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!
Starting college as a first-generation student comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Entering a new environment miles away from home, knowing little to no people at first, can feel daunting. However, Dartmouth's support systems, particularly through the First Generation Office (FGO), have been nothing short of incredible. The FGO provides students with resources like weekly newsletters featuring campus-wide events, career resources and internship opportunities from the Prepare to Launch program (that Associate Director of the FGO, Janice Williams manages), and more. As the Digital Media Student Director for the FGO, I have had the opportunity to help curate our social media platforms, including the website, which houses the FG/LI Staff and Faculty Directory, a calendar of first-gen events, and information on programs such as the First-Year Summer Enrichment Program. Additionally, I manage the FGO's Instagram, designing graphics and promotional materials for our events and collaborations.
FYSEP 2024 group photo, featuring mentors, students, and staff!
FYSEP Mentors and Students!
For many first-gen students, the sense of community and support at Dartmouth makes all the difference. Dezstany, a first-year student blogger ('28) for People, Pines, Places, appreciates how open and responsive first-generation alumni are in helping current students like her navigate career questions. Oscar, another first-year student ('28), values the network of upper-level students who have guided him in maximizing his Dartmouth experience. Through initiatives like FYSEP, the Dartmouth QuestBridge Scholars Network Chapter, and the East Wheelock House Council, he has found meaningful ways to connect and thrive on campus. He also emphasizes how student groups like the Dartmouth Chinese Student Association and the AAPIHM Planning Committee have helped him find cultural belonging.
Yehalah, a third-year international student ('26) from Sri Lanka and the Communications Student Director for the FGO, speaks to the comfort and love found within Dartmouth's first-gen community. The friendships made in this space serve as a constant source of encouragement. My personal favorite experience was attending a breakfast conversation with Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack during First-Gen Week, where we discussed his books and the challenges first-gen students face in higher education. Moments like these remind me how important it is to build and nurture spaces where first-gen students feel seen and supported.
Navigating Dartmouth as a first-gen student can be challenging, but with the right resources and community, it can also be an incredibly rewarding journey. Whether through mentorship, student organizations, or events, the support is there. Dartmouth's first-gen community is a testament to resilience, mutual empowerment, and the importance of forging pathways for those who come after us.
A key part of my Dartmouth experience so far has been my time on Sheba, one of many dance groups on campus! Read on to learn more about dance on campus!
Dartmouth's Winter Carnival is a beloved tradition that brings the community together to celebrate winter with a wide range of fun activities, from thrilling ski races to unique events like the Polar Plunge and ice sculpture carving.
