Andrea Agola
You are here
A Space For Community
This term I'm taking an introductory anthropology course about Language and Culture, a calculus math class, and an accelerated (levels 1 & 2) French class. With the 4th week of the term underway, as I think about some of the spaces on campus that I frequent a lot outside of my classrooms, the Shabazz Center for Intellectual Inquiry–the African & African American Living Learning Community, is among the top of the list.
The center's mission is "to enhance the intellectual and cultural milieu of the Dartmouth College campus with particular regard to those issues which pertain to the historical and contemporary experiences of people of African descent." True enough, I have spent time in Shabazz both studying and having fun with friends. Some of my freshman friends live there along with other sophomores and upperclassmen.
Many African & African American campus groups/organizations hold meetings and events in Shabazz throughout the week and over the weekend. It's been great to find out that there are so many organizations that aim to support African & African American students like DASA (Dartmouth African Student Association), Black Praxis (an undergraduate digital arts magazine), NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers), Morning Glory Community Fellowship (a student-led, interdenominational Christian group) and much more.
Over the last few weekends, I've gone to a 90's themed dance party, a DASA event, and many spontaneous gatherings. After busy weeks, it's been nice to unwind to great music (like Afrobeats!) and food while mingling with students of similar identities and backgrounds. I've especially found a large Kenyan community who I can relate to and many upperclassmen who have openly shared their experiences and given advice on everything from class selection to study spots to the best clubs to join.
Having these communities of people and the Shabazz space has really helped me feel seen, supported, and empowered on campus.
Posts You Might Like
The Dartmouth Outing Club hosted a trip to both Riverview Farm and McNamara Dairy recently and I went on it with my friends!
Come take a look at various identity-based events and celebrations at Dartmouth!
Feeling nervous about taking a language class at Dartmouth? Read on for reassurance on why you shouldn't be!
Join me as I relax and reset through nature, snacks, and spirituality!
Transitioning to campus life can be fun and challenging; here's how my housing community welcomed me to Dartmouth!
Dartmouth is such a tight-knit community that it has its own lingo. Here is your very own Dartmouth Dictionary!
My experience living in French Hall, a first-year dorm part of Dartmouth's River Cluster.
Midterms are upon us! How do Dartmouth students destress? Join me in the jewelry studio to find out!
Curious as to what Greek Life is like at a college where 50% of eligible students are part of at least one Greek organization? Read on to learn about my experience with sorority recruitment!