Mucho gusto! Let's get to the fun stuff first. I love journaling, dancing in the gym, and being outside in some sunshine. I am from Tucson, Arizona and a '28. I am a proud first generation and low-income student who comes from a loving Mexican and Native American family. Aspiring law student, an early riser, and bubbly personality are all some ways to describe me. So before you leave, welcome to Dartmouth! I am Dezstany and I hope you join me on this journey into the woods!
Academic Program
Government or Native American and Indigenous Studies
This course was one of the reasons I chose to apply early decision to Dartmouth! I know, how could one course even influence such a big decision? Hearing Professor Duthu describe cases regarding the dispossession of Native tribes, the cultural tensions that many Native youth experience because of the effects of the Doctrine of Discovery, and economic development issues amongst many Native reservations made me edge out of my seat with excitement. The description did not disappoint because although it is one of my earliest classes, I always find myself running to class to learn something new. Professor Duthu presents in a way that wakes you up, makes you laugh, and encourages you to ask some pretty tough questions about tribal regulations. It has been extremely interesting how "bullets of the past are hitting present targets", meaning that many federal policies that happened decades ago still have very noticeable impacts in Indian Country (land in which tribal members own or previously occupied). I love being able to schedule office hours for any leftover questions. Would definitely recommend it!!
"And with that, the 2024 Dartmouth Season Comes to an End..."
How would you describe your 2024 Dartmouth experience in one word?
"Beautifully intimidating", "revelatory", "unpredictable", "unique", and "flabbergasting!"
These were the responses by some amazing Dartmouth students. "Beautifully intimidating" was my personal favorite because it felt the most relatable—it's true. Dartmouth, at moments, can be quite intimidating with our experienced professors, driven student body, and unlimited resources. Yet, as cliche as it may sound, that is what makes it so special.
Walking around the Homecoming bonfire and feeling its powerful heat was a memory one of my close friends thought of when Dartmouth felt beautifully intimidating.
Will never forget about my first bible study at a café near Dartmouth.
Dartmouth revealed to me how open and caring the students are when I went on a bible study date with one of my closest friends. It was a pleasure being able to experience the love of God in a fun and accessible way while being so far from home.
Some of my unique moments included making pancakes till midnight with my friends from the Wheelock Christian Society, and going to my first women's rugby game!
It is safe to say that I was quite flabbergasted when I hiked the famous Gile mountain to see the foliage at the end of fall. I was blessed to hike it with the first generation community—and one of my friends from the seventh grade! We both went to the same highschool and could not imagine anyone better to share that unforgettable memory with.
Being at Dartmouth has granted me the opportunity to view the world and personal connections in a new way. This year was pretty special as the Class of 2028s graduated from high school and began our new chapters of adulthood (still trying to figure out exactly what that means); diving into an unknown environment and ready to create new lives for ourselves within those ten weeks.
It's interesting to remember how our terms are truly that, just seventy days. A common way to describe how time feels once at Dartmouth are short weeks packed with long days. However, long days are not necessarily negative; everyone is trying to accomplish their best and break through academic barriers to discover something new, making the days seem more than just twenty four hours. Something I have constantly heard from upperclassmen is that what works one term may not necessarily work the next and to give yourself grace as you find out different systems that make the most sense to you. As I prepare to head back to Dartmouth for winter term, I try to remind myself of this significant principle.
So, take this as my love letter to Dartmouth 2024 and a greetings for all the possibilities to come!
Let's Get Lost in the Library! A deep dive into the known, unusual, and hidden study spots all around Dartmouth's campus! Up first, the Berry Library—the iconic modern half of the central Baker-Berry Library!
50% of Dartmouth students are unaffiliated and find community through non-Greek social spaces. One such space is an undergraduate society. In this post, I interviewed Marion Caldwell '25, who has been a member of Amarna since her junior fall
I went on an awesome winterim (winter break) trip to Sedona, Arizona with the mountain biking club (DMBC) of the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC). Read on to hear about this break trip and also a bit about becoming a sub-club leader in the DOC.
