Snapshots from Move-In
This is my first year as an Undergraduate Advisor (UGA), an on-campus job where I serve as a live-in community mentor. Some of my job responsibilities include helping underclassmen adjust to college life, calling in maintenance orders, and supporting first-year orientation. I moved in two weeks early to undergo UGA training and help support move-in. These are seven of my favorite snapshots.
- No. 1
UGA Orientation
Fall UGAs undergo two weeks of mandatory training, with sessions on supporting first-years (academic advising, community building) to preventing crisis (report writing, acting out simulated emergencies). Our Assistant Directors (ADs) made sure to schedule in fun programming as well. On our first day of training, we gathered in the Big Empty Meeting Area (BEMA) to play games, plant and pot succulents, and make our own trail mix.
- No. 2
Team DInner at Murphy's
I am the UGA for the Chinese Language House, a living learning community for students interested in Chinese language and culture. We belong to North Park, one of the six Housing Communities on campus. One of the perks of our housing system is that we get to know people more intimately through the different events that each house hosts. To kick off the year, our AD Brittney took the North Park UGA team to Murphy’s, one of the fancier restaurants in town. The food was delicious, and I happily treated myself to a free seafood platter.
- No. 3
Preparing for Move-In
This is me mentally preparing for move-in day. It was pouring pretty heavily, so I came prepared with my mint green Residential Life staff shirt, reusable water bottle, and waterproof Chackos.
- No. 4
Meeting the 27’s
I joined a group of North Park UGAs in welcoming the 27’s. Donning our North Park ponchos, we handed out house swag, maps, and orientation folders. Later in the day, I helped move boxes for residents in McLaughlin, another housing cluster that belongs to North Park.
- No. 5
Moving Myself In
One of the perks of being a UGA is having a guaranteed single. I spent half a day moving my items out of storage and into my room in the Chinese Language House (CLH). I have lived in the CLH for nearly three years, and feel particularly at home here.
- No. 6
Decorating the Dorms
One of the ways that UGAs develop community in residence halls is through custom nametags and bulletin boards. I decorated my hall using a sea creature theme, but have to concede that UGA Julian’s Madagascar themed decorations are by far the best I’ve seen.
- No. 7
Exploring Dartmouth’s Hidden Treasures
I pass by the Webster Cottage every day as I walk to the Chinese Language House. It is a small white building near Shabazz and the Choates housing clusters. I saw a sign that tours were available and decided to check it out. I was greeted by Alan, a member of the Hanover Historical Society who gave me a thirty-minute tour of the cottage, where Dartmouth alum Daniel Webster lived and rented a room for a term. Not only did I get to see Webster’s room, but I also checked out an iron inkstand that he used as Secretary of State! As I grow increasingly nostalgic about my last year at Dartmouth, I’m reminded of Webster’s words: “It is a small college, and yet there are those who love it.”