Ola! Welcome to my Dartmouth journey. I'm Adrian, a '25 from Harare, Zimbabwe. With an insatiable thirst for investing, finance, and nature, I'm excited to dive into a major that combines all four passions—perhaps a modified economics major? The possibilities are endless! When I'm not tackling problem sets or immersed in "Things Fall Apart," I'm out and about on campus, discovering hidden gems and capturing countless memories on my phone. Join me as I embark on this incredible adventure!
Academic Program
Economics and African and African American Studies
This was a course that exceeded my expectations and left an enduring impression, serving as an important introduction to the captivating world of calculus. As someone initially hesitant about delving into this mathematical realm, I was pleasantly surprised by the immense value and personal growth it offered. Through thought-provoking problem sets and engaging class discussions, I honed my critical thinking skills and gained a deep appreciation for the beauty and practicality of mathematical concepts within the calculus framework. The supportive community of dedicated instructors and enthusiastic classmates played a vital role in my journey, providing guidance and encouragement as I navigated this new academic terrain. Math 8 not only ignited my passion for analytical thinking but also equipped me with the tools to apply mathematical principles in real-world scenarios.
ECON 1 became a truly transformative and enlightening experience within my academic journey, resonating deeply as a student with roots in Zimbabwe, a country navigating its path in the realm of development. This course fully immersed me in the intricate world of resource utilization, income distribution, and the intricate interplay between economics and society, allowing me to witness its direct relevance to the economic landscape of my beloved home country. Through its comprehensive exploration of topics such as industrial organization, labor economics, and international trade, I gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that Zimbabwe and similar economies face. This course not only served as an eye-opening introduction to the captivating field of economics but also reignited and fortified my unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing issues that confront my nation and the broader global community. It has instilled in me an unyielding determination to contribute to positive change and foster sustainable development in Zimbabwe and beyond, serving as a guiding light in my pursuit of economic transformation and social progress.
This course took me on a captivating and deeply personal journey as someone of African heritage. It explored the historical mapping of race onto Africa, allowing me to engage with the arguments of historians and gain profound insights into the complexities of racial identity. Analyzing motion pictures as primary sources, I discovered the influential role of cinema in perpetuating racial othering and reinforcing colonial agendas. This transformative course challenged my preconceptions, deepening my understanding of the intersection between race, Africa, and representation. Equipped with the tools to critically analyze and challenge stereotypes, I feel empowered to contribute to inclusive dialogue and promote understanding in our shared human experience.
SummerOff-Term (Hanover, NH)
For my freshman summer, I made the deliberate choice to take a well-deserved break in Hanover. After a rigorous academic year filled with learning and growth, I felt the need to recharge and rejuvenate before diving into the next chapter of my academic career. It was a time for self-care, reflection, and exploration. I embraced the opportunity to indulge in personal hobbies, spend quality time with loved ones, and embark on new adventures.
Beyond the surface, this course delved into Africa's connections to diverse African Diasporas and the notion of mobility, providing a deeper understanding of the continent. Throughout the course, we critically examined the production and contestation of African cultural, racial, and political identities. The moment of independence for many African nation-states served as a pivotal point, allowing us to analyze economics, race, politics, and artistic expressions. Concepts like "tradition" and "modernity" were thoroughly explored, uncovering representations of Africa and the complexities of commodification. Witnessing the range of cultural and political responses was inspiring. The course not only broadened my understanding of Africa's rich tapestry but also ignited my passion for African studies. It empowered me with a critical lens to analyze and contribute to ongoing conversations surrounding Africa's narratives and its global significance.
AAAS 87.09, "African Popular Culture," was a captivating and deeply personal journey that immersed me in the vibrant world of African popular cultures. This course offered a comprehensive exploration of cultural, economic, and philosophical aspects, all within a global socio-historical framework. From the beats of Ghanaian music to the narratives of Nigerian literature and the rhythm of South African dance, I was captivated by the diverse and expressive works that shape African identities. Engaging in lively discussions and delving into the influential works of artists like Fela Kuti, I gained a profound understanding of how these creative mediums contribute to the production and contestation of Africanness. The course fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment, bringing together students from different backgrounds and inspiring meaningful conversations. It ignited my passion for uncovering the intricacies of cultures and left me with a deep appreciation for the transformative power of African popular cultures. This course not only expanded my knowledge but also sparked a personal connection to my heritage and strengthened my commitment to celebrating and sharing the richness of African cultures with the world.
This course opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on the challenges faced by developing countries, offering a profound understanding of the global economic landscape. As someone intimately familiar with the realities of a developing country, ECON 24 resonated deeply with my personal experiences. It delved into the underlying reasons behind pervasive issues like extreme poverty, hunger, limited access to education, gender inequality, environmental degradation, high fertility rates, and child labor that afflict many developing nations. Through the lens of economic analysis, I gained invaluable insights into the complex factors that shape decision-making processes in these contexts, including the roles of markets, organizations, policies, and institutions. This course not only expanded my knowledge of development economics, but it also fueled my sense of purpose and determination to contribute to positive change. It reinforced my belief in the potential for transformative solutions and empowered me to actively work towards creating a better future for developing countries like Zimbabwe and their people.
