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!!
I am someone who fills out five journals each night, so when I discovered that there was a paid position within the admissions office that allowed students to share their experiences at Dartmouth through blogging, I was ready to learn more! As I opened up my inbox to check what new email I received, I was excited to read the headline that thePeople Places Pines team was looking for new voices in the upcoming Class of 2028.
I received the first invitation to apply sometime around July. The initial application included four short answer questions; these short answer questions were meant to gain more information about my hobbies and journey to Dartmouth. One of the shorter questions asked about any previous writing experience; something that surprised me was that many of my friends were afraid or discouraged after seeing that question—as many had not worked extensively with writing previously. However, please do not let that small question prevent you from applying!! I only had very little experience from working with my high school's yearbook club, and that was what I answered with. No matter your background, know that your voice and take on Dartmouth are valued! So, even if you do not think you have enough experience, I would really recommend applying if you are passionate about sharing your Dartmouth experience!
After that, I received an email explaining how I was offered an interview! I completed my interview during thefirst year summer enrichment program (FYSEP), as it was sometime around the end of August and I was already at Dartmouth. Then, two weeks after the interview, I was offered a spot on the team!
I have really enjoyed blogging and believe it has been one of the best decisions I have made in my Dartmouth career thus far. Blogging grants extremely flexible hours, as I do not have to be in a specific office or location to blog and can write my weekly blog whenever I feel the inspiration to do so. My friends have also gotten quite used to me asking if I could take a picture of our activities to be posted on the blog. Honestly, blogging makes life at Dartmouth much more fun and has been a great way so far to look back on what special moments occurred throughout the term!
Going through my camera roll, I was able to look back at the photos I took for the blog! I would have almost forgotten about this photo of my friends partnering with the Christian community on campus to help make pancakes till midnight for people wandering around campus on a Saturday night…
Midnight pancakes!
Or this picture of my first time playing soccer at Dartmouth with some friends:
A post-soccer game photo!
And how could I forget the beautiful view from Occom Pond? I remember sitting next to the pond and watching the leaves fall after one of my morning runs because I loved being able to experience the seasons changing for the first time!
The fall foliage!
Before submitting a blog, I sometimes ask myself: What about grammar mistakes, or is the blog not good enough? Thankfully, we have an amazing editing team that looks over our blogs before they are published to ensure they are polished and ready to go!
As a first-year student going through my very first quarter at Dartmouth, these special features of blogging were much appreciated as I did not feel much stress about doing my job and truly found so much joy in sharing about my life in the woods each week. Additionally, there is a pretty special community that forms amongst the bloggers!
To be quite honest, if I ever want to explore something new at Dartmouth. I tend to go through the blogs of my classmates and see what they have been up to!
Did you know Dartmouth has a ring-making workshop?
Shoutout to Crystal, a fellow '28 who has madering-makinga new bucket list item for my winter term.
Overall, what I personally love is that blogging allows students who are not able to visit campus the chance to see a closer look into what makes Dartmouth a new home. So, please make sure to keep an eye out for your emails because you never know when we might need you to join the team!
Dartmouth's dining options are reduced during winterim due to the significantly smaller number of students on campus. Find out about dining options during winterim, from a dietary, logistical, and financial perspective!
Most students have to go back to college after Thanksgiving to take their finals, but not at Dartmouth! We have a six-week winter break, known as "winterim!" Let me tell you how I spent my winterim!
Applying early to a university can be overwhelming and confusing. As someone who did not apply to Dartmouth through early decision, here are a couple tips that I could have used when thinking about applying early to a school!
