News
Amid Boston Overdose Crisis, a Pair of Harvard Students Are Bringing Narcan to the Red Line
News
At First Cambridge City Council Election Forum, Candidates Clash Over Building Emissions
News
Harvard’s Updated Sustainability Plan Garners Optimistic Responses from Student Climate Activists
News
‘Sunroof’ Singer Nicky Youre Lights Up Harvard Yard at Crimson Jam
News
‘The Architect of the Whole Plan’: Harvard Law Graduate Ken Chesebro’s Path to Jan. 6
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma—Below me are emerald and amber patches. They cross across the flat expanse like a perfectly earth-toned quilt. Finally the sky sinks away and the patchwork earth moves closer and closer as I descend into the “heartland” of America.
Leaving behind Buenos Aires to return to Oklahoma City is like moving between two different planets. From population, to nightlife, to cars on the street, the two cities could not be more different.
However, the most striking difference is the contrast between the respective skylines. While Buenos Aires seems like an expanse of buildings that never end, Oklahoma City’s lack of buildings is evident. Upon descending, the flat blanket of earth and farmland catches my eye, as does the lack of true city life.
While Oklahoma has a strong oil and gas industry, the capital has not been transformed into a booming city, but rather still resembles the beginnings of what I hope is yet to come.
But amidst the small spattering of low buildings and small enterprises, there is one structure that rises above the rest: the Devon Tower. Until the Devon Tower was constructed this year, the lack of skyscrapers was dismissible. However, after the skyscraper took its place in the city, it is impossible not to notice.
“Have you seen the new Devon building?” the man beside me on the airplane questions. I notice the pride in his voice as he points out of the window and into the approaching metro.
As it rises out of the city, it seems to bring the promise that someday Oklahoma City will fill its skyline with more industries and jobs.
Megan B. Prasad '15, a Crimson magazine editor, lives in Eliot House.
Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.