Arianna Dunkley

Getting more active in extracurricular activities that I'm passionate about or have an interest in is my major goal in college. Despite not pursuing a major in film or theater, I participated in my friend's play this past spring through the Black Underground Theater Association. It was a really enlightening and satisfying experience. I was able to discover a new aspect of myself in addition to having a creative outlet. As we collaborated to bring the screenplay to life, there was a lot of laughing, friendship, and a feeling of purpose throughout the rehearsal process. You could be a good fit for your friend's play if you've always wanted to act but don't know how. 

You can also complete your art distributive requirement by enrolling in acting classes. These courses provide an excellent opportunity to fulfill the distributive requirement in the arts while gaining a solid foundation in acting. Taking part in the production also allowed me to appreciate Dartmouth's theater department even more. I found the department to be lively and friendly, with many of ways for students to become engaged that cater to all kinds of academic backgrounds. There are options to participate in other theatrical groups on campus, such as The Displaced Theater Company. Anyone with a passion for theater may easily find a place in these student groups because of their inventive shows and welcoming environment.

I have been trying to figure out which environments I work best in. During fall and winter term, I would spend hours in the library every day with my friends, curious as to why I would barely get work done in comparison to working alone. I have learned that I am an avid worker in spaces that have little to no distractions (including my friends being distractions). If I am studying in a group, it has to be in a study room or a quiet area to keep my focus. This insight has motivated me to investigate different study spaces on campus in an effort to identify the ideal location that would optimize my output. I have found a new place to learn at the Black Visual Arts Center. I now always go to the atrium, which is a calm, peaceful place, to do lengthy papers and other longer projects. The room's contemporary layout and the natural light that pours in via the big windows provide a serene ambiance that keeps me inspired and focused. The atrium provides a sensation of seclusion without being isolating, which is ideal for my study requirements in contrast to the busy library. My productivity at the Black Visual Arts Center has increased dramatically because of the atrium. I can focus for longer stretches of time and make significant progress. I advise other students to try out various study spaces on campus to see which suits them the best. A study room, a calm area like the atrium, or a secluded nook in the library may all be excellent places to work, and choosing the correct one can have a big impact on academic achievement and productivity.

Dartmouth has a wide range of sports at various skill levels. Students can opt to participate in extracurricular activities outside the classroom, with 33 club sports and 35 Division I Varsity teams offering anything from football to hockey. Recently, my friends and I have been going to the tennis courts by the Alumni Gym to play tennis. By just giving your student ID to the front desk worker at the gym's entrance, you can rent tennis rackets, squash rackets, and other athletic materials for free. 

Apart from these easily-accessible sports on campus, there is a nearby golf range at Lake Morey that is 20 minutes away from campus. My friend and I drove to the range, rode around in the golf cart, and played golf for a few hours. While this range is not connected to Dartmouth itself, the campus is surrounded by many cool areas within Vermont and New Hampshire nearby. As I had never played golf before, it was cool to attend a full-course range near campus. 

I can't wait to pursue new objectives, rise to new challenges, and take advantage of the wide range of possibilities that Dartmouth has to offer. I've learned from my experiences thus far how important it is to venture outside my comfort zone, pursue new hobbies, and identify settings that encourage creativity and productivity. Furthermore, I am excited about what lies ahead and know that Dartmouth will always offer a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for my development. To sum up, my first year has been filled with discovery, development, and amazing encounters. I urge every student to fully use the exceptional extracurricular and academic possibilities that Dartmouth has to offer. You'll not only accomplish your objectives by doing this, but you will also create lasting memories to enrich your college experience.