Find Your Center: Building Community through Sport

Between the pressures of academia and the transience of graduate life, it can be easy for Harvard Griffin GSAS students to feel a little lost or disconnected—even isolated. But Clare Yijia Xie is on a mission to change that—one game at a time. 

"Graduate school is a completely different experience from college or high school," Xie says. "There are fewer structured programs like physical education or clubs for graduate students. That’s why I am passionate about creating spaces where students can stay active, connect with others, and build a sense of community." 

As an international student, Xie understands the importance of connection and belonging in a new environment. That’s why, as an athletics fellow at the Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS, she uses her role to foster community through sports and games.  

A Journey across Continents 

A naturalized Singaporean, Xie's educational journey began in China before she moved to Singapore on a scholarship at the age of fifteen. After completing her secondary and high school education there, she went on to pursue her undergraduate studies in the United Kingdom. Her next move was to the United States, where she is now a PhD candidate in materials science and mechanical engineering at Harvard Griffin GSAS. 

Xie conducts research in Professor Zachary Schiffer’s lab, focusing on electrochemical methods to decarbonize the chemical industry. "I've studied in different countries and moved every couple of years," Xie reflects. "Building friendships at first is always challenging, especially in graduate school where many international students are only here for a limited time." 

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Clare Yijia Xie (right) with Paul Secchia, both Student Center athletics fellows

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Photo by Jon Chase

In her first year at Harvard, Xie got a taste of the vibrant, close-knit community life in the residence halls, where she was also introduced to the Student Center's diverse range of programming. "I really loved the community there," she recalls. "It was an environment where people could connect easily, and I really enjoyed being a part of it." 

The Cure for Isolation 

After moving off-campus during her second year, Xie realized she missed the close-knit communal life. "It’s the desire to reconnect with a strong community that drew me back to the Student Center Fellows program," she says. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by graduate students—especially those related to academic demands and isolation—Xie found a perfect fit as a Student Center Athletics Fellow. 

Throughout the past year, Xie has spearheaded a variety of programs aimed at bringing students together through physical activity—from organizing Grad Intramural pickleball tournaments to leading group runs along the Charles River. Her events also include adaptive yoga and sports nutrition sampling, encouraging students to engage in wellness beyond traditional exercise. Xie has also hosted fantasy football leagues and a national parks game night, creating opportunities for students to connect over shared interests. "The opportunity to exercise and play, even on your own, greatly helps with the mental health challenges students face," Xie asserts. "We provide a platform where students can simply drop in and have fun without any pressure on skill levels." 

One of the standout events organized by Xie was a group run along the Charles River. "Running as part of a community can push individuals to achieve more," she says. She describes how participants, both novice and experienced, connect and motivate one another, emphasizing that the presence of peers nudges everyone to push themselves a bit further. "It’s the first time I finished the entire run," Xie shares, with a note of accomplishment. "Having friends to run it with you really makes a big difference." 

The opportunity to exercise and play, even on your own, greatly helps with the mental health challenges students face. 

The rewards of being an athletics fellow are many for Xie. She takes pride in witnessing the connections formed at her events, where students who were once strangers leave as friends and teammates. "Sports is a universal language that helps build connections even without words," she observes. Xie sees sports as more than just an activity; it’s a bridge over social barriers that enables students to make friends. "You can really bond with others through the shared experience of play, even without saying a word." 

Xie takes satisfaction in knowing her programs contribute positively to students' overall well-being. "Our events are accessible and fun, and they provide an important mental health boost by helping students step away from their routines," she says. The activities also create a space where students can unwind and make lasting connections, giving them the tools they need to establish their personal communities. 

Room on the Team 

Xie encourages her fellow Harvard Griffin GSAS students to consider a Student Center Fellows role. "Put yourself out there and be welcoming," she says. "Never underestimate what opening a conversation might lead to." She emphasizes the importance of collaboration among fellows in bringing fresh ideas to life. "Working with other fellows fosters fresh ideas and is incredibly rewarding." 

For prospective fellows, Xie stresses the enrichment that comes from fellowship experiences. "It broadens your social circle and offers an opportunity to shape the student community," she explains. "Being active and having a community of passionate and energetic friends is invaluable during graduate school." Xie fondly describes the fellowship as "an experience you will truly cherish," emphasizing that the work is as much community-building as a job. 

[Being a Student Center Fellow] is an experience you will truly cherish. 

As Xie reflects on her own journey, she leaves an inviting note for any student considering applying: "Don't be afraid to reach out, even if you don't know anyone at an event. The Student Center’s programs can be a great opportunity to meet people and make new friends." Her hope is that through her work, more students will find the connections they seek, enriching their time at Harvard Griffin GSAS with memories that will last long after they earn their degree. 

Clare Xie stands as a testament to the power of community, transforming athletic programs into a welcoming embrace for all. Whether you're new to the Boston area or a veteran grad student, her message is clear: There's always room for you on the team. 

Apply now to be a 2025–2026 fellow at the Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS. Any degree-seeking student who is currently and will be registered in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for the 2025–2026 academic year is eligible. Want to know more? Meet the current fellows, enjoy some ice cream, and get the “Inside Scoop” on February 12. The online application is due by Friday, March 7. 

This article was engineered and edited by Paul Massari. Draft copy generated by GPT 4.0.