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 stands for Viva Hardigg Outdoors Club. VHOC is a sub-club under the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC).
VHOC's mission is to encourage underrepresented gender identities in the outdoors. I knew coming to Dartmouth that I wanted to be involved in the DOC yet felt quite overwhelmed from all the changes that occurred during the fall term. Thankfully, during the winter term, I explored the outdoors a little bit more through ice skating, sledding, and cross country skiing!
As spring break approached, I knew I wanted to apply to a DOC break trip. DOC break trips are run during our winter and spring break. Dartmouth students are quite lucky as we get two weeks of spring break. So not only was I able to have an amazing new experience with eight other Dartmouth women in the beautiful scenery of the Utah Canyonlands and Arches, but I also got to go home and spend some time with my family.
The total length of the trip was roughly seven days as we arrived in Utah the morning of a Friday and came back to Dartmouth that following Saturday. The first part of the trip we were completely in the backcountry. It was a lot of fun being able to hike up and down canyons with other kind, funny, and compassionate women. We got some pretty big blisters but that did not stop us from laughing when Addi told a funny story or being curious as Kristine shared about her thesis. Something I really valued from the trip was the ability to connect so deeply and quickly with ladies who I do not think I would have ever met!
There was a combination of first years, sophomores, and seniors on the trip. C'mon, we were in the backcountry together for a week with no phones or showers, what better way to get to know each other? Some of my favorite memories came from when we would return to camp after a 10 mile hike and be so exhausted that all we could do was laugh or the true fire that was in all of us as we sang with the windows down traveling between parks!
Shoutout to these amazing ladies as we were laughing and chatting before dinner after hiking 14 miles!
But wait, do you have to be super outdoorsy to join a DOC trip? Where do you even purchase all the equipment needed for a trip like this?
Great questions. The DOC is open to everyone! A true factor that I admire about the DOC is the amount of sub-clubs they offer to ensure that all students feel welcomed. So whether you are into mountaineering, kayaking, or small hikes, the DOC has an event for you. Additionally, the DOC provides all required gear and financial aid applies to even break trips! Dartmouth truly does not want to exclude anyone from this crucial part of campus.
As we return back to Dartmouth. I am beyond blessed to say that I have eight new women that I know I can call no matter what. So, what do you say? Come meet us in the backcountry someday!
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.
When I first came to Dartmouth, the last thing I wanted to experience was the infamous, chilling New England winter—but I've discovered that Dartmouth's climate was a blessing in disguise, and even perhaps my favorite thing about campus.
I sat down with Aarushi Jain '25, a coxswain on the women's rowing team, to learn more about the opportunities to study abroad as an athlete at Dartmouth!
