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.
Weekends in Les Pyrénées Mountains and Medieval Carcassonne
Recently, I've been so grateful to visit some amazing sites over the weekends between my classes here in Toulouse, France. So firstly, allow me to transport you to a weekend of pure bliss in the heart of Les Pyrénées. Imagine scenic landscapes that would make any postcard jealous, a cozy haven that feels like a warm hug, and hospitality that makes you question if you've stumbled upon a real-life fairy tale. Well, that was my reality when I recently stayed at my study abroad host family's mountain home, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical!
Nestled among the majestic Pyrenean peaks (some of the best for skiing in Europe), my host family's mountain home was an amazing weekend getaway. It was just a short 1 hour and 15 minute ride and the scenery was so breathtaking. Three members of my host family and I drove together and stopped at a cute boulangerie towards the bottom of the mountains along the way for some baguettes and other bread for dinner. When we arrived in the afternoon, we lit a cozy fireplace, left to take a walk around the village, then returned to read books around the fireplace. I kept looking up at the panoramic mountain views from the windows. After dinner, we watched a movie (in French!) and drank some tea, which made for a fun and relaxing night.
Amazing view from the house!
I was able to sleep in, then went on a solo walk/hike around the village again, which didn't cease to amaze me. The weather was surprisingly warm so I was able to bask in the sun and snap some great photos. I returned just in time for a yummy lunch, then was able to video call and catch up with a friend from Dartmouth who's on campus. My host family was so kind, and I was so honored to be welcomed in their home, which had the imprints of wonderful memories from over the years. Les Pyrénées became my playground to meander and frolic around. I was so awe-struck that I now want to have a mountain home there at some point in the future.
Now let's journey to another weekend destination: the enchanting medieval city of Carcassonne, France. Picture this: cobblestone streets, ancient ramparts, and the echoes of centuries past. Some friends of mine in the study abroad cohort and I embarked on a weekend escapade there. We found a great Airbnb that was just steps away from the medieval Castle. After checking-in we walked around the city surrounding the castle. The ambiance was nothing short of magical, with stone walls and arches that whispered tales of another era.
Castle time!
The city's cobblestone streets beckoned us to explore, and each corner revealed a new architectural marvel that left us in awe. It was like walking through the pages of a history book but with the added thrill of being surrounded by my friends. We even signed up to take a guided tour the next morning, which was conducted completely in French. We were all happily surprised that we could understand the majority of the tour and loved our tour guide's energetic personality.
The meals we shared over the weekend were also amazing! One night, we made trips around different boulangeries, fromageries, and grocery stores to collect all the items we would need for a charcuterie board. We were all so proud of the display and what we could whip up. Before catching the train back to Toulouse, we tried traditional cassoulet for lunch. Cassoulet is a rich, slow-cooked stew of duck, sausage, and haricot beans originating in southern France. The train ride back was breathtaking as we passed the French countryside. It was an unforgettable adventure to Carcassonne – a timeless city that stole our hearts. I can't wait for more adventures around France!
I'll argue why my dorm, French Hall, is not only the best in the River Cluster and West House but also the best dorm you can get as a first-year at Dartmouth.
Classes are only one of the activities you can do on campus that teach you new skills. Read on to learn about my (very busy) first week, my training to become a French drill instructor, and my first meeting at my neuroscience lab.
If someone claimed they hitchhiked 600 miles in two days without spending a dime on transportation, would you believe them? You might wonder why anyone would do that. My answer: Dartmouth connections and sustainability.
This past summer, I studied abroad in the Baltic states—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—with the government department and Irving Institute. Read on to learn more about my first study abroad experience!
I recently completed a language-pledge homestay week in the village of Orvinio, Italy as a part of the Dartmouth F.I.R.E. Italian study abroad program!
