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.
First-Generation Roots to International Adventures
"Smile Dez!"
I never would have guessed that I would be in Italy during my first summer in college exploring the cities Napoli, Capri, Firenze, Sicily, Orvinio, and most importantly Rome. So smiling for this photo was extra easy.
Through the Full Immersion Rome Experience, I have been able to learn Italian, explore breathtaking cities, and make true friendships along the way. In a hustle and bustle environment like Dartmouth, it can often be easy to get caught up in the next task that needs to be done but I wanted to take a quick moment to pause and reflect on all the people that have made this experience a summer to remember.
I first heard about this study abroad through upperclassmen in my First Year Summer Enrichment Program, a summer program that starts roughly a month before all other first years get to campus. This program provides first generation, low income students the opportunity to learn about the various different ways to be successful at Dartmouth. For example, we got to meet early on with our First-Year Deans to ask questions about classes, the Center for Career Design to plan out internships, and the Student Wellness Center to know where to go whenever things got too stressful. Thanks to the positive testimonies I heard from upperclassmen I knew this program would be an ideal fit for me. When the Guarini Institute, released the applications for study abroad programs, I knew exactly who to ask and where to go thanks to the genuine care and support I was shown from FYSEP.
Fast forward to this summer, I have been able to tour through the Colosseum, go on wine tastings on the country side, and learn how to dance saltarello (Italian folk dance) with locals in Orvinio. It really does feel as if I am living in a small dream whenever I am walking through the Roman streets to school.
I also spent my second birthday away from home yet was still able to feel so much love around me. There are quite a few birthdays on this program and for everyone Professoressa Nancy makes sure there is a cake waiting to celebrate. For my birthday, we were based in Sicily because we were learning more about the mafia; our placement was a true blessing as we were right next to the beach and an amazing host family that made us all feel at home.
Looking through colleges to decide where to leave a legacy is a tough decision. Yet, at Dartmouth the support that is given to first generation students is truly unmatched. I hope this small backstory helps show how endless opportunities are when you are willing to go after them at Dartmouth!
Before my internship in Italy, I spent two terms studying in Rome. How did those experiences help prepare me for my current position? Well, let me explain!
One of the most unique traditions at Dartmouth is sophomore summer, where students stay on campus to take classes the summer before their junior year. My sophomore summer has been an incredibly special experience!
Instead of spending sophomore summer on campus, I pursued an internship in Hong Kong, where Dartmouth's alumni network and fellow students helped me to I find community, friendship, and adventure that made my summer just as memorable.
