Alumna Maggie Chiappetta-Uberti '22

How Campbell Hall Prepared Me for College

By Maggie Chiappetta-Uberti '22 from the Winter 2023 Issue of The Good magazine.


Coming to college, I was overcome by the brilliance of not simply my professors and the vastness of opportunities afforded to me, but mostly my classmates. Each person I met was so interesting and knowledgeable and they all had such unique experiences. One thing many of my classmates shared in common, however, was the high-pressure environment that they were surrounded by in high school. They discussed the ongoing competition among their classmates and the work culture of their schools. Most notably, they mentioned the pressure to focus solely on one thing.

While I would say there was some self-induced pressure in high school, I never felt that pressure from the Campbell Hall community. I grew up being taught by my elementary teachers that I could do anything: Mrs. Kempf told me I could be a singer; Mrs. Kainz instilled the belief that I could thrive in STEM subjects, despite struggling in math; and Mr. R, my fifth-grade teacher, invested himself in my athletic endeavors years after I graduated elementary school.

Many people outside of my school community told me that my myriad of passions would not hold once I reached high school — that I would need to narrow down my focus in order to prioritize excelling in one thing. But what’s so special about the Campbell Hall community is that it fosters a space for students to grow outside of what one may see as the “conventional path.” In high school, I was able to participate in track and field and volleyball, while also singing in choir. I was able to write in our school newspaper, while also investing myself in the Young Doctor’s club and getting to shadow physicians. My passions weren’t squandered; they were celebrated. I never felt limited in my capabilities at Campbell Hall, much like how I feel now at Harvard.

Most importantly, as I have left Campbell Hall and transitioned to college, I have realized just how incredible the support from the community is. The support at Campbell Hall is like no other. When I auditioned for acapella groups at Harvard, Mr. Enright and my high school choir were there for me every step of the process, giving me the confidence to continue through each round. When I go on morning runs with the Harvard Running Club, Coach Selkirk still provides me with running advice. Dr. Gaul reminds me to stay curious, acknowledging the inequities present on this campus. Campbell Hall is a family that extends far past our 13 years together. It has provided me with not only the skills and drive to pursue my passions here at Harvard, but also has afforded me the privilege of a community of incredible people that you truly can’t get anywhere else.