly. But most importantly, they know that this is the best thing for me at the moment and that I wouldn't get anything similar in terms of sports and level of studies anywhere else.

How was the cultural transition for you? Language, customs, differences...

I was a bit prepared for what I was getting into. People here are really open and want to talk and be best friends right away, so it's sometimes a bit annoying, but you filter out people like that over time. Otherwise, my classmates, coach, and team members are really nice and made the transition really easy for me, it's like a second family. And I like how people don't judge others so much here, everyone can more or less do whatever they want. I like to walk with music in my ears and sing along. When I do that in Slovakia, people look at me like I'm weird. Here, no one cares about it at all and I feel freer.

Do you take advantage of the help available on campus for students?

There are Tutors, a Writing Center, and professors often have office hours for consultations. But I use the MQC (Math Questions Center) the most, where they help explain the curriculum and math problems.

How do you like the training there and the coach's approach so far? How do you get along with the people on the team?

It's absolutely great. Coach Mangiacotti is in charge of me and other sprinters, my training has changed a lot - we train at a higher intensity and longer, training sessions last 3-4 hours. The after-training care is excellent, we have rehabilitation equipment, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a physiotherapist, masseurs. And we have both Europeans and Americans on the team and I get along with everyone. And maybe thanks to all this, I have improved my performance so much (note: Harvard record and Slovak record for 300 m)

Do you already have an idea of ​​what you would like to study?

For now, I still want to study Mechanical Engineering and that's what I'm aiming my subjects towards. But there are so many options that I'm adding other subjects that I enjoy from the Liberal Arts area, so we'll see. In addition, there's the option of attending lectures at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Harvard has an agreement with them and the credits count towards your studies. It's about 5 minutes by subway, so it's very close and it's interesting to see the contrast, how Harvard has historic buildings and MIT is super modern.

Has Covid limited you in any way on campus?

I didn't even notice it much, but we have to wear a mask inside and we have to get tested 3 times a week, but at least I feel safe.

Overall, are you happy with the campus? Is there anything you miss there? How was your semester academically?

I have everything I need within walking distance, I'm not so dependent on public transport or a car. Regarding my studies, I took on a lot of stress during the first semester, I probably should have discussed it with someone first, it was very challenging, but in the end I managed everything.

How do you perceive the community at Harvard? Does it feel like you're at a prestigious school?

It's incredible. I didn't have time to be part of school clubs or extracurricular activities this semester, but outside of practice I spent my time meeting new people and talking about everything. Especially in the freshman dorm, Harvard Yard, I've met so many great, interesting people. There's a lot of Harvard atmosphere here, and I meet a lot of interesting people every day, both students and professors or lecturers.

And have you managed to go on a trip somewhere else yet?

There wasn't much space yet, just to New York and I was at my cousin's in New Haven for Thanksgiving.

What are your plans for the spring semester, whether in terms of studies, sports, or personal time?

I'll probably take a few fewer classes so I have time to get involved in extracurricular projects and activities. I'd definitely like to do well in athletics. And if I can do some traveling, that would be great.

Would you like to add anything for parents and their children who are considering taking a similar path?

I would definitely recommend taking an essay writing course. An admissions essay and the essays we are used to from high school are completely different from what comes at university. You have to be able to summarize information in a way that is clear to a lay observer, and at the same time incorporate facts from the world, so that you ideally have an overview of what is happening where. And also so that they are not afraid to ask for help and do not take it as a shame. On the contrary, asking for help and quickly getting an idea of ​​what is needed will make the journey much easier.

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