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!
Summer looks different for everyone at Dartmouth. Whether completing a study abroad overseas, interning in the city, spending time at home with family and friends, or spending time on campus, students spend their long breaks in fascinating ways.
During my three-month summer break, I embraced a blend of productivity and relaxation. Although a Netflix binge was tempting, I chose to make the most of my time. I returned to a restaurant where I had worked the previous summer, reconnecting with old coworkers and enjoying the familiar rhythm of the job. On my days off, I researched the healthcare market for my remote consulting internship with the nonprofit organization HappySneeze through Extern. This remote role provided the flexibility I needed to balance other aspects of my life—babysitting, catching up with friends, and even traveling!
Doctor's Cave beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica has the most beautiful water!
In July, my family and I took a rejuvenating trip to Jamaica to visit relatives. The tropical weather was refreshing before the crisp autumn air set in. The flexibility of my internship allowed me to prepare my research presentation in advance so I could fully immerse myself in the vacation experience without the stress of work hanging over me.
Comparatively, one of my best friends, Dainie Neely '27, spent her summer in a different but equally enriching way. Dainie participated in the First-Year Fellows program, a prestigious initiative that offers first-year students an opportunity to gain professional experience through internships with notable organizations. In her case, she interned with Representative Annie Kuster in Washington, D.C.
Other '27s had different Fellowship placements in D.C. alongside Dainie.
Reflecting on her experience, Dainie shared, "The First-Year Fellows program was an excellent start to my professional career. My placement with Representative Kuster's office provided me with a deep understanding of the legislative process and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into crafting legislation. Although I was initially intimidated as the youngest person in the office, I was treated with the same respect as my colleagues. I met many fascinating people from diverse backgrounds and enjoyed exploring the city. Though I must admit, I quickly learned that the D.C. heat and I are not the best of friends."
Dainie in DC!
Both our summer experiences highlight the diverse opportunities available to Dartmouth students. Whether through local jobs, remote internships, or specialized programs like the First-Year Fellows, each path offers unique opportunities for growth and discovery!
Unlike some other universities, many of the STEM lecture classes at Dartmouth require concurrent enrollment in a laboratory section. What is it like navigating that time as a student?
