

Catherine Parnell


Experiential Learning: Nordic Ski Style
This term is cold. It is 2019 winter and I’m just here trying to survive, but in the meantime, I’ve been learning all about how to have fun in the snow.
Last Friday my history professor, Professor Monahan, took a whole group of us down to the golf course near Occom Pond to Nordic ski. Professor Monahan is visiting professor from the University of New Mexico, but she's also a Dartmouth alum. When she was in her first year here, her Russian professor took her class out to Nordic ski, and from then on it has become a lifelong hobby of hers.
She wanted to be able to pass that down to another generation of students, many of whom, like me, have had little access to snow time activities (there's not a lot of opportunities to go skiing in Houston, TX). It was deemed “experiential learning” by the university, and all costs were covered by the history department. Score!

When we're not learning Nordic skiing, Professor Monahan is teaching my writing seminar on Catherine the Great, in the history department (yes, I know, my name is Catherine, yes I’m taking this class on her, yes I get this a lot). We headed over to the golf course right after class, and on the way, Professor Monahan told us about the history of Nordic skiing in Russia.

I’ve never cross country skied before, but let me tell you it's so much fun. They aren’t like regular skis where you clip these huge clunky books into these huge and heavy skis; these skis are light, thin, and the boots simply slip in at the toe. When you move you can walk or run somewhat normally, except you are gliding on skis through the snow. It is truly a blast. Plus, you get to experience Hanover in its prime – aka, when it’s covered in snow.
I mean overall, it wasn't the worst place to spend a Friday afternoon. Hey, I might've found a new hobby!
Posts You Might Like


In the blink of an eye, my first year of college is over, and Dartmouth has catalyzed so many of the memories I've made so far!


With freshman year coming to a close, I wrote a Thank You note to one of the best years!


Here's a reflection on my experience taking my computer science professor out for a free meal paid for by the school!


When I came to college, I was excited for everything about the school but found myself missing being on a sports team, like I was in high school. Read on to hear about sports/teams at Dartmouth!


Greek Life encompasses a large, and exciting, part of the Dartmouth experience. With almost 60% of students being affiliated in a fraternity or sorority, it's hard for that not to be the case. Here is my view of Greek Life so far.


When I applied to college, I was dead set on studying only music and neuroscience. However, I now say go take that course that has nothing to do with your major and maybe find a new passion.


10 weeks, 3 classes, 40 departments and programs, 420 tenured and tenure-track professors—endless possibilities. Here's why I love academics at Dartmouth.


Ever wonder what a typical Dartmouth student's classes look like? Every student's schedule is different, but here's a peek into the four courses I'm taking this term!
