Howdy! My name is Crystal and I'm a '28 from 1899.2 miles away in Fulshear, Texas hoping to study Biology on the pre-health track. Outside of being on the grind in my classes at Dartmouth, I enjoy dancing (poorly and with dance groups on campus), cooking (microwave oatmeal), and taking Buzzfeed quizzes to find out what breakfast food I am. While I'll miss Bucc-ee's and brisket from my native state, I'm beyond excited to explore all that the woods have to offer! Hopefully I'll see y'all around!
Chem 11 is my first pre-health course (and consequently my favorite course thus far); I came into Chem 11 with a bit of apprehension over what to expect since the course takes the place of the two-course alternative Chem 5 and 6 sequence. I’ll admit, there was a bit of a learning curve, especially since I hadn’t taken chemistry since junior year of high school, but Prof. Wenlin Zhang’s office hours have become an excellent way for me to gain a better grasp of the course content and work with other students through new concepts. I’m super glad that I chose this course for my first fall!
My First-Year Seminar, a Dartmouth requirement for all first-year students, concerns poetry that has a unique focus on the visual nature of the work. From pieces that cover an actual description of a work of art, to pieces that form a unique shape, we discuss how form can have a meaningful impact on the interpretation of the poem itself. I originally wasn’t too sure if I would enjoy this class since my experience with poetry is pretty sparse, but I found myself really enjoying the analytical discussions that we have. Features of the class include trips to the Hood Museum of Art and the Book Arts Workshop!
After taking BIOL 13: Gene Expression and Inheritance, last term with Professor Dolph, I knew that I wanted to continue exploring the foundational biology courses offered at Dartmouth, and BIOL 12 was no exception! Even though it’s my earliest class of the day, Professor Schaller makes the class super interesting and integrates real-world applications of what we learn in class through literature reviews. The lab component of this class is super interesting, as we apply techniques we’ve learned about conceptually in class to the lab! Even though the class can certainly be a bit daunting, it poses a fun challenge for anyone interested in learning more about biology! From microtubules to myc-sensitive antibodies, the fun never ends!
Hello finals week! As I close out a finals season, dive into my bag to see just what gets me through this time of the term!
NOTE: This list is from my Fall of '24 finals season; however, with the exception of my scarf, the other elements remain the same for other academic quarters at Dartmouth!
1. My Owala Water Bottle
My ride or die this term, the 24 fl oz Owala FreeSip carried me throughout my senior year of high school, and it looks like it'll do the same here! Fitting snugly in my side pocket or swinging from its handle, it keeps my water well insulated and always at arm's reach. When I find myself trapped in the library, I find that while I may be tired, I'm never dehydrated! #notsponsored
2. Aquaphor
Now that the weather is getting colder and consequently drier, I find myself digging into the front pocket of my bag more often. Found after just a quick 15-minute walk to the CVS in Hanover, my Aquaphor has saved my dry skin more times than I can count as I put it on my lips, my hands, and any other spot that needs just a bit more TLC. So far, I've only used up two of these, but I'm sure that once winter hits, I'll have to expand my collection.
3. Scarf
Belonging to my dad when we used to live in New York, this scarf has remained buried in my mom's closet until I dug it out for college. Now, it's become an integral part of any outfit I put on. I was a bit apprehensive about the cold when I came here, but I've found that there are plenty of ways to stay warm!
NOTE: If anyone is interested, it's from Gap and is 100% lambswool.
4. Calculator
A trusted Casio from seventh grade, this calculator has taken me all throughout CHEM 11, from equilibrium to energy levels. As I gear up to sit for my finals this upcoming week, all that I can ask is that it'll give me a bit of luck! STEM classes at Dartmouth can be a bit daunting at first, but with the right tools, it can make all the difference!
5. Banana
Snagged from the Class of 1953 Commons, commonly called Foco, our main dining hall on campus, I've found that a banana has become my new go-to snack during those long days of studying. Conveniently stored in an outside pocket, it's nice to always have a snack on hand. However, when I do run low, I can always swing by a snack bar nearby to grab something quick! How ap-peel-ing!
6. Laptop
This one goes without saying, but my laptop holds practically my entire life on it. From essays, to my Google Calendar (that I've developed an entirely too-dependent relationship with), to emails between friends, and everything in between, no matter where I am, my laptop comes with me. Finding a dependable organizational tool that works for you is probably one of the most important tools for navigating Dartmouth's unique quarter system.
7. Headphones
A favorite during cram sessions, my noise-canceling headphones provide a way for me to focus on my work. While there are lots of spots on campus that provide the perfect spot to work in, I love slipping these on whenever I know I need to get work done or just need to listen to some good music.
Currently listening to: Soundtrack from Pitch Perfect 3
Dartmouth is not just a college. With world-renowned graduate schools, why would we choose to call ourselves a college instead of a university? The story behind that decision dates back to a significant Supreme Court ruling.
On a quiet spring Saturday in Hanover, I traded the usual campus buzz for Monet in the morning and archery in the afternoon—a reminder that Dartmouth weekends can be just as meaningful when they're slow, reflective, and a little unexpected.
During my sophomore spring quarter, I took on the challenge of four STEM courses, and while it has been intense, the unexpected connections across subjects and the joy of learning have made it one of my most rewarding academic experiences yet.
Read about the Sophomore Summer Soiree and how I got to witness the beginning of something that hopefully grows into a long-standing Dartmouth tradition!
On the Beijing LSA+, we have real-world Chinese practice every Friday. Last week we went to two neighborhoods, Houhai and Shichahai, and wrote a photo log about our experience. Read along to see what immersive language learning here looks like!
