Hey all! I'm Batuhan: parent to two adorable cats, self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, and aspiring polyglot among other things. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about behavioral economics, sonic arts, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions regarding exploring the liberal arts, study abroad programs, LGBTQ life on campus, international student experience, and journalism at Dartmouth!
Academic Program
Economics Modified with Human-Centered Design and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
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.
The 2023 winter term was a whirlwind of new experiences and a slow but steady integration with the Dartmouth groove. Here's what I thought about the previous term and what I want to do/change looking ahead!
Professor-student relationships are a critical component of college! In this post, I talk about my experience with my professors and advice for prospective students.
I am officially halfway done with my Dartmouth experience! In this post, I reflect on the original reasons I chose to come to Dartmouth, and whether or not my experience has lived up to my expectations.
View from Third Floor Berry Library
