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!
From Toulouse to Hanover: A Journey of Growth and Rediscovery
It feels surreal to be back on campus, navigating the familiar paths of Hanover after immersing myself in the vibrant streets of Toulouse. My time in France was nothing short of transformative, touching me linguistically, socially, and personally.
"So, how was Toulouse?" is a commonplace question from friends who bump into me on campus. "I think it was a good reset." is my short answer.
And indeed, it was. My primary goal was to improve my proficiency in French, a language I had only a basic grasp of before embarking on this adventure. Initially apprehensive, I threw myself into every opportunity to practice – from heartfelt dinner conversations with my host family to dynamic discussions in my classes and spontaneous chats with French peers. Gradually, I found myself not just navigating academic contexts but also effortlessly engaging in social interactions, embracing French colloquialisms and cultural nuances along the way.
Fondation Bemberg, one of the culture hubs we visited for our classes.
The beauty of Toulouse extended far beyond its picturesque landscapes. It was in the rhythm of daily life – the leisurely dinners, the animated exchanges on street corners, the seamless blend of history and modernity – that I discovered a newfound appreciation for the French way of living. I forged connections with local youth, delving into discussions on politics, digital culture, and art, each conversation enriching my understanding of the world and myself.
Between when I was last at Dartmouth and now, I feel calmer and almost more sense of my place at Dartmouth than before, which I did not expect following a time when I was away from Dartmouth. I anticipated a period of readjustment, yet I found myself surprisingly at ease, grounded by the lessons I learned overseas. My time in Toulouse instilled in me a deeper sense of self-awareness and purpose, reaffirming my commitment to fostering meaningful connections and pursuing academic passions. As I navigate the corridors of Dartmouth, I do so with renewed vigor, cherishing the bonds of friendship and embracing opportunities for intellectual exploration.
My time away truly changed me and the way I interact with the communities I partake in, including Dartmouth.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced the magic of Toulouse and to carry its lessons forward as I continue to grow and evolve. From immersing myself in French culture to rediscovering my sense of belonging at Dartmouth, every moment has shaped me into the person I am today. As I embark on new academic pursuits and adventures, I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery. Stay tuned for more tales from abroad and insights into the exciting chapters that lie ahead!
Dartmouth College is known for its small, tight-knit community and town, which takes some adjustment for some who didn't grow up in rural areas. So, what is Dartmouth like for those of us who grew up in small communities? Let me share my experience!
As my first year (and first spring) at Dartmouth had come to an end, I wanted to provide some thoughts and reflections on my classes this term. Perhaps you'll find something you'd like to take someday!
If someone claimed they hitchhiked 600 miles in two days without spending a dime on transportation, would you believe them? You might wonder why anyone would do that. My answer: Dartmouth connections and sustainability.
