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.
Dartmouth's Distinctive Business Landscape: An Odyssey Beyond Traditional Degrees
Q:
From what I've researched, Dartmouth doesn't offer any business degrees to undergraduates. What alternatives are there, and is it worth applying if there aren't any business-related options?
A:
As you sit against the backdrop of an ever-changing digital world, you might wonder, "Dartmouth, an Ivy League gem, why the absence of a traditional undergrad business degree?" Allow me, your trusted Dartmouth diarist, with my quintessential green notebook and trusty pen, to guide you on an enlightening journey through the multidimensional landscape of Dartmouth's entrepreneurship ecosystem. A tale that starts with a question and blossoms into boundless opportunities.
1. A Liberal Arts Epicenter: The Dartmouth DNA
Harmonizing Disciplines: Dartmouth's staunch commitment to the liberal arts molds polymaths. Business here is enriched with insights from global history to computational science. By marrying these diverse fields, Dartmouth breeds thinkers equipped to navigate the complexities of global business.
Forging Uncharted Paths: At Dartmouth, education is a canvas, and students, the artists. They're empowered to design their academic odysseys, often converging seemingly disparate disciplines to birth a fresh business perspective.
2. Economics at Dartmouth: Beyond Number Crunching
Global Contexts & Conversations: Dartmouth's economics journey traverses beyond basic theories. It immerses students in global narratives, equipping them with the wisdom to interpret economic policies' broader socio-cultural impact.
Interdisciplinary Synergy: The department's innovative curriculum fuses economics with subjects like psychology and environmental science, chiseling out graduates primed to tackle modern-day business challenges holistically.
3. The Tuck School of Business: Dartmouth's Pinnacle of Prestige
Bridge to Brilliance: The Tuck Bridge Program is an intense immersion into the business universe, acquainting undergrads with disciplines from strategic marketing to global leadership dynamics, all amidst the revered halls of Tuck.
TuckLAB's Dynamic Forge: This isn't a mere offshoot of Tuck; it's where academia meets action. TuckLAB inspires students to shift from passive absorption to dynamic business creation and leadership.
4. Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship: The Bedrock of Business Dreams
Idea Incubator: Magnuson isn't just a center; it's a universe unto itself. From nurturing nascent startups to amplifying established ideas, this dynamic hub breathes life into entrepreneurial aspirations.
Events & Engagements: Magnuson teems with activity. From startup weekends to investor speed dating sessions, it's a whirlwind of innovation and collaboration. These initiatives not only provide budding entrepreneurs with vital resources but also connect them to a broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Club Collaborations: Magnuson also intertwines with Dartmouth's rich tapestry of clubs. The Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network (DEN), for instance, serves as a vibrant nexus for entrepreneurial spirits. Then there's the Dalí Lab, where technology meets art, fostering innovation. And let's not forget the Dartmouth Ventures conference, an annual entrepreneurial extravaganza that attracts visionaries from across the globe.
5. Beyond the Lecture Halls: Extracurricular Goldmines
DCG's Real-world Adventures: The Dartmouth Consulting Group isn't an ordinary student club. Collaborating with diverse entities, from local nonprofits to global corporations, it offers a genuine business consulting experience.
Finance Guilds & Beyond: Dartmouth's financial-centric clubs simulate the heady highs and lows of Wall Street. Through live trading sessions, portfolio management challenges, and fiery financial debates, they sculpt the future magnates of finance.
6. The Dartmouth Legacy: An Evergreen Networking Expanse
Echoes from Alumni: Dartmouth's alumni are more than past students; they're beacons of inspiration. These global changemakers, from startup founders to industry titans, regularly re-engage with their alma mater, seeding the current batches with inspiration and invaluable guidance.
The Navigational Beacon – CPD: The Center for Professional Development is Dartmouth's compass for the uncharted waters of career progression. Beyond basic job placements, it curates bespoke experiences, international fellowships, and global internships, ensuring every Dartmouth student is poised for success.
The Entrepreneurial Euphony of Dartmouth
To distill it, Dartmouth offers a nuanced symphony of experiences, harmonizing tradition with innovation, to craft business leaders of the future. While the conventional path of a business degree might not shine here, the college illuminates myriad other trails, each leading to entrepreneurial excellence.
To those who dare to dream differently, Dartmouth lays out a mosaic of opportunities. The question now is: Are you ready to etch your legacy?
It's hard to believe that it has been a year since I wrote my first end-of-fall-term reflection. It felt like only yesterday that I stepped into my dorm room this September, eager to reunite with my friends.
Applying early to a university can be overwhelming and confusing. As someone who did not apply to Dartmouth through early decision, here are a couple tips that I could have used when thinking about applying early to a school!
