Hello friends! My name is Diana D'Souza, and I'm pursuing a double major in Government modified with Economics and Chinese. On campus, I'm the Co-President of Women in Business and a Chinese language research assistant. I'm also involved in the Dartmouth Outing Club and recently led a fishing first-year trip at the Boston Lot Lake. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors.
I 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.
This 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!
Because 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.
Students 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.
Professor 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.
This was my hardest academic term to date, but I’m extremely proud of my work in this class.
Over ten weeks, Professor Samwick challenged us to design a financially viable social
enterprise. My team ended up creating BayStay, a one-stop service for homeless individuals in
the Bay area to locate a new roommate and temporary communal housing. The best part of the
experience was getting to interview leading experts on homelessness and pitching our business
model to an angel investor!
Given my areas of study at Dartmouth, it’s no surprise that I loved my introductory international
relations course with Professor Powers. She did a great job helping the class transition to in-
person learning by providing us with reading guides and laying out clear expectations in her
memos. We used high-level theory to explain the motivations of terrorists and the likelihood of
nuclear war. In my final paper, I presented my own analysis of why the United Nations was
powerless to prevent Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In this upper-level government seminar, my classmates and I met once a week for three hours.
Although it was sometimes tough to focus, I appreciated having the rest of the week to prepare
and complete readings. During the term, we debated a range of topics, including whether the
government should regulate marriage or whether having a nanny was inherently anti-feminist.
Another cool aspect of the course was that the class was entirely driven by student discussion
and debate. Professor Rose pushed each student to flesh out her thoughts through open office
hours and writing workshops. Looking back at my final paper, I’m really proud of my newfound
ability to argue complex philosophical topics in a clear manner.
SummerHanover, NH - On Campus
While most of the ‘23s are off campus, I’m spending my junior summer in Hanover because I
took a gap year! I’m spending most of my time this term as a Paganucci Fellow at the Tuck
School of Business. I’m also working for Dartmouth Admissions and serving as Co-President of
Dartmouth Women in Business. Even though I’m not taking classes, I’m definitely keeping
myself busy!
FallWashington, D.C. - Internship
I spent my off-term interning on the China desk at the U.S. Department of State (DOS). I loved
being able to apply what I learned in class in a professional setting and getting to see diplomacy
and foreign policy in action. Some of my internship highlights included volunteering for the first,
historic Indo-Pacific Summit and meeting North Korean defectors. Still, I’m excited to be back
at Dartmouth, taking classes again, after six months off!
I took this class because it was the final culminating experience for my Chinese language major. Professor Ericson gave really engaging lectures that made it feel like he was reading us a story. As a capstone project, I wrote a 20-page paper about imperial Japan's use of visual propaganda in Manchukuo, analyzing primary texts in Chinese and Japanese.
This class explored the economics behind the gender gap, child penalty, and labor market discrimination. My favorite part was the MBA-style class study, which focused on the rationale behind Patagonia’s generous parental leave policies. Professor Olivetti was so helpful and held frequent office hours. Definitely take this class, even if you aren’t an economics major.
When I applied to Dartmouth, I didn't expect to be involved in admissions. I saw a Facebook posting encouraging incoming freshmen to become bloggers, interviewed for a position, and was lucky enough to get a spot.
Being a blogger has been my longest-standing commitment at Dartmouth. With theD-Plan, staying involved with campus life on an off-term is sometimes challenging. However, the blog has allowed me to remain connected to the College, even from afar. I've amassed quite the collection of memories I will look back on fondly and am grateful to share with you all! As I reflect on my time as a student, I am reminded of the People, Places, and Pines that have made my experience so special.
The People
Eating dinner at New Thailand in Lebanon, NH with my closest Dartmouth friends, Peter '23 and Varun '23
I've talked aboutfinding community at Dartmouth before, but I should have emphasized the strength and quality of these friendships. Last fall, I caught up with my friend Feray '23 when she visited campus during Homecoming. Later this year, I plan to attend my friend Peter's '23 wedding in Colorado. My friendships at Dartmouth have been long-lasting and endured past my class's graduation last year. The people at the College also stand out for their kindness. When I had trouble sleeping earlier this year, Emilie '25 came into my room early in the morning to spray essential oils and tuck me into bed. At the beginning of this spring term, Sydney '24 helped take me toDick's House after I got a fire burn on my leg.
