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.
Last weekend, the Pathways to Medicine Scholars Program that I am a part of, had an overnight retreat at a really cute, rustic family-owned Inn a few miles from campus. Not only was the Inn cozy, but the food brought out at every meal was sooo good! Our cohort of scholars was able to further bond in our experiences as POC (people of color) pre-medical and pre-health students.
Pathways Scholars: Walk Edition
We were joined by wonderful Geisel medical students, Zach, Ayo, Chris, and Pathways Alum, Manuel Patiño '22, who graciously shared their stories. Their contributions enriched our discussions and served as a reminder of the diverse journeys that individuals undertake on their path to becoming healthcare professionals. I was especially grateful for Manuel Patiño who sat down with me at 11pm on Friday night and stayed up helping me prepare for my Monday Biology 12: Cellular Biology midterm exam even though he could have been joining everyone else for the movie night next door. He did something so eye-opening, which was to teach me how he used to study for the same BIOL 12 class during his junior year. His methods were so efficient and effective—revolutionary for me truly!
Biology & Chemistry Grind time
We were also so fortunate to have the Chief Cardiovascular Medical Doctor and Yale Professor Emeritus of Medicine Dr. Woody Lee, join us as well. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Lee serves as a Yale Medical School admissions officer whose incredible career and reputation precedes him. Dr. Lee developed and directs the most successful Cardiac Transplantation and Heart Failure Program in the United States. Dr. Lee has published several articles in the fields of heart failure, transplantation, methods of cardiac imaging, and health disparities. He has developed programs to increase diversity among students and faculty and to improve the opportunities for underrepresented minority students to pursue careers in biomedical science.
Me with Dr. Woody Lee!
He generously shared his insights into the mindset of medical school admission officers. For the application process, his advice encouraged us to present ourselves as well-rounded individuals with a genuine passion for medicine, backed by meaningful experiences and strong support from those who can vouch for our capabilities.
Beautiful faces with the delicious food not pictured unfortunately.
I was deeply grateful for the peaceful and motivating retreat, insightful and helpful guest speakers, and DELICIOUS food that the family made every meal! It was special that everyone was so open and vulnerable during our group discussions and bonding activities. Everyone had a profound reason for pursuing medicine and it was so nice to hear from everyone. I have to give shoutouts to the comfy couch (which many people, myself included, fell victim to and snoozed), killer ping pong serves, the burnt s'mores, Bruce's cooking skills, the hilarious movie night, and that BIOL 12 grind.
Wanted: the comfy couch holding hostage scholars & pre-health advisor Sarah Berger
Academics can be challenging at Dartmouth. But there are lots of groups across campus here to support you through your academic journey. Read on for my experience asking for help and a few organizations that might be helpful to you!
