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!!
To the new members of the Class of 2029! I truly can not express this enough: CONGRATULATIONS. Not only can I personally relate to all the hard work and effort you put into your high school career, but also the college application process itself.
I remember receiving the email around two days before the early decision results came out, the famous email explaining to be on the lookout for the big news as it would be out soon! It's crazy to think how fast time flies when you're having fun since it has been exactly a year since I opened that special letter that welcomed me to my new home in the woods.
I got the email to check my updated application status as I was walking off of my high school campus. A wave of excitement and nervousness came over me. I waited till my parents got home so we could open it all together as a family.
The moment my brother and I realized I was accepted :)
Something I would tell my one-year-ago self would be to take a break and live in the moment! Obviously, continue to follow your passions and interests no matter what, but also know that it is completely okay to acknowledge this amazing reward.
Dartmouth is going to present you with so many new things, so enjoy your current chapter, knowing that you will be supported as soon as you get here! If you have any questions or are nervous about all the new things that being a college student may bring, start reaching out to your new family! I recently started to connect with alumni about their careers or how they studied during their time at Dartmouth, but it could have started way earlier. Truly, there is a special connection that comes once you join the family, so do not be nervous about reaching out and asking questions.
This class was personally special to me as the student I hosted for theIndigenous Fly-In program applied early decision. I was beyond thrilled to hear the good news that she would soon join the family.
If you are still wondering if Dartmouth is the right fit for you, I understand early decision can be a little intimidating. Do not worry, as you still have time before you join us in the woods; I highly recommend reaching out to your regional officer if you have any last-minute questions. My regional officer emailed me the day after decisions came out, welcoming me to the woods, which made me feel really connected and cared for, as this is not something that happens at most schools. Dartmouth can definitely be challenging in some moments, but that is what makes it so beautiful: it pushes you to become the best version of yourself. One year later, I can safely say that I'm beyond blessed that God put Dartmouth in my path and that Dartmouth chose me to be guided to the woods!
So, to the class of 2029, I hope you'll be ready to scream "GO BIG GREEN" at football games this upcoming fall!
Walking through Dartmouth's vibrant fall foliage and reflecting on my Sophomore Fall experiences underscored the importance of community and embracing opportunities.
Are you artistically inclined? Are you not artistically inclined but still love making art? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Dartmouth Donald Claflin Jewelry Studio is for you!
It's hard to believe that it has been a year since I wrote my first end-of-fall-term reflection. It felt like only yesterday that I stepped into my dorm room this September, eager to reunite with my friends.
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!
