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.
I started getting into long walks during my junior year of college to manage stress, catch up with friends, and exercise. I often take a twenty-minute walk off campus during the middle of the day to explore some of my favorite walking trails. I have listed some of my favorite paths, from Occom Pond to the Hanover River Trail. While my directions aren't the best, locating more detailed routes through online maps should be easy!
1. Ledyard Bridge
If you make a right past Collis Center, a student hub on campus, and continue straight along Main Street, you will eventually cross Ledyard Bridge. The bridge connects Hanover, New Hampshire, and Norwich, Vermont, so you can stand right on the border if you read the signs along the bridge! This is a picture Sydney '24 snapped of me on the border after a wintery afternoon walk. Ledyard Bridge is perfect for a shorter walk, especially if you want to briefly get away from the campus buzz and listen to the hum of cars heading to the highway.
The bridge over the Connecticut River
2. Occom Pond
Occom is located near the back end of the Dartmouth campus, just off Maynard Road. To make sure you are heading in the right direction, you may pass by the McLaughlin housing cluster and Dick's Medical House before making a left onto Hilton Field Lane. You'll also pass by the familiar Dartmouth Outing Club House at some point. Occom is one of the most popular routes frequented by Dartmouth students. It's common for students to go on a "Woccom" or "walk around Occom," especially as the weather warms up. I personally love how the pond takes on new life with each season. For instance, my friends and I posed for this picture after jumping into Occom during the Winter Polar Bear Plunge!
Occom Pond Polar Bear Plunge
3. Connecticut River
Head along Tuck Drive toward the Tuck School of Business, and you will find a series of stairs leading to Dartmouth's backyard. On your way to the river, you may pass the Tom Dent Cabin, the Boathouse, and the Ledyard Canoe Club, a Dartmouth Outing House sub-club that rents canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks to students. I recommend this trail during the early fall or spring if you want to avoid the crowd. Otherwise, stop by during the summer to take a quick splash!
Ledyard Boathouse
4. Dartmouth Organic Farm
Located at 104 Lyme Road, the Dartmouth Organic Farm is a more challenging six-mile round-trip walk. To get there, you must head to the campus outskirts near Anonymous Hall and walk the sidewalks along the main road in a straight direction. I have only walked this route twice, but the longer length of the trip allows for group bonding and great discussion. Luckily, you don't have to walk to the O-Farm if you are not up for the challenge. The Dartmouth Farm Club often runs ten-minute van shuttles, especially during the late fall and spring.
5. Pine Park
Pine Park is next to Occom, just past the golf course, with about six miles of walking trails. Pine Park is my favorite spot to walk on campus. Each time I head to the park, I have a different experience, from exploring new trails to hanging out with new friends. Today, I went on a two-hour walk with Alex '24 and Kate '25, and three dogs greeted us along the way! Pine Park can be a short or a long stroll, but I recommend budgeting at least 30 minutes to get the whole experience.
Pine Park trail
6. Nathan's Garden
Pass by town and make a right before the CVS, and you will stumble into Nathan's Garden. This beautiful, secluded garden was created for Nathan Hall, who passed away during a swimming accident. I went to this hidden gem during my sophomore summer and had an amazing time climbing the wooden stairs and running through the open field. This is a must-visit spot during the summer, where you can sit on the wooden swing and listen to the hummingbirds buzzing near the flowers.
7. Hanover River Trail
Head further down past Nathan Garden and some residential houses, and there will be a small opening in the woods with steep stairs. Here, you will find the Hanover River Trail, a beachy area with a rocky ledge where you can put down a picnic blanket and enjoy the Connecticut River. I went here at least twice a week during my junior spring to sunbathe and play in the mud before heading back just before sunset. This is an excellent spot if you're hoping to avoid crowds during sophomore summer.
8. Mink Brook Park
I'm not the best person to give directions on this front since I got horribly lost while leading a trip here. Mink Brook Park is a longer and more scenic walk, so I would suggest using a map. I had a great time walking here regardless, admiring the green, leafy area and snapping pictures of these baby ducks making their way across the water.
As a second-year at Dartmouth, I've embraced leadership roles that foster community, creativity, and support! Here's a look at how each role has shaped my journey.
