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!!
It's not every day that a study break includes a surprise visit from your mom (I know we look like sisters). Yet, I am blessed to say that this past weekend, that's what mine entailed. As someone who lives on the other side of the country, it meant the world to see the woman who inspires me to do what I do here at Dartmouth.
This summer, I will be studying abroad in Italy through the Full Immersion Rome Experience (FIRE)within the Italian Department. Hence, I planned not to see home until winter break in November, which made this visit even more special. My mother got here around noon on Saturday, so we got to spend almost two whole days together before she had to fly back to the opposite coast. I introduced her to some of my friends, and then we got lunch at Molly's Restaurant. Molly's is my go-to spot in town as they offer a wide variety of dishes that never fail to hit the spot. I think it's safe to say that any Dartmouth student will tell you that nothing can compare to their bread and honey butter.
After that, I had a pre-rush event, which worked out perfectly as my mom needed some time to rest after the long trip from Arizona. Coming from a bit more southern state, I was curious how Greek life and rushing would function here at Dartmouth. Pre-rush offers first-year women the opportunity to bond and connect with potential sisters during their first spring term. Dartmouth has a delayed rushing process, as first-year students are not allowed to enter any Greek space for their first six weeks at Dartmouth. They cannot formally rush or join a Greek space until the fall of their sophomore year. Pre-rush allows students to learn about the wide variety of Greek spaces available at Dartmouth long before students begin the formal process of rush. I found the environment to be extremely welcoming and, honestly, a lot of fun as the living room was filled with students painting and talking as Taylor Swift played in the background. A common misconception that I had about sororities is that they were exclusive to students who looked a certain way or came from specific backgrounds. However, I can say with confidence that this does not hold true at Dartmouth, as I have seen upper-level students with similar backgrounds to mine—whether they are from Latin or Native American backgrounds—feel included in their respective houses.
After that, my mom and I went on a "woccom" (a walk around Occom Pond), which is one of my favorite things to do on campus. We took one lap around Occom, a large pond located by the golf course. Thanks to the rain, it has been extra green this time of year, which is a nice change from the usual cactuses back home.
Once our woccom was done, we went to the Native American House, as the Mexican Student Association was hosting a carne asada. Funny to think that my mom flew such a far way just to find ourselves cooking similar cultural dishes and listening to the same songs we would dance to back in our own living room. It was really fun to share that experience with my mom, as she was the one who taught me how to cook.
The next day, my mom and I went to the Connecticut River! We walked down to the river and asked to borrow a canoe. Thanks to those within the Ledyard Canoe Club on campus, it is accessible to paddle on the river.
We weren't the best at canoeing and ended up having to ask for help from the staff working the dock. That just goes to show how kind and welcoming the Dartmouth community is. Looking back, we definitely made a fun memory.
Once we got off the water, we went back into town to watch the new Lilo & Stitch movie atThe Nugget. It was super cute to experience an old-school movie theater, as I had never been.
The next day, it was already Memorial Day, meaning that my mom had the coach back home scheduled for later in the day. But I knew I couldn't let her go without going on at least one "sunrike." What is a sunrike? Great question. It is a hike that occurs during sunrise. A close friend of mine, Victoria '26, helped us catch a ride there. Victoria is an amazing engineer, hiker, and friend who was one of the leaders of the Dartmouth Outing Club's sub-club, People of Color Outdoor (POCO). My mom loves hiking, so it was a blessing to be able to take her on one before she left.
Gile was the perfect choice as it is no longer than a mile and a half round trip and offers some amazing views.
Returning to campus after our hike was bittersweet as my mom helped me pack up some of my dorm room, as most Dartmouth students will be heading out soon (except for those who are taking classes over the summer quarter).
My mom was there to help me set up my first set of hangers in my dorm and was now helping me pack up my first box. Overall, I could not have asked for a better three-day weekend as my mom was one of the main people who supported me on my journey to Dartmouth, so seeing her smile and feeling her warm hug reminded me of all those late homework nights, flag football games, and gym sessions that led me to this campus in the Woods.
The big-little process in my sorority has strengthened my bond with my big, fostered new friendships across class years, and deepened my sense of community and belonging on campus.
Dartmouth offers students incredible opportunities during breaks through the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) trips. Options vary widely, from cozy cabin retreats with friends to adventurous climbing expeditions under starry skies.
It's hard to fully express just how meaningful Cabin and Trail (CnT) is to me. Since coming to Dartmouth a year and a half ago, this community has shaped me in ways I never expected. It is a source of hope and a new home.
