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!
Sleep, Study, Socialize: How I Maintain My Balance During a Challenging Term
Amidst one of my busiest academic terms yet, I've found myself juggling an increased course load of four courses, engaging in cognitive science research, and managing three on-campus jobs (that bring me ample joy). Despite the intensity, I've been dedicated to not just surviving but thriving, without compromising on my sleep or social life.
Reflecting on how I'm navigating this term filled with commitments, it's important to share the process of finding a balance that works for me. Initially, balancing sleep, academics, and socializing was a process of trial and error. The first few weeks were tough, but as the term progressed, I gained a clearer understanding of my assignment schedules and began planning more effectively.
Take my psychology lab course, for example. Knowing that I had a lab report due every Monday for the first five weeks, I committed to spending 30 minutes daily on this task. This strategy prevented the all-too-familiar last-minute Sunday scramble. Admittedly, there still is some work left for Sundays, but having a clearer vision that I have crafted throughout the term for the report has helped to complete my assignments faster and more eloquently. Similarly, in my photography class, which requires biweekly critiques, I strategically blocked off time immediately before or after the class to work on this. This approach helped me stay productive and "in the zone," allowing me to maximize my efficiency and creativity during these critical periods.
Prints prints prints!
Social interactions are vital for mental health, especially during demanding times. I've found a way to intertwine socializing with everyday activities, like scheduling meals and coffee dates with friends. It's a practical and enjoyable way to maintain my relationships. Additionally, involving friends in my photography projects not only enriches my coursework but also makes for a fun and interactive social activity.
Sleep is non-negotiable for maintaining my mental alertness and overall health. With morning classes starting at 10 AM every day, I've disciplined myself to never stay up later than 1 AM (I sometimes still do, but it's better to have some discipline than none. You live and learn, I guess.). This ensures I'm both physically and mentally present in class, ready to absorb and participate.
On the surface, my schedule might seem overly ambitious or even unrealistic. Yet, these structured commitments encourage me to efficiently manage my time during the week, leaving the weekends relatively free for relaxation and unstructured activities. Surprisingly, this busy schedule has taught me to prioritize my well-being and hold myself accountable, ensuring I am fully present in every activity I partake in.
In conclusion, while this term is indeed packed, the careful balancing of my studies, sleep, and social life has not only been possible but has enhanced my efficiency and personal satisfaction. The key for me has been planning ahead of time, a disciplined sleep schedule, and integrating social activities into my daily routine, allowing me to enjoy a fuller, more balanced experience my sophomore spring.
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