SummerOff-Term (Harare, Zimbabwe)
As an international student, my sophomore summer presented an exciting opportunity to return to my home country, Zimbabwe, and engage in a remarkable social impact project I designed called JEKA. This initiative was made possible through the renowned Davis Projects for Peace Program, generously sponsored by the Dickey Center for International Understanding. JEKA specifically focused on addressing the pressing issue of substance use and abuse among Zimbabwe's youth, aiming to empower them with the necessary skills and knowledge to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Throughout the summer, we provided comprehensive support by equipping young individuals with essential 21st-century skills such as computer programming and entrepreneurship. Additionally, we facilitated educational sessions that highlighted the adverse consequences of substance use and misuse. Witnessing the personal growth and transformation of the participants was incredibly rewarding, and I was grateful for the invaluable support and resources provided by Dartmouth. This experience solidified my belief in the transformative power of grassroots initiatives and community-driven projects. I left the summer with a strengthened commitment to making a lasting impact, armed with the knowledge that collective efforts can bring about positive change.
Amidst the Pines: My Singular Dartmouth Experience
Q:
What's something you've done at Dartmouth that you couldn't have done or experienced anywhere else?
A:
The verdant landscapes of Dartmouth have been a nurturing ground for countless unique experiences and adventures. Each corner of this hallowed institution holds tales of traditions, trials, and triumphs. As I reflect upon my time here, one distinctive episode encompasses the very essence of Dartmouth – an experience so unique that I'm certain it couldn't have manifested anywhere else.
The Magic of Winter Carnival
To say Dartmouth's Winter Carnival is simply a college festivity would be an understatement. A tradition that took root in 1911, the carnival is an embodiment of Dartmouth's spirit, merging old customs with fresh exuberance. While many universities across the world celebrate the winter season, Dartmouth's carnival is a multiday gala that sees the entire campus transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland. Envision illuminated snow sculptures, trails of laughter, and an entire community bound together by the frosty charm of Hanover's winter.
Racing Down the Slopes: Human Dogsled Races
The exhilaration of the human dogsled race is truly a sight to behold. Amidst the icy gusts and snowflakes, teams of students become the very sled dogs they mimic, pulling sleds (and their giggling peers) across the Green. The landscape echoes with cheer, playful banter, and a zestful spirit of competition. Every shout, laugh, and tumble in the snow symbolizes the deep-rooted camaraderie of Dartmouth students, and the feeling of being a part of such a tradition is nothing short of magical.
Dartmouth's Ice Sculpting Extravaganza
Now, consider this – a chilly winter day, students wrapped up in scarves and mittens, wielding chisels and chainsaws, meticulously sculpting gigantic blocks of ice. This isn't a scene from a movie but a live canvas of Dartmouth during the carnival. From recreating iconic Dartmouth symbols like the Baker Tower to conjuring imaginative designs such as soaring eagles or mythical creatures, the ice sculpting event is a testament to the creativity and tenacity of Dartmouth students. Engaging in this age-old Dartmouth tradition, I felt an exhilarating blend of cold fingers, warm camaraderie, and boundless creativity.
Midnight Snowball Fights and Silent Discos
Imagine the thrill of a snowball fight under the shimmering canopy of a midnight winter sky. Dartmouth amplifies this thrill by hosting impromptu snowball duels that witness participation from hundreds of students. The sprawling Green, bathed in the silvery glow of moonlight and sporadic streetlights, becomes an arena for epic showdowns. The culmination of this chilly revelry? A silent disco where students, headphones in place, groove to individual tunes. Despite the seeming silence, there's a palpable connection in the air, creating memories destined to be cherished.
A Historic Dive: Learning the Legacy
The Winter Carnival isn't just about festivities; it's a journey through time. My quest to understand its legacy led me to the treasure trove of Dartmouth's Rauner Special Collections Library. Here, amidst age-old documents, I traveled through time, experiencing the carnival through the eyes of Dartmouth denizens from decades ago. The archival photographs, personal letters, and newspaper clippings painted a vivid narrative of the carnival's evolution, offering a juxtaposition of time-tested traditions and contemporary innovations.
Between Timeless Echoes and New Dawn Horizons
In the heart of Hanover, where the pines whisper tales of yesteryears, Dartmouth stands as a beacon of cherished memories and new adventures. The Winter Carnival is one such melody that intertwines the old with the new. As I ponder upon these events, waves of gratitude crash over me for every moment experienced, and an eager anticipation bubbles for the stories yet to be written.
With a solar eclipse sweeping across North America for the first time in nearly seven years on April 8th came a road-trip with hundreds of other Dartmouth students to a zone of totality near campus: St. Johnsbury, Vermont!
