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.
New Hampshire is such a glorious state with so much to offer in the fall! Come with me as I explore Plainfield, NH, and go apple picking at Riverview Farms.
Now that I'm a sophomore, I find myself in the possession of an extraordinary amount of 'Dartmouth lingo.' This is your formal invitation to get the inside scoop!
Now that I'm officially halfway through my Dartmouth career, I'm acutely aware of how fast time seems to fly. It seems like years ago that I first experienced Fallapalooza, a free concert for Dartmouth students hosted by Programming Board.
Summers between terms look different for every Dartmouth student! Opportunities are abundant and it's all what you make it out to be. This summer I interned on the Clean Energy Team at Wood PLC and traveled home to see my sister get married!
As an intern at one of Brazil's leading financial services firms, I spent my days working on strategy, design, and employee experience. But beyond spreadsheets and slides, I found purpose in my routine. Here's a peek into one of those days!
