Hey! I'm excited to welcome you to my blog page! I'm Andrea Agola, a '26 born in Kenya and raised just outside of D.C. As the eldest child of three, I'm the first to go off to college! I'm glad Dartmouth will enable me to explore both the sciences and humanities. Don't even get me started on the numerous extracurriculars that pique my interest, like the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact, research projects and dance groups. Follow along as I navigate this unique college experience!
Academic Program
Sociology major, International Studies Minor, Pre-Med
Favorite Thing Right Now
Studying abroad on the French LSA+ in Toulouse, France!
When I began my first term at Dartmouth, I knew I wanted to explore the French language and culture more after having been a French music and film fan for as long as I can remember. This was an accelerated course that covered French 1 and 2 in one term and offered an exciting and fast-paced atmosphere. The small nature of our class allowed us all to have more speaking time in class from partner activities to performing creative skits. One of the best assignments was a scavenger hunt! I was also able to learn and make a presentation about francophone countries. This class really prompted me to apply for the ‘24 Winter–Toulouse, France Study Abroad which I got accepted into!
This course considers the discipline and political happenings of Black Feminist Thought by highlighting interlocking issues related to gender, sexuality, race, and economics. The professor was amazing! I was always genuinely excited to do her assigned readings/viewings and remember being sad when she canceled class one day (imagine!). I reveled in the thought-provoking, warm, restorative (the list goes on & on) ambience that she fostered. I even took advantage of a cool opportunity that Dartmouth offers, the “Take a Faculty Member out To Lunch” program at Pine Restaurant across from campus. I enjoyed the lovely conversation we had over delicious food. Her class was such a great source of empowerment!
This course examines the epidemiology and social impact of past and present infectious disease epidemics. It was a great and insightful class to take for the Global Health Minor! I had the chance of hearing from many influential guest lecturers like the Former Minister of Health of Rwanda and a key member of the U.S Covid Task Force.
This course explores causes and patterns of global poverty and links this with the urgent need for care and care ethics in our lives and in society broadly. Not only did the class feel like such a caring environment but it was especially interesting because it had a Social Impact Practicum (SIP) component. A SIP is a project-based experiential learning opportunity connecting undergraduate courses at Dartmouth with community needs identified by nonprofit organizations. In other words, a SIP is a real-world project with real-world impact. My SIP was my care work as a UGA within Dartmouth's Residential Life.
1. This is a picture that I took of my view and study space one Tuesday afternoon in Harvard University's most important library, the Widener Library. As one of the largest university libraries in the world, it houses over 3.5 million volumes across diverse disciplines. When I entered the library, I had to get a guest card at the front office since it's only accessible to Harvard students and those directly affiliated with the University. Students from a few other colleges like Dartmouth are thankfully able to access the library too! Once inside, I found that the impressively beautiful reading rooms and quiet study areas created a perfect atmosphere for deep focus (AKA studying for my organic chemistry class). The library also provides access to rare manuscripts and special collections, allowing for unique research opportunities. The historic environment makes it a truly exceptional place to study.
2. You might be doing a double-take and asking yourself if I didn't just show you this library but, this is actually the Boston Public Library! It really resembles Harvard's Widener Library because of its vaulted, intricately designed ceiling as well as its similar organization of tables. This gorgeous library also has an amazing history as the first large free municipal library in the United States. The BPL, as Wellelsey students and others call it, is therefore extremely popular for all of the different college students in Boston as well as tourists visiting Boston. I decided to study in a room called Bates Hall one Sunday afternoon and was shocked by how packed the place was. I took a picture just as the library was closing so you aren't able to see that just minutes before, every single seat was taken and tourists flooded the aisles. Initially, it was odd to feel so many tourists looking at all of us studying, but eventually I was able to ignore them and really lock in with my assignments since everyone around me seemed so studious.
3. Imagine, this scenic garden is within the Boston Public Library! Inspired by Italian Renaissance designs, the garden features a peaceful fountain, surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges and classical statues. It provides a serene atmosphere for reading, studying, or relaxing amid nature. The surrounding arcades create a shaded walkway, blending the beauty of nature with elegant architecture. This hidden gem is an amazing spot to really unwind. It might be getting too chilly to study there but I can imagine that it would provide a great quick walking study break.
4. Andala Coffee House is an amazing place that a friend of mine at Wellesley recommended to me. It's located in Cambridge near Harvard Square and known for Middle Eastern cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. Its name, "Andala," is inspired by the Arabic word for Andalusia, reflecting the café's cultural fusion. The colorful interior, warm lighting, mismatched tables and chairs, beautiful rugs, stacks of books and plants all around the cafe make the space so unique and cozy. Before finding such a nice spot to study, I ordered the Arabic coffee which I was so excited to try. I loved the cardamom flavor in it and was intrigued by the fact that it's drunk with the residue of the coffee grounds. I definitely look forward to coming back to this spot during my time so close to Boston, at Wellesley College.
All of these quaint study spots have aspects that remind me of some of Dartmouth's great study spots. If you'd like to read about some of these, you can read My Top 5 22F Study Spaces blog from my Freshman fall!
My first week back on campus– full of lots of hugs and an extensive amount of time spent making my Google calendar! Cold days and walking to classes after six weeks at home can be an adjustment, but my friends at Dartmouth make it all the more fun!
Let's Get Lost in the Library! A deep dive into the known, unusual, and hidden study spots all around Dartmouth's campus! Up first, the Berry Library—the iconic modern half of the central Baker-Berry Library!
As I reflect on my first semester at Dartmouth, I can't help but think about how one year ago, I wrote my "Why Dartmouth" supplemental essay. Let's see what has changed since then!
Exploring the Southern Part of Sri Lanka during our six weeks of winter break! A much-needed exposure to the sun and sand before I return for the Winter Term at Dartmouth.
