Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
Writing 5 is one of the courses that count towards the first-year writing requirement. The course covered content relating to the self, transformation, and social dynamics relating to majority and minority. Dr. Godley is simply phenomenal. Her instruction was extremely accessible even though she covered intense topics. I could not have enjoyed my Writing 5 more!
Design Thinking was above and beyond my expectations. The course is structured around weekly projects, where we apply different cognitive strategies to cover topics like design principles, human need-finding, brainstorming, scenario building, and visual thinking.
Introduction to Cognitive Science covers a variety of fields including psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy to provide insight into cognitive processes. This course helped me develop an understanding of all facets of cognitive science and which ones I would be interested in further pursuing as part of my major.
SummerIstanbul, Turkey
I was home during my first summer! A non-exhaustive list of things I've done includes sunbathing, coding my personal blog, and going on runs. #rest #relaxation
Psychology 10 is a deep dive into almost everything you might need to become well-versed in conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting findings in a statistically sound manner. Professor Pfister is the most approachable professor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Statistics isn't exactly my forté, but I now feel confident in my stats foundation!
I loved taking this class with Madame Alverde, a professor from Université Toulouse ; Jean Jaures was an incredible experience. She made sure to correct our mistakes on the spot and improve them eloquently.
This course allowed me to explore the intersection of aesthetics and digital media, focusing on how digital environments reshape traditional concepts like materiality and form. I particularly enjoyed comparing human and AI-generated analyses of art and examining the frameworks that shape contemporary digital studies, from visual culture to design philosophy.
SummerHanover, NH
I was on campus pursuing full-time research in the Cognitive Science department. My research focuses on children's capacity to imagine and reason about possibilities!
My Freshman Summer: Prioritizing Needs over Expectations
What to do over first-year summer could look totally different for everyone. It's a time of transition and exploration, where everyone has their own unique set of priorities and goals. So, when people ask me, "What are you planning to do this summer?", I can't help but feel that it's a misguided question. There is no "the" thing you should be stressing over doing between your first-year and sophomore years. It's about what you need and what will bring you fulfillment.
Personally, I have made the decision to stay at home in Istanbul for the summer. I have no plans for working or taking up one of the wonderful internship opportunities through various academic centers of Dartmouth. Here is how I arrived at that decision and a few examples of things I have heard my friends are doing over the summer to give you an idea about the myriad of ways to spend first-year summer.
First, I assessed what I needed from this summer going forward. For me, living with my parents back home and feeling their presence for three months was important. I do not get to visit my family often. When I do get to visit them, I make sure to devote my full presence to spending time with them. At the same time, I also wanted to work on a few tangible skills I never got to specialize in prior to college. I am planning on taking French lessons, going to the gym on a regular basis, and possibly even signing up for dance lessons just for fun!
Flowers in town! Sparks of joy!
A few examples of what my friends are doing include taking classes at Dartmouth over the summer, joining a study abroad program in Italy or the Baltics, interning at a company serving their pre-professional aspirations, or like me, going back home to family and taking a step back for themselves. All of these options are equally valid; you just need to prioritize and communicate your personal needs as opposed to thinking about what you are "supposed to do" over the summer. Recentering your focus in this manner is hard in a world driven by productivity obsession, but I can assure you that choosing your needs over what the world bombards you with is always more fulfilling.
As you contemplate your first-year summer plans, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Take the time to reflect on what you truly need and what will bring you joy and growth. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, exploring new skills, or pursuing a pre-professional opportunity, make sure it aligns with your personal aspirations and well-being. Ultimately, the first-year summer is a valuable time to recharge, discover yourself, and prepare for the journey ahead. Embrace the freedom to choose and prioritize yourself.
My first time in Chicago at the Society of Women Engineers Conference in Chicago, Illinois! Fully funded by Dartmouth, I had a great time meeting amazing companies and getting to know fellow women engineers.
Through Dartmouth's Guarini Institute for International Study, I am getting to take classes and experience life at Wellesley College, an all-women's school!
Academics can be challenging at Dartmouth. But there are lots of groups across campus here to support you through your academic journey. Read on for my experience asking for help and a few organizations that might be helpful to you!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
