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!
As it approaches the end of my first month at Dartmouth and the ascent of Week 4 (almost halfway through Dartmouth's 10-week term), I decided it would be appropriate to share the three courses I am taking this fall!
My first class that I am taking my first-year fall is Spanish 1. I wanted to take an introductory-level course that would fulfill my language requirement while solidifying my understanding of a language I already grasped the basics of. At Dartmouth, taking a language course requires you to adhere to two constituents: attending traditional instruction and attending a 50-minute "drill session" (taught by a teaching assistant) in which you learn to properly speak, read, and write in that language. Considering I already had fundamental knowledge of Spanish after taking two years of the language course during my first two years of high school, it is not a stressful class for me to keep up with.
The next class I am taking this term is called Politics and Artificial Intelligence. It is a fairly new course that not only intrigues me because of its connection to elements relating Government and Computer Science, but I am interested in potentially majoring in Government. This class allows me to learn how to read and interpret cutting-edge research papers, algorithms, and comprehend biases in artificial intelligence. There are lecture components and discussion components where students learn about a particular algorithm and how it affects a dimension of politics and discuss the course readings in relation to how it affects political behaviors. Throughout the term, I am able to compose a research project on a topic of my own choosing. Although the freedom to choose any topic in the Politics and AI realm grants me flexibility, I have to maintain responsibility and keep up with my project to avoid procrastination.
My final class of the term is Math 3, an introductory Calculus course. The course incorporates lectures, homework sets, and weekly written assignments. Compared to my other classes, it is slightly more challenging, but it is a great opportunity for me to strengthen my mathematics skills. Additionally, since I am between majoring in Economics and Government, this course is a requirement for Economics majors. I am slowly getting my prerequisites out of the way.
In order to adapt to the fast-paced 10-week term at Dartmouth, I wanted to take classes that were interesting and manageable to me. Even if I am not immersing myself in a multitude of Government or Economics classes, I am still getting through a few of my requirements. I adore my classes and I am thrilled to share more of my term in next week's post!
Dartmouth changed my life. A large part of that change comes from the support I have received from professors. Learn more here about some mentor-mentee relationships I have made!
In Solid Mechanics, we designed and constructed a bridge that held 10kN, around 1000kg! The process, from SOLIDWORKS design to laser cutting to gluing parts together, took us weeks, but it was one of the most rewarding projects I have ever done.
Walking around the Wellelsey campus, it's clear that it was built with intentional incorporation of the surrounding nature. The architecture of many buildings were also mindfully crafted to support Wellesley's unique principles.
My first time in Chicago at the Society of Women Engineers Conference in Chicago, Illinois! Fully funded by Dartmouth, I had a great time meeting amazing companies and getting to know fellow women engineers.
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!
