

Diana D'Souza

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Diana's D-Plan
What's a D-Plan?-
FallHanover, NH - On Campus
Favorite Class: Comparative Literature 1: Read the WorldI ended up taking this class for two reasons. First, I needed to fulfill my CI requirement; second, my friend was also taking it. Regardless, it ended up being my favorite class fall term. Professor Washburn is an engaging, spontaneous professor and we studied everything from memes to The Tale of Genji. By the end of the term, I found myself to be a more confident and humbled writer.
WinterHanover, NH - On Campus
Favorite Class: Chinese 22: Intermediate Modern ChineseThis was my second time taking a 9 am class with Chen Laoshi. She is understanding, funny, and always eager to help. Even though this was a fast-paced class with daily quizzes, weekly tests, and new vocabulary sets every other day, I became extremely close with my classmates and more excited about learning the language. We ended the term over a feast of dumplings Laoshi prepared!
SpringEdison, NJ - Remote Learning
Favorite Class: Religion 26: Islam in AmericaBecause this term was online, I used my extra time to study a subject that has always fascinated me. Professor Ayubi was incredibly accommodating by allowing us to complete work at our own pace. The most memorable parts of the class were examining anti-Muslim materials during a virtual tour to Rauner Library and exploring Muslim punk rock through the movie Taqwacores.
SummerEdison, NJ - Remote Internship
My summer plans were derailed due to the pandemic, but Mr. Forbes, a Dartmouth alum, graciously allowed me to intern at his consulting firm. Over the course of two months, I became a master at navigating Microsoft Visio and writing grant narratives. I also lifeguarded the 5am shift (pain) at my local community pool.
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FallEdison, NJ - Remote Learning
Favorite Class: ENGS 12: Design ThinkingStudents at Dartmouth say ENGS 12 will change your life, and I'm one to agree. Professor Robbie helped me rethink and redefine my approach to creativity and radical collaboration. After the class, I became involved in the design community, participating in the Designation, 3 Day Start Up, and Tuck's entrepreneurship program, TuckLAB. I'm even a TA for the class now—oh, how the tables have turned!
WinterEdison, NJ - Remote Internship
In hopes of studying abroad, I declared a five-year d-plan. I'm still a '23 at heart, but I'll be graduating with the '24's. I ended up working at my local newspaper, TAPinto News, and continuing my linguistics research with Professor Donahue.
SpringEdison, NJ - Remote Internship
With the help of the Magnuson Center, I landed an internship at Q30 Innovations, a medical device company. As a law development intern for Mr. Greene, a Dartmouth alum, I compiled a 20-page patent portfolio and provided recommendations for FDA clearance. I also took part in two Rocky programs, RGLP and MLDP.
SummerHanover, NH - On Campus
Favorite Class: ASCL 70.18: Social Revolutions East and WestProfessor Dorsey is by far my favorite Dartmouth professor. He hosted in-person office hours every Friday, where we talked about anything from Japanese healthcare to craft beer to our personal lives. The class was an absolute blast, in which we dissected comics and listened to Japanese folklore. Class highlights included a field trip to a nearby Japanese Zen garden and a zoom call with Japanese folklorist Nakagawa Goro.
My Fall Highlights
Fall term was tough. These six memories made it worthwhile.
- No. 1
Frisbee & Flair
The Chinese Language House has a surprising number of frisbee players in residence. One Friday evening, we banded together to help Daniel, Megan, and Yuliya dress up in flair, essentially crazy clothing, for their frisbee tournament. After being crammed into a room doing makeup and agonizing over what to wear, we took a family photo to add to the house collection.
- No. 2
Yes, Goats
This is a shot of me hanging out with Preston and Peanut. The Programming Board will often bring a petting zoo to campus around midterms. Chilling with the alpacas and wild pigs is a great way to destress.
- No. 3
Harvest Dinner
The dining hall brings local farmers to campus and serves their fresh produce each fall. I kid you not, this was the best meal I have ever had at Dartmouth. Although I was most excited about the cheeseboard, I couldn’t stop myself from loading up on clams, brussel sprouts, baked potatoes, and two types of pie.


First Year Trips, Build a Bear & More
These past two weeks have been particularly revealing and nostalgic for me as I've come to realize the immense sense of pride, belonging, and community I feel at Dartmouth.

The Places You'll Go With West House
Through Dartmouth's housing system, West House members took a blueberry picking trip to Cedar Circle Farm in Vermont.

Lettuce Harvest at the O-Farm
My Sophomore Trips (STRIPS) experience has reminded me of Dartmouth's unique sense of place. How many colleges have their own organic farm?

Pinch Pots at the HOP
Pottery at the HOP is just one among many free, affordable activities Dartmouth has to offer.

Paddling Into Sophomore Summer
I noticed a free paddle boarding lesson sponsored by the Outdoor Programs Office (OPO) at Dartmouth and made the 20-minute trek from my Topliff dorm to Ledyard Canoe Club, situated right on the Connecticut River.

Build a Roller Coaster? No Problem.
I've long heard my friends rave about the iconic Dartmouth class ENGS 12, Design Thinking.


Goodbye, for now
I started this blog about plants, so it seems fitting to end my last post of freshman year with more plant updates.