John F. Kennedy, also known as JFK, was a student at Harvard University from 1936 to 1940. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international affairs. His time at Harvard played a significant role in shaping his leadership skills, political beliefs, and understanding of international relations, which would later serve him well as the 35th president of the United States.
During his time at Harvard, Kennedy was involved in various extracurricular activities, including the varsity swimming and rowing teams, the Fly Club, and the Crimson, the university’s daily newspaper. He also wrote for the Harvard Advocate, the university’s literary magazine. Through these activities, JFK developed his talents in leadership, teamwork, and communication, all of which were key skills that he would later use as president.
In addition to his extracurricular activities, JFK also excelled academically at Harvard. He wrote a thesis titled “Why England Slept” which was later published as a book. It was a study of the failure of British leaders to adequately respond to the rise of Nazi Germany in the 1930s. This thesis demonstrated JFK’s interest in international relations and his ability to analyze complex political issues.
Despite his privileged upbringing, JFK faced many health challenges during his time at Harvard, including a diagnosis of Addison’s disease and a chronic back injury. These challenges forced him to overcome adversity and work hard to achieve his goals. This experience helped to shape JFK’s character and determination, which would serve him well as president.
In conclusion, JFK’s time at Harvard was a formative period in his life that helped shape him into the leader he would become. His experiences at Harvard, both academically and extracurricularly, helped to develop his leadership skills, political beliefs, and understanding of international relations. These skills and experiences were instrumental in his success as president of the United States.