Hi friends and welcome to my page! I'm Emily, a '25 from a town where winter rarely comes to visit and departs after only a few days. In my spare time, I love to read fiction novels, bake cinnamon rolls, play card games, solve riddles, delve into conspiracy theories, and engage in any water activity. I'm thrilled you're here and hope you enjoy!
My fall term began with my favorite class so far at Dartmouth: Antiquity Today. In this intro-level Classics course, we analyzed our own culture through comparison. Delving into topics of violence in entertainment, philosophies of government, and attitudes about sex, we deconstructed our own cultural norms and biases through comparing them with the practices of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Embracing the spirit of the Greeks' dramatic stage was the wonderful professor, Paul Christesen. He would bring a bag of goodies and distribute them to students who asked questions as incentives for students to engage with the course material. Overall, I feel that I have learned worlds about my time as well as the past and can see the world through an enhanced sense thanks to this course.
In an introductory-level Earth Sciences class, we traveled through time studying the origin of the planet, the history of life on earth, its migration to land, as well as the mass extinctions that plagued ancient populations. A key component of this conversation was the earth’s current state, and how we are experiencing the beginning of the sixth mass extinction in earth’s history. We discussed causes of the earth’s critical state and compared carbon levels throughout time to better understand our current carbon situation. In homework assignments, we took what we learned in the classroom into the field, which was my favorite component of the course. We wrapped up the class with the coolest project: Constructing a proposal that would meet the goals set in Biden’s energy plan as practically as possible.
As a last-minute change during Dartmouth's 'add-drop' period (the two weeks where students can make scheduling adjustments), I checked this class's box on a whim. I surely was glad I did because we engaged in some of the most interesting discussions about what makes up a religion and how other frameworks, like economic systems, can overlap. Over the term, we delved into the history of capitalism, the depraved ethics behind the origin of America's capitalistic system, and the Catholic Church's role in capitalism through usury. Very engaging and applicable class to round out Freshman Spring!
What is the soul? Is it the same as the mind? What's the difference between the mind and the brain? How does the heart factor in?
I absolutely adored this class that took a stab at the big questions! Or, at least, guided us through how the ancient philosophers viewed the intangible things that make us who we are. From readings about ancient physics-which could be surprisingly accurate!-to discussions about ancient views on psychiatric disabilities, we pieced together answers and started seeing from the eyes of the great thinkers of the day!
Hello dear reader! Today, I'll be talking about a few places Dartmouth students frequent on the day-to-day: cafes! They're the cozy study spots we go to when the library gets a bit too stuffy. They're the perfect spot for friends to start their day, getting their morning boost and having a chill workplace. They're the little escape to do work when you feel unproductive or where you go to feel like you're in your own special place, like the cafe from Riverdale or Gilmore Girls.
So, let me show you some of my favorites!
Umpleby's
This is my absolute favorite little nook of Hanover, a hidden gem and worthwhile find! My first time going, there was actually a live jazz band setting the mood, and as a New Orleans girl, I felt right at home! When it comes to food, they have the BEST sandwiches, all on the menu under fun code names and made with fresh house-baked bread. If dietary restrictions aren't a barrier, give the Bertie Wooster a try (turkey sandwich with apple, bacon, lettuce, and cheese–*chef's kiss*). Aside from sandwiches, they have a case full of pastries that have yet to disappoint, and they have breakfast all day!
This was the jazz band at Umbleby's last Spring!
The Nest
Our next local coffee shop is just around the corner from the first: The Nest! And like Umpleby's, the shop boasts of a large menu: they have delicious breakfast all day and burgers, wraps, and sandwiches galore! But the special thing about The Nest is their teas! They have a large selection of unique herbal teas from Vermont, with blends I have never seen before, even as a tea person! My favorite was their rose tea, which had hints of lavender and chamomile!
(Pro tip: their iced drinks come on the sweet side, so ask for less sugar!)
Some friends at The Nest!
Still North
Last but not least is the ultra-popular, adored and loved Still North! Here, we have the café closest to campus, which is a hit not only because of its proximity but also because of its cozy atmosphere and scrumptious food! While tables are harder to find at this cozy book shop/coffee shop, wandering through the aisles of the bookstore (filled with tarot cards, puzzles, stickers, books) is an entertaining way to wait for food and drinks! Speaking of, their food menu is dotted with the most creative content: from a prosciutto and jam sandwich to a section for crackers they put toppings on crackers you can order, they seem to have a culinary touch in the kitchen!
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!
