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!!
A common question I was asked this past weekend as I attended a conference at Harvard. It was my first time exploring Boston so I was super excited to see all the beauties the city had to offer. My travels, meals, and activities in the city were all funded through the 4E fund offered within the Dartmouth Financial Aid office. The 4E fund was established to grant students to financially account for emergencies, essentials, experiences, and enrichment opportunities. This fund was a true blessing as it allowed me to meet and connect with some other amazing Latina professionals at the Harvard conference—not only did it support me to network, but to also simply have an amazing time in Boston with a friend I have not seen in a while; I tried some new foods and went to the Museum of Fine Arts!
A nice perk about Dartmouth is its inclusivity in the woods. We create our own hustle and bustle through study groups, dance classes, and acapella performances outside of the classroom. Personally, being in a big city for college would have been a bit too overwhelming for me. When I am at Dartmouth, I know that I am going to be safe and surrounded by members of the Dartmouth and Hanover community. I love feeling connected to my campus as I walk across the beautiful snow filled green filled with dogs running around, students ice skating, and others running back to their dorms from the New England cold.
Something I took for granted was also my classmates. The type of person that makes up the Dartmouth community knows how to work and play hard in the best way possible. Our clubs are filled with passionate students and curious changemakers who are also welcoming. Not only are there a substantial amount of professional development clubs but also ones to let loose.
For example, last Wednesday I went to an open house event for Sheba, one of our many dancing groups on campus. It was extremely welcoming which was perfect for me as I had very little dancing background. Our instructors were fellow Dartmouth students who are official members of the troupe; this class included a range from first years to seniors and we all had so much fun learning how to let loose! Special shoutout to dance group 5, we had so much fun performing together.
After dance practice I went to Foundations, which is a social impact consulting group within the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact. It was super interesting: our task was to build the tallest tower we could with spaghetti straws, string, tape, and a marshmellow. This helped us see how important brainstorming is when implementing a new project yet also the beauty of failure. The Engineering professor, Eugene Korsunskiy, teaches the popular Dartmouth course called ENGS 12 Design Thinking. The course is open to all majors, it is one of those classes you just have to take if you are at Dartmouth.
All of these activities mentioned were completely free which I think is super inclusive to all of the Dartmouth community. Dartmouth does a great job at ensuring students have the ability to be balanced.
So which activity would you do on a Wednesday night: explore a dance group, go to a cool club, or check out a new band in a fraternity? Secret: At Dartmouth, you could choose them all!
Dartmouth's Chinese New Year celebrations brought a sense of home through themed dining, student-led events, and cultural gatherings, fostering community and appreciation for the holiday.
A history class that starts with music, brings the past to life through debates and museum visits, and just might make me a history minor—welcome to History of China Since the 1800s.
Valentine's Day at Dartmouth is an exciting day to spread love and appreciation for the people around you! On campus, a myriad of programs are hosted for all students to enjoy.
