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. An early riser and bubbly personality are 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!
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!!
Lotería! The name of a traditional Mexican lottery game played during holidays. My final project was presented through the form of Lotería. In this class we analyzed the political and economic settings that domestic laborers and caregivers face within the United States and in Latin America. I really valued the different students that the class attracted as we all became extremely close in the ten weeks we worked together. This class was both an Art and Culture Identity credit so our assignments were extremely interesting as we got to do a lot of interactive learning with movies and plays!
Should we commit a small wrong to save many? Equality or equity? What does it mean to practice effective altruism? I know, very philosophical questions yet that’s the whole point. This class was a crosslisted course between the Government and Public Policy departments. I greatly enjoyed this discussion led class as we talked about issues regarding immigration, the meaning of work, and technological regulations in the labor force. The readings were a usual amount for a Government course as it averaged to about thirty pages per class. I was able to make new friends based off of our class discussions which helped make the class feel more collaborative. Professor Rose was always open to meeting outside of class for office hours and encouraged participation in an effective manner. Walking away from this course I am able to talk about current issues from various philosophical viewpoints.
The Big Green, Small Boat, and One Big Language Requirement
Let me explain how I am completing the Dartmouth language requirement one row at a time.
Big Green,Bema, and Lone Pine. It's a little confusing so let's get straight to it:
The Big Green path is targeted towards students who do not demonstrate competency in a language when they matriculate into Dartmouth. Competency is heavily considered through scoring on an AP exam. Different languages have different required AP scores in order to be considered fluent, you can check the various guidelines here and the chart above! On this path, you take a language till the third course meaning that you would take Spanish I, Spanish II, and Spanish III if you knew no Spanish coming into Dartmouth and wished to take it at Dartmouth. Yet, if you took a language taught at Dartmouth previously in high school and took the AP exam, you can match your score into your placement. For example, if you scored a 4 on the AP French exam, you would be exempted from French II and only need to take French III to complete your language through the Big Green Path.
In my scenario, I took French in high school but did not score high enough to receive an exemption from French III. Thus, I viewed this situation as having two options presented to me. I grew up speaking Spanish and because of this, I am able to have a conversation with the head of the Spanish department to demonstrate my fluency. I actually was not aware of this option till this summer so I will be having the oral examination this upcoming fall once I return to campus. This option of an oral interview is open to everyone who believes they can speak fluently in a language offered at Dartmouth and not just native speakers. Through the Bema path, I am required to take two additional introductory courses outside of the one I have previously demonstrated fluency in or take an additional course in said fluent language. This requirement works out perfect with the Full Immersion Rome Experience, as this program has both Italian I and Italian II and I wanted to study abroad as early as I could so that is why I chose this study abroad to complete my language requirement!
Lastly, there is the Lone Pine path, which is similar to the Bema path but the main difference is the Lone Pine Path is open to students who demonstrate fluency in a language not taught at Dartmouth while the Bema path is reserved for languages taught at Dartmouth. Lone Pine students have the same option to complete two introductory courses or an accelerated beginner course in a new language as Bema path students. However, an extra option that is presented to Lone Pine students is the option to take a "Language Requirement for Proficient Speakers" course. The most common instances I personally have heard the Lone Pine path be used has been within the Native American community at Dartmouth. I do not speak my Native tongue, but there are quite a few Native American students that can and take this route to complete their language requirement as Dartmouth does not teach any Native languages but does have an extremely supportive Native American & Indigenous Studies Department.
I would recommend trying to figure out all possible language options relatively early on as it helps clear up study abroad options and general confusion as you do not want to take a language class simply because you thought you had to. Thankfully, this conversation can be had with a First-Year Deanor the head of the department of your desired language.
From surfing in Puerto Rico to backpacking in Joshua Tree to Norway: Break trips are a unique Dartmouth experience, giving students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the outdoors
From surfing in Puerto Rico to backpacking in Joshua Tree to Norway: Break trips are a unique Dartmouth experience, giving students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the outdoors
My study abroad experience this past summer helped me grow in meaningful ways. The lessons I learned didn't stay in China—they continue to shape how I approach my life, relationships, and goals today. Read on to hear more!
Welcome back to Open Doors—your inside look at life in the Woods! This week, Gabe Brigham '26, a psychology and sociology double major, showed me around his dorm room, where we discussed Dartmouth residence halls, classes, and campus life.
On the final segment of The Stretch, we explored other planets, walked atop volcanoes, and went to the very bottom of the Grand Canyon (and back). Read about it here.