I'll miss hanging out with Feray '23 in the Chinese Language House but will always stay in touch
Sydney '24 and I took Professor Claudia Olivetti to lunch at Pine Restaurant during Spring 2023—she's our favorite economics professor!
Professionally, I am once again brought back to the Dartmouth community. During my freshman and sophomore years, I pursued three internships with the support of Dartmouth alums, including a marketing internship at InStep Consulting withColette Ellis '84, a nonprofit consulting internship with Alfred Forbes '82, and a legal internship at Q30 Innovations with Gary Greene '86. I actually still keep in touch with Mr. Forbes and plan to see him when he comes up for graduation! In addition, I participated in Dartmouth-specific internships, such as thePaganucci Fellowship, receiving mentorship and guidance from members of the Tuck community likeProfessor Courtney Pierson T'01 and Gloria Bui T'22. As I headed into my junior summer with these experiences, I felt supported in landing my first corporate internship with the help of Sophia He '23, Grace Lu '23, Dhaviat Mehta '22, and Erika Hernandez '22. The people, by far, have been the best part of my Dartmouth experience.
The Places
I ran into Jonas '20 at a Washington. D.C. metro stop as he hitchhiked across America post-graduation
Admission officers often say, "Dartmouth is a base camp to the world." I've definitely found this to be true. I've found my home here, on campus, in Hanover, NH. However, I've broadened my perspective by interning inBoston, New York City,Washington, D.C., and my hometown, Edison, NJ. This year, I made it to the West Coast for the first time, traveling toUtahwith the Ledyard Canoe Club and visiting my friendSydney '24 in Los Angeles.
I've also hopped around the Upper Valley, from grocery shopping in Lebanon to learning how to ski in Sunapee to checking out shoe discounts in Nashua. I've also poked around in Vermont, from thrifting in Woodstock to watching glass making at Simon Pearce in Quechee to visiting the Ben & Jerry's factory inWaterbury-Stowe. Just this week, I went to Boothbay Harbor, Maine, on a subsidizedDartmouth Outing Club (DOC) trip for the first time to go puffin watching withKalina '27. Post graduation, I will study abroad in Taiwan, which I attribute to the help of theDartmouth Fellowship Advising Office and especiallyProfessor Christie Harner. Dartmouth has instilled in me an adventurous spirit that drives me to keep meeting new people and exploring new places.
Kalina '27 took this awesome picture of two puffins hanging out in the ocean near Boothbay Harbor, Maine
My travels this summer will take me to Tamkang University in Taiwan, where I will study Chinese as a Critical Language Scholar
The Pines
Casey '27, Brooke '26, and I stopped to snap a picture of the tree-lined Vermont roads before heading on a beaver watching trip with the DOC
Finally, I am reminded of my personal growth while nestled in the woods of Hanover. With each year at the College, I've become confident in myself. In my freshman year, I navigateddeciding on a major and joining clubs and communities. During my sophomore year, I embraced interdisciplinary learning and ahuman-centered approach, encouraging me to take risks and pursue a gap year. I spent a lot of time off-campus during my 2-year long "junior year," pursuing professional interests and learning how to live independently in the city. Finally, as I wrap up my senior year, I've explored new hobbies, from taking yoga classes at alocal studio in town to hanging out in theBook Arts Studio withTaylor '27.
I started the 30-day yoga challenge at Mighty Yoga, a 5-minute walk from the Green, and have been loving it
Showing off the buttons that Taylor '27 and I made in the Dartmouth Book Arts Studio
If you're applying to Dartmouth or heading to Dartmouth next year, consider the People, Places, and Pines that will define your experience. You've got quite the adventure ahead of you!
Amol '27 will join Aravind '26 at Dartmouth after his gap year in Taiwan. We all went to J.P. Stevens High School, and Amol actually applied to Dartmouth after seeing my feature (and hometown) in Dartmouth's 3D Magazine!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
