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.
As a UGA (Undergraduate Advisor) during fall term, I helped plan and run many community events; usually the key to their success was…FOOD! The West House Community hosts an event every Sunday Night called UGA Snacks where all West House residents are invited to enjoy a late night treat made by their fellow UGAs in the Hyphen (one of the residential common rooms) from 9-10pm. It's usually a great mini-break from studying otherwise known as "Sunday Scaries". Early in the term, pairs of UGAs sign up for which Sunday night works best for them and have the liberty to choose which snack they would like to make or provide. I chose to make mochi donuts with another UGA, while other pairs made snacks like cupcakes, nachos, dirt cups, samosas & chapati, cookies 'n (ice) cream, fruit & cheese platters, and nachos!
During Dartmouth's annual Homecoming Weekend, a fun social was held for all West House first-years that included pizza, and West House spirit wear & glow sticks before everyone paraded together to the Bonfire on the Green. Then, the next morning West House hosted a Brunch Tailgate before the Homecoming Football game; there were cider donuts, hot apple cider and special breakfast sandwiches made by West House fairy godmother (Program Coordinator) Pamela! The brunch offered a great escape from the uber rainy morning.
I need a cup of that hot apple cider ASAP.
At most of the weekly first-years' meetings that the other Richardson first-year UGAs and I held, we provided snacks & refreshments that were funded by West House. At one meeting, we were able to get everyone boba teas from the 4u Bubble Tea store in Hanover; and another meeting, we were able to cater delicious veggie dumplings from TukTuk Thai in town and assorted wings from a popular wing shop in Vermont. Furthermore, I also took my floor of first-year girls out for ice cream at Hanover Scoops. For all West House residents that are 21+, a great wine & cheese event is also hosted regularly throughout the term by West House with certified wine specialist Prof. Callegeri.
Once I turn 21, I can make the acquaintance of that beautiful charcuterie spread!
During finals week, I attended a study break hosted by Allen House that was very nice since they provided Cambodian food, energy drinks, professional massages, pup therapy & fuzzy socks! I attended this event with two of my friends and it offered the perfect relaxing & rejuvenating pause from grinding. During that week, the Richardson Upperclassmen UGA was also so kind to us as he had insomnia cookies shipped over from Boston and even provided lots of Domino's pizza two nights in a row!
Insomnia Cookies to the rescue!
One of the most popular West House events by far were the complementary community dinners hosted three times over fall term. We catered food from Big Fatty's BBQ, Peking Tokyo, and Three Tomatoes (Italian). These dinners began at 6 pm, but seemed like many Westians flocked to Fahey Hall by 5:30 pm and the line remained long until 7 pm. First-years through graduate students, and as well as the House President were able to dine together over some delicious food.
In all of these ways and more, West House has been committed to not only building community but the well being of students. A well-stocked food pantry in Fahey Hall is accessible so that no one faces food insecurity.
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
