

Diana D'Souza

You are here
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.
-
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.

S(no)w Problem!
Yes, my friends, it was time for the infamous Dartmouth snowball fight, where the entire college is summoned to the Green at midnight to have a massive snowball fight.
I'm Ready To Go Back
When I was in high school, I loved having days off. I was the kid who would avidly check The Snow Day Calculator and count down the days until Christmas break.
- No. 1
Spending time with friends and family
I was the only one from my high school to go to Dartmouth. Even though I was afraid that I would fade with my former friends, I kept in contact through FaceTime sessions and group chats. One of the best parts of coming home was getting to see my friends and hear about their college experiences. I was also glad to see my family for the first time since September, especially since they effectively spoiled me for the first week I was home.
- No. 2
Working at the YMCA and as a bi-weekly blogger
I had worked as a swim instructor and lifeguard at the Edison YMCA since sophomore year of high school. Before I left for school, I promised my co-workers and boss that I would come back to visit during break. For the past several weeks, I have spent my Fridays and Saturdays playing with my former students, giving swim evaluations, and telling everyone about Dartmouth. In addition, I have continued to chronicle my adventures by talking to you guys here, on my blog!
- No. 3
Improving my Mandarin with Duolingo
One of my friends challenged me to learn Russian with my newfound free time. After downloading the Duolingo app, I realized that I am horrible at Russian; however, I must admit that I am highly addicted to Chinese Duolingo. (I am proud to report that I am ranked first in the Diamond League.) I even started preparing for next semester's classes by buying and skimming through my textbooks.

My Winter Break Externship
During finals week, I reached out to Colette Ellis '84, a life coach who aims to improve mental health in businesses and schools. She offered me a three-week externship at her company, Start Within Consulting LLC, in New York City.

Business and Liberal Arts?
There is a common misconception that students cannot pursue business interests at a liberal arts school. Dartmouth actually provides a wealth of resources for students who want to pursue finance, consulting, and marketing post-graduation.

Hi, I Can Vote Now!
On November 13, I joined a long line of students at the Voter Registration Drive outside of Rocky 106. I am now officially registered to vote!

A Walk in The Hood
Although I had frequently passed the Hood during my late night food dashes, I never stepped foot inside until my Humanities floor joined Professor Timothy Baker '08 and Associate Curator Amelia Kahl '01 for a tour.

I Saw "The Living!"
I am artistically untalented; I cannot sing, dance, play an instrument, act, or hum. Along the same vein, I suffer from horrid stage fright and have an inability to memorize lines.

Adventures on Main Street
After grabbing my daily smoothie and breakfast sandwich from Collis and chicken noodle soup and sandwich from FoCo, I sometimes find myself craving food from back home.

My First Time at Drill
Dartmouth students learn foreign languages through the Rassias Method, a technique that was coined by former Dartmouth professor John Rassias. Drills are designed to help students improve their pronunciation through repetition and exposure.

The Halfway Mark
As I approach the beginning of Week 6, it feels surreal that my first term as a Dartmouth freshman is halfway over. I wanted to use this post as a way to showcase some of the highlights of my week.