Rachael's Letter from San Francisco

Hello from San Francisco,

Sitting in ‘WeWork’, one of Minervans’ favorite study spots, at the end of my evening class, I am met with the nighttime scene of San Francisco. Taking in the beautiful view of Coit Tower, I look back on the past few months of our freshman year. From boarding buses in the wrong direction to knowing the MUNI system inside and out, from full reliance on maps to memorizing streets and corners, the once foreign city is now a home we soon have to leave behind. 

The weekly 10:01s, community get-togethers where we immerse in one another’s countries and cultures, took me around the globe without crossing the city borders. From the marvelous display of culture to the delicious national dishes, this Minerva tradition never failed to bring the cohort together. The most recent one, done by the Egyptians in our class, was a marvelous cross-century display of culture, learning about the history, art, and cuisine of their country.

Eight months in a new city can change a lot, and it did. San Francisco is a city I will never forget, with each neighborhood’s distinct personality. A city full of big dreams and deep cultures. Whether it's walking through Chinatown or Little Italy with my friends for spontaneous chow mein or pizza, or the love felt on International Women’s Day through the flower display, San Francisco will always have a special place in the heart of Minervans. 

I recently went hiking through the Lands End trail, and inhaling the fresh air, listening to the springs forming and birds chirping, felt like a hug from the city. A week later, I went with a friend to a ‘Women in Tech’ networking event, where we got the chance to see and hear women leaders discuss the ins and outs of starting a business. That’s the amazing thing about SF, you get both the bustling city and the calming suburbs. A quality I never knew I needed in a place I call home. It’s bittersweet to think about leaving, but I think this was the perfect start to our four-year journey. I can’t wait to experience everything the next rotation cities have to offer!

Warmly,

Rachael

Class of 2027