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!
Though it has almost been a year since I got admitted to Dartmouth, I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that I am a student here! This time last year, I have just gotten into my first few colleges, probably screaming with excitement in my high school's dorm.
"I'm off to the US for college!"
Fortunately, I was blessed to have gotten into amazing schools, including Dartmouth. Naturally, I had a plethora of choices in front of me, all leading to great outcomes.
I chose Dartmouth based on its setting being something I never experienced as a person who lived in a big city their entire life and the subsequent community the setting brings about. Nevertheless, what made me choose Dartmouth a year ago is not as relevant anymore since my reasons have drastically shifted over the past 5 months. Instead of reflecting on what made me choose Dartmouth then, I want to elaborate on what makes me choose Dartmouth every single day I spend on this campus.
I wake up and choose Dartmouth as I hear birds chirping on my way to the dining hall. I choose Dartmouth when I go out of my way to seize the unique opportunities offered across the campus. I choose Dartmouth when I get to see and wave at my friend from First-Year Trips, my professor from last term, and the College's president within a five-minute walk from the dining hall to the library. In short, I choose Dartmouth every day by immersing myself in this uniquely welcoming community.
View from Third Floor Berry Library
Why do I keep on choosing Dartmouth? I feel appreciated for my personality and aspirations on all corners of campus. I get to take an ice-skating course for physical education and somehow strike a balance between academics, wellness, and social life (without compromising on sleep; I love my sleep). I am surrounded by amazing peers from all over the world, some of whom I am happy to consider dear friends. I keep on choosing Dartmouth because I have never been appreciated for staying true to myself until I came here.
Last week during one of my classes, we tackled the question "How Many Lives Are You?" In the case of college admission, each school would cultivate a different life trajectory. In choosing one over the others, it felt as though I was missing out on amazing opportunities regardless of where I chose to commit. Being sad about what you let go of is a by-product of having awesome opportunities to choose from. Thus, instead of ruminating on what I let go of, I am grateful that I let them go to follow what Dartmouth has to offer me over the next four years and beyond.
One of my greatest privileges at Dartmouth has been learning from Professor Ed. Miller of the History and Asian Studies departments. Read on to learn more about why he is my favorite professor!
The Sri Lankan New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April, a time for plenty of celebrations and family time. At Dartmouth, I keep these traditions with my friends and celebrate a part of home every year!
As Decision Day approaches, you may find yourself at a crossroads between multiple schools, each with its own four-year journey. Having already spent two years here, I will reflect on a small fraction of the things that made me choose Dartmouth.
