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.
What's something you've done at Dartmouth that you couldn't have done or experienced anywhere else?
A:
If you had told me before I came to Dartmouth that one of my favorite campus traditions would happen in the middle of winter, I am not sure I would have believed you. See, I grew up in Zimbabwe, where it stays fairly hot throughout the year, and before coming here, I had never even seen snow. But then I experienced my first Winter Carnival in my first year, and it completely changed how I think about the winter season on campus and just in general. Now, it is one of the times I look forward to most each year.
The Winter Carnival is something you really have to see for yourself. It has been around for over a century, and every year the campus transforms for a few days of celebration, creativity, and community. For one long weekend in February, when the snow is deep and the cold is here to stay, students lean into it with excitement.
One of my favorite things about Carnival is how many different events are packed into the weekend. There really is something for everyone, whether you are a skier, a trivia buff, an artist, or someone who just loves to have a good time. The Winter Carnival Council, a group of students who plan the events, does an amazing job choosing the annual theme, collaborating with students through the Winter Carnival Poster and T-Shirt Contest to design the posters and merch, and organizing everything from the Opening Celebration to the Polar Bear Swim, Human Dog Sled Races, snowshoe races, and more. This year's Jurassic Parka theme gave the whole weekend (from February 6-9) a playful and adventurous vibe. After seeing how much work and joy goes into it, I might just have to recommend joining the Council to some of my friends on campus and, of course, to you too.
I started my Carnival week at Pints and Paleontology, where we got to hang out with one of Dartmouth's paleontologists and learn about ancient life while enjoying some snacks. Later that night, students were racing to sign up for the big campus-wide scavenger hunt. Throughout the weekend, students could ski for free at the Dartmouth Skiway, which a lot of my friends took advantage of. The Ski Team races are always exciting to watch, and this year's were no exception.
On Friday, campus really came alive. There was the Opening Celebration with dino-themed food, trivia games, and a packed crowd for the Human Dog Sled Races. I stopped by the Ice Sculpture competition and watched student teams carving giant dinosaurs out of ice. The detail some teams managed to achieve was incredible.
Another highlight was the Polar Bear Swim. Watching students plunge into the icy water of Occom Pond never gets old. I cheered from the sidelines with hot matcha in hand. Afterward, there were plenty of ways to warm up, from cocoa and cookies at the Roth Center to smores with Safety and Security in Collis Plaza. Saturday was packed too, with figure skating exhibitions, Zorb races on the Green, live raptors visiting from VINS, and a throwback screening of Jurassic Park at the Hopkins Center For The Arts. Some of my friends even went up Baker Tower for the best winter view of campus.
The Ice Sculpture voting and awards were a fun way to wrap up the daytime events. And as always, the late-night activities brought people back together to close out the weekend. Between open skate at Thompson Arena, a dino-themed Stuff-a-Plush event, and Brews and Bands at One Wheelock, there was no shortage of ways to celebrate. By Sunday, there was still time for one last free ski day and a final round of Bronto Bingo before Carnival officially ended.
I always tell prospective students that Winter Carnival is one of those Dartmouth traditions that feels impossible to describe fully until you are here experiencing it. It is the mix of community, creativity, and that willingness to lean into the season that makes it so special. Where else can you dance at a silent disco in the snow, race in a human dog sled, and build a dinosaur out of ice all in one weekend?
When I look back on my time at Dartmouth, and it is hard to believe I will be graduating in just two weeks, I know that Africa Week will always stand out as one of the moments when this campus felt most alive, most joyful, and most like home.
It's my first spring ever (!!!) and I have been blown away by the beautiful scenery that continues to bloom right in front of my eyes. Here are some of my favorite scenes from campus in spring!
Dartmouth requires all students to take three PE/Wellness classes in order to graduate. Upon hearing glowing recommendations, I chose to take the wellness sampler offered by the Student Wellness Center as a way to fulfill this requirement.
