A look at a beautiful blue sky!
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The LA Skyline.

If you've been following my blog this term, you'll know I have been on an off-campus program in Los Angeles with Dartmouth's Film & Media Studies department. It's been a whirlwind ten weeks (that went by way too fast!).

If you're an aspiring film major and are unsure whether or not an Ivy League education will help you on that path, I'd encourage you to read on—I've discovered many helpful things this term!

  1. The Dartmouth alum network is phenomenal. People always say the alum network is fantastic. I went into my Los Angeles experience expecting the praise to be overhyped. But let me say: they weren't wrong. Dartmouth's alum network is exceptionally strong and consolidated—every alum we met on this trip was more than willing to help. I suspect it's because of their close ties with Dartmouth and their desire to give back to it. In an industry built on connections, having the Dartmouth alum tag makes you instantly part of a fantastic group of people looking out for each other.
  2. Dartmouth has a small but mighty Film Department. Dartmouth's Film department isn't the biggest; there are only a few of us, but we're a passionate bunch. Every single person I've met is dedicated to filmmaking, and the tight-knit group makes that passion even more concentrated. People are very willing to help out, always. There were even a few film majors—not on the Domestic Study Program (DSP)—in Los Angeles who were working on their off-terms, but we collaborated throughout the term. It was awesome.

  3. This Domestic Study Program is really worth it! This DSP is a great way to peek into Hollywood's workings. I've walked away with a much more holistic idea of how Hollywood works: I never could've understood without this experience. This program offers the perfect opportunity to dip your feet into the world without being fully engulfed in it. Also, you make great friends on the DSP who share your passion!
  4. Los Angeles is a great place to learn about the industry, but Dartmouth is a better place to learn about yourself as a filmmaker. This is a super long thought, but in essence—I think that Dartmouth's lifestyle, surrounded by nature, has allowed me to hone my voice as an artist way better than a city ever could. Los Angeles is a great place to learn about the industry and its inner workings; there's no doubt I couldn't do that at Dartmouth, but on campus, I feel the most creative I've ever felt.

That was pretty much it from me this term! Best of luck with your college decisions :)

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