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!!
My thoughts when I first heard of the term, "Sunday Scaries". A common phrase used on college campuses. The phrase describes the feeling one experiences after pushing off work until Sunday. A super understanding occurrence, Dartmouth keeps you pretty occupied throughout the week, and many students try to relax on the weekends. However, a new habit I have developed to try and prioritize my mental health has been to do no work on Sunday. I know it might sound a little crazy, but I try to start my work due Monday on the previous Thursday to ensure I get to have one day of relaxation throughout the week.
Today started off with Church at CRC. CRC stands for Christ Redeemer Church, a common place of worship for many Dartmouth students. It is beautiful to see both students and the local Hanover community join each Sunday morning. After the service, I got lunch at the Courtyard Café, also known as the Hop. I am on the Ivy Unlimited plan–which all first years are on– so I can use my swipe or dining dollars to get a meal. It was super special because I went with my friends from Agape. Agape is a Christian youth group on campus that gathers every Friday night.
After lunch I headed over to the Alumni Gym. This week the Office of Pluralism and Leadership collaborated with the Latin & Caribbean Student Group on campus to celebrate Caribbean Carnival. One of the events included a spin class hosted by one of the students. A dear friend of mine suggested the event. I have to admit, I go to the gym pretty frequently but have never tried spinning, so I was a little nervous at first. However, that soon melted away as I entered the spin room and heard the fire music and welcoming smiles from everyone else in the room. The event was advertised on Dartmouth Groups, an online platform that notifies students of various activities happening around campus. These events can range from community dinners to career preparation events. The spin class was completely free as well!
Afterwards, I came back to my dorm to clean up and catch up with my roommate. She is a DI coxswain for the men's heavyweight rowing team! She travels pretty frequently especially since they compete during the spring so it is always fun hearing her stories of the game whenever she returns. Shoutout to Anaïs!
Once my room was cleaned I tried to get some work done. I know I know, I try not to do any on Sundays but we are about to enter Week 5, so midterms are indeed upon us. I find it best to try and use Saturday to prepare for the upcoming week as it makes the course load a little less stressful. It did take me a while to realize what works best for me and there are many spots on camps like the Student Wellness Center and the Academic Skills Center that can help you along the way.
I then went back to the gym to cheer on the Holy Water Basketball team,n intramural basketball team formed by Agape members. Intramural Leagues are a big part of the Dartmouth community, so do not worry about giving up a loved sport because you can definitely find a team in the Woods!
Thanks for joining me this Sunday and hope you have a blessed week!
This term, I competed in the annual Speech at Dartmouth competition, but would never have had this opportunity without the support of Dartmouth faculty. Read on as I share how I got here!
When I look back on my time at Dartmouth, and it is hard to believe I will be graduating in just two weeks, I know that Africa Week will always stand out as one of the moments when this campus felt most alive, most joyful, and most like home.
