Hi! My name is Arianna, and I'm a sophomore ('27) from Georgia. On campus, I am involved with the Cheerleading Team, Dartmouth Caribbean Connections, the First-Gen Office, and the Black Underground Theater Association. My aim is to pursue a degree in History modified with Public Policy and a minor in Psychology ("pre-law"). I love reading, listening to music, and meeting new people. Follow along through this blog as I traverse my wonderful experiences!
Given my intrigue in pursuing a major in Government, I adored my Politics and AI class. I had zero background in computer science, yet Professor Breuer cohesively connected politics with principles of algorithms and artificial intelligence in a way that I could understand. We finalized the course by doing a cool research project of our own liking.
I am interested in pursuing a minor in Public Policy, which was my reason for taking this class initially. As the term progressed, I was able to learn most of the introductory principles of Public Policy and the framework for policymaking in democratic governance. The readings were interesting, and the discussion-based lectures kept me engaged.
Wow...what an amazing class! This has been one of my favorite classes that I have taken the entire year. Professor Chaney encouraged us to expand our writing through a multitude of methods of analysis, allowing students to look beyond the details of a photograph. Our ideas were not discouraged or disproved, leaving room for proper evaluative learning and prompting discussions about interesting moments in black art history.
SummerWoodstock, GA
I spent this summer at home, but I stayed busy through continuing to blog for the Admissions Office, working a part-time restaurant job, and completing a Market Research and Consulting Internship with a women's health care nonprofit organization, HappySneeze.
This class is a gem for those interested in learning more about the development of the healthcare system from the pre-colonial period into its contemporary form. Initially, I took this class because I am interested in becoming a healthcare lawyer and wanted to explore the foundation of one of the biggest systems in America. While the content is still fairly fresh, and it is the beginning of the term, I already know that this will be one of my favorite classes this fall! Despite the vast influx of information that we go over each class, Professor Koop writes all the topics we will discuss that day on the board sequentially. Not only does this keep me engaged and willing to participate, but it also encourages me to stay organized and on track!
As the fall term unfolds, Dartmouth transforms into a magical landscape with vibrant foliage, cool weather, and plenty of opportunities for making memories. This year has been especially meaningful for me, as I've had the chance to experience the best of what fall in New Hampshire offers with my friends—activities I couldn't do last year such as apple picking and celebrating special moments outdoors. It's safe to say that this term is shaping up to be one of my favorites!
One of the standout highlights this fall has been our trip to Riverview Farms, a beautiful orchard just 20 minutes away from Hanover. Last year, I didn't get the chance to go apple picking, so this was something I was eager to check off my bucket list. A group of friends and I made the drive—some students have cars, but for those who don't, renting a ZipCar or going with upperclassmen who do is an easy option. Even better, many of Dartmouth's housing communities and organizations, like the First Generation Office, sponsor apple-picking trips, so there's always a way to get there.
Riverview Farms is not just about apples; it's a full experience. We picked different varieties of apples (because why settle for one when you can have a mix?), and for those interested, they also offer blueberry and raspberry picking. To add to the fun, we tried out their flower picking, leaving with beautiful bouquets, and even braved the corn maze. There's something about getting lost in a maze with friends that makes fall feel extra special. It felt like a quintessential New England experience, and I left with not only apples but a sense of calm and fulfillment.
Apples galore! Honeycrisp apples are unarguably the best.
Another memorable event this fall was celebrating my best friend's birthday with a picnic at Pine Park. Our extended friend group walked over to the park, apple cider in hand, ready for a laid-back evening. The setting couldn't have been more perfect—the park was bathed in the golden light of sunset, and the ethereal landscape left us all a bit mesmerized. We had pizza for light bites, and cupcakes made the celebration even sweeter. There's something magical about gathering with friends in such a serene setting, and it felt like the perfect way to pause and appreciate the beauty of Dartmouth in the fall. It's a tradition I hope we'll continue for many birthdays to come.
Beyond these personal adventures, cheerleading has been another incredible part of my fall term. Football season is in full swing, and Memorial Field is buzzing with energy during every home game. As part of the Dartmouth cheerleading team, I've loved being in the thick of the excitement, cheering on the Big Green. After a year of cheer, I've learned so much and formed such close bonds with my teammates. If you're thinking about joining the team or just want to experience the rush of school spirit, I highly recommend it! There's a unique camaraderie that comes with being on the field, supporting the team, and being surrounded by fans, all united in cheering for Dartmouth.
This picture was taken during the first game of the season. It was definitely one of my favorite days so far!
In reflecting on this term, I'm grateful for the new experiences I've had and the joy they've brought me. From apple picking with friends to celebrating birthdays at sunset, and the thrill of cheering at football games, this fall has been a season of warmth, adventure, and connection. With the weather still perfect—not too cold yet—the beginning of fall at Dartmouth is truly something special, and I'm soaking up every moment. Here's to many more fall terms filled with new traditions and cherished memories.
Through Dartmouth's Guarini Institute for International Study, I am getting to take classes and experience life at Wellesley College, an all-women's school!
