Hi! I'm Tacko Diop from Harlem, NYC. My Senegalese background has shaped my passion for social justice, which led me to double major in Government and African and American Studies. I speak English, Wolof, French, Arabic, and a bit of Korean. Outside of academics, I enjoy watching period dramas, reading, and spending time with family and friends. I'm drawn to Dartmouth's close-knit community and excited for the journey ahead!
Academic Program
Major: Government and African and American Studies
Growing up, I wasn't always a person who liked trying new things because I feared regretting it. However, being home away from college has taught me that I will have to do so whether I like it or not. And it hasn't been the most ideal or perfect, but it's been enjoyable and has left me with many memories. I've tried new food, and new activities, and met new people. These all required stepping outside of my comfort zone.
New food: FOCO embraces a lot of countries' cuisine, and they try their best to imitate a dish; the Zimbabwe Chicken Stew" is one of them. FOCO often serves this dish and I've never tried Zimbabwe food back home, so trying it here was great. Without FOCO, I wouldn't have eaten most of the food I have tried on my own will.
New activities: There are many Dartmouth traditions. Coming here, I was aware of that. When it comes to activities, I'm much more willing to try something new in comparison to trying new food or meeting new people. Trying new activities always leaves me feeling so experienced and teaches me so much. If they are negative, I try to learn from them and it awakens me as to what I like and what I don't. Some of the traditions I've tried here so far are the Bonfire, the Twilight Ceremony, and Matriculation. All of these were very new and coming from New York City forced me to do something new.
New People: Meeting new people can also be a big risk. That's because as different people, you're more likely to encounter people with whom you're not interested in knowing more about or staying in contact with. But then ironically, these are also the times when you're more likely to experience more longevity with them. For me, I have met people who I know are going to be here for the long run, and not just for college.
The Fourth of July: a federal holiday usually spent over summer break with family and friends. Not this year, though! As a result of sophomore summer, I spent this holiday with my friends at Dartmouth.
Despite Dartmouth being on the periphery of the broader Northeast region, its access to major transportation hubs makes travel stress-free. But, how can students without a car see the rest of New England?
The big-little process in my sorority has strengthened my bond with my big, fostered new friendships across class years, and deepened my sense of community and belonging on campus.
