Hello everyone! My name is Kara Shen and I am a senior in Quincy House studying Computer Science and Economics. I spent the last two summers working as a software engineer for a start-up in Cambridge and an advertising tech company in New York City. Outside of class, I became involved in Harvard National Model United Nations, Harvard College Consulting Group, and Student Mental Health Liaisons, but I’m now invested in our Women in Computer Science group on campus to help create community for women interested in STEM fields.

I’ve spent a lot of the past three years learning a lot about computer science, economics, and other quantitative subjects, but as it’s my senior year and requirements are winding down, I saw this year as my last chance to delve into issues I’d always wanted to learn and discuss more about. The events of this past year mandated renewed conversations and reflection from everyone in the country, and I am really looking forward to taking a comprehensive look at the issues affecting the African American experience in this country, from matters of class and economics status to schooling and education.

I’m hoping that this class will give me the knowledge and vocabulary to speak as a more informed and critical citizen, and I am so excited to start the discussion with all of you! See you on Tuesday. 🙂