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!
At the rate that I'm going, many of my friends would pit me up against the Green Lady of Brooklyn in a contest of who loves green the most. Ever since March 31st (the day my Dartmouth portal was updated and I screamed at my computer), I have gravitated towards the color green.
Hi, my name is Andrea Agola and I was born in Nairobi, Kenya and raised in northern Virginia (just outside of DC) with my two younger brothers for most of my childhood. Ever since I was young I've had an insatiable love for reading that's spanned from the Judy Moody series to my current obsession with Historical Fiction and Romance YA novels. This love has made me passionate about increasing diverse representation in literature and led me to be an activist for change in this regard at my High School. The numerous opportunities to engage in social activism and impact at Dartmouth is one of the main reasons I chose to come here.
Even with my limited camping history (really glorified Girl Scout glamping) my adoration for nature grew over the pandemic from taking long walks in the refuge that were the trails behind my house. This made me eager for a new sylvan setting, a characteristic so uniquely Dartmouth.
As the Fall term begins, I can't wait to do some of my favorite things I did at home, like listening to The Moth podcast or an Afrobeat playlist (the best genre!) as I walk, bike, or roller skate from the river cluster freshman dorms to Foco (aka the 1953 Commons Dining Hall). I've always been a big foodie too, so I can't wait to try some places in town. I recently even learned that there's a cool club at Dartmouth called Dinertoure whose main goal is to try different diners in the area!
I'd like to pursue the pre-med track while potentially majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in the Anthropology Department's Global Health program because of my interest in medicine and in helping to solve the global social-biological issues that persist. I am so glad that Dartmouth will enable me to explore a fusion of the sciences and social sciences/humanities. I can't wait to satiate my curiosity by optimizing the D-plan and possibly studying abroad in France during one of my terms since I've chosen to take French for my language requirement.
As far as extracurriculars go: I've been involved with ballet, track, and playing the saxophone over the years which I'd be open to continuing or trying something new like figure skating or acapella. Some campus organizations and programs that pique my interest are the Dartmouth EMS (D-EMS), Dartmouth Center for Social Impact (DCSI), and Women In Science Project (WISP).
My roommate and I after the matriculation ceremony.
All in all, I'm super excited for what Dartmouth has in store for me (like the cute little reading/studying nooks in Baker Berry Library) and can't wait to tell you all about it!!
As I approach the halfway mark of my Dartmouth journey this spring, I find myself reflecting on the significance of distributive and world culture requirements in shaping my academic experience.
I was excited to hear that two of my friends will be studying abroad in Ghana. Talking with them about what to expect from the program made me remember all the great memories and lessons I made and learned from my study abroad experience there.
While conducting interviews, applicants have asked how I navigate academic stress and difficulties at Dartmouth. Answering this has made me appreciate the various resources available at Dartmouth that help students manage academic challenges.
Wellness is super important in college, but especially at Dartmouth – terms move super quick here! Read on to find out more about my perspectives on the topic at Dartmouth.
In consideration of midterm season approaching, I highlight the importance of setting goals during each term and how to balance academics with leisure.
