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 Minority Pre-Law Association. My aim is to pursue a degree in History modified with Public Policy. 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!
Dartmouth's location in Hanover, New Hampshire, offers an abundance of outdoor adventures, and I've had the pleasure of exploring some fantastic trails with my friends. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a quick escape into nature, there's something in the outdoors for everyone! Here are two of my favorite hikes that are perfect for students seeking a break from campus life:
Gile Mountain/Tower
Gile Mountain is a gem just 15–20 minutes from campus, offering a relatively easy, scenic hike. The 1.4-mile round-trip trail features only about 400 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible for almost anyone. My two best friends, Olivia '27 and Marcus '27, who are also on the cheer team with me, joined me on this adventure.
The trail itself is peaceful and well-marked, winding through the woods until you arrive at a fire tower. To reach the panoramic views, you'll need to climb a few flights of stairs, and let me tell you…the view is worth EVERY step. From the top, you're greeted with stunning 360-degree vistas of the White Mountains and the Connecticut River Valley. Even when windy, it's the perfect quick outdoor excursion, taking only about 30 minutes to complete the hike.
Mount Cardigan
For a more challenging yet equally rewarding hike, Mount Cardigan is a must. Located 25 miles from Hanover, this 3.3-mile trek to the 3,155-foot summit is moderately difficult but manageable with the right mindset and snacks (goldfish and electrolyte water were our lifesavers!). I hiked this trail with Olivia '27—my unofficial hiking partner—and Molly '27, and we had an amazing hike.
The trail to Mount Cardigan's rocky summit is steep in sections, but the effort pays off once you reach the top. The panoramic views are breathtaking, stretching from the rural landscapes of New Hampshire to the distant summits of the White Mountains. This hike is perfect for those looking to spend a few hours immersing themselves in nature while getting a decent workout. It took us around 2 hours to reach the top and walk back down.
The proximity of such beautiful trails to Dartmouth's campus is one of the things I love most about being here. Whether you're taking in the sweeping views from Gile's fire tower or conquering the summit of Mount Cardigan, these experiences remind you of the incredible natural beauty surrounding our college.
So, if you're at Dartmouth and looking for an escape into the great outdoors, grab your hiking boots, some friends, and maybe a bag of goldfish, because you won't regret it!
