Batuhan Saridede
Home Turned Out to be Closer than I Thought!
Having studied at a residential high school for five years, I thought I was fully prepared to move across the world. Though being in a different country challenged (and continues to challenge) me in unforeseen ways, I believe it is a natural part of adjusting to college to feel a little lost at times. I used to only think of the people I love when I thought of home. It just appeared to me that I also miss social and cultural aspects of Turkey. Luckily, I found a Turkish store just half an hour away from Dartmouth!
I have been complaining to all my friends about how I regret not bringing Turkish coffee grains from back home. Last week, one of my friends who heard me complaining told me there is a Turkish store nearby called Little Istanbul. As soon as my classes ended that Friday, I was on a mission. To my surprise, the Advanced Transit (local bus network in New Hampshire and Vermont) takes me from Dartmouth to White River Junction, where the shop is located, for free!
The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul might be one of my favorite places to visit. The bazaar is characterized by its lively marketplace and the profound smell of a myriad of spices. I was met with the same smell the second I stepped into Little Istanbul.
To my right were colorful Turkish ceramic plates while traditional Turkish lamps were hanging from the ceiling. I met the owner, who is originally from Turkey, and talked with him for around half an hour over Turkish tea!
Coming back to campus after my visit, I realized how important it is to stay connected to my home while establishing a sense of place at Dartmouth. Since last week, I have been actively trying to seek community through cultural exchange.
All Dartmouth students are assigned to one of the six housing communities. As a member of East Wheelock House, I have pitched to my housing community to hold Turkish coffee sessions and people loved the idea! Office of Pluralism and Leadership is another great resource that contributes to the mission of creating a Dartmouth that enables all students to thrive and value diversity. Lastly, the International Student Association is a student group that fosters intercultural exchange through various events over the year. I have appreciated their support in my journey of adjusting to Dartmouth!
I am beyond glad to have visited Little Istanbul, and I cannot wait to share more aspects of my home with my friends on campus!
Posts You Might Like
We're fully geared up for this: come read about my trip to Joshua Tree!
Dimensions! Let's pack our bags as we get ready to fly over to Hanover, New Hampshire!
Interview with Noemie, an alpine skier on the Dartmouth Ski Team.
It's starting to get a little hot on this 14 mile hike. Come take a water break with me so I can tell you all about it!
It's hard to fully express just how meaningful Cabin and Trail (CnT) is to me. Since coming to Dartmouth a year and a half ago, this community has shaped me in ways I never expected. It is a source of hope and a new home.
A question as old as time. With so many other amazing schools, why do students choose Dartmouth?
When I first came to Dartmouth, the last thing I wanted to experience was the infamous, chilling New England winter—but I've discovered that Dartmouth's climate was a blessing in disguise, and even perhaps my favorite thing about campus.
Reflections on homesickness, and finding community at Dartmouth!
With so much left to do, I'm excited to make the most of my remaining time in Hanover.