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!
As my sophomore fall at Dartmouth is over, I've been reflecting on all the incredible moments that shaped my term. From joining a new community to embracing unique opportunities, this term has been full of growth, connection, and joy. Here's a glimpse into what made this fall unforgettable:
1. This fall, I became a member of Kappa, and it has been a transformative experience. Joining this sorority introduced me to a larger community of friends and deepened my sense of connection on campus. We participated in activities that fostered community-building, like volunteering for events and hosting brunches where we could invite our professors. One standout experience was making pizza from scratch at the Organic Farm ("O-Farm") with my friends. It was fascinating to see the blend of unique and common pizza-making styles, and the finished results were as delicious as the process was fun!
Celebrating Bid Day with my best friends has to be one of my most favorite moments.
2. Cheering in the Homecoming parade was another highlight. Last year, as a first-year student, I participated in the tradition of walking around the bonfire with my class. This year, I experienced Homecoming from a different perspective, joining my cheer team to energize the crowd. Although it was a chilly night, the warmth of the community and the excitement of the event made it unforgettable.
Celebrating Homecoming with our cheer team and President Beilock.
3. One of the most rewarding experiences this term was moderating the DMPLA x FGO Young Alum Law Panel. As an ambassador for the Dartmouth Minority Pre-Law Association (DMPLA) and the Digital Media Student Director for the First Generation Office (FGO), it was an honor to facilitate this discussion. Hearing from first-generation panelists who pursued a pre-law track at Dartmouth was incredibly inspiring, even having the opportunity to seek advice on balancing academics with extracurriculars and navigating challenges in my own journey.
A memorable moment with students and panelists at the inspiring FGO x DMPLA Young Alum Law Panel.
4. Sometimes, the best moments are the unplanned ones! This fall, my friends and I made a point to grab food off-campus at least once a week, discovering hidden gems and indulging in delicious meals. One of my favorite spots was The Karibbean, where we indulged in Jamaican food that our dining halls unfortunately don't feature.
5. I also took a day trip to Boston using the Dartmouth Coach, a convenient and affordable transportation system that picks students up right in front of Rauner Library. Whether you're heading to Boston South Station or Logan International Airport, the Dartmouth Coach makes traveling simple and stress-free. This little getaway was a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to recharge.
As I step into the winter term, I'm carrying with me the lessons, connections, and memories of this vibrant fall. Each experience—from cheering on my team to sharing meals with friends—reminded me of the importance of community and embracing the opportunities Dartmouth has to offer. Here's to more adventures ahead!
On busy autumn weekdays, when mornings are filled with classes and half-finished coffee cups, my friend's car and some empty stomachs lead us to quick off-campus brunch trips to The Skinny Pancake in Quechee, Vermont!
Are you artistically inclined? Are you not artistically inclined but still love making art? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Dartmouth Donald Claflin Jewelry Studio is for you!
It's hard to believe that it has been a year since I wrote my first end-of-fall-term reflection. It felt like only yesterday that I stepped into my dorm room this September, eager to reunite with my friends.
