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!
Weeee hopped on the bus at 6 a.m. with a bag and some West House gear…
While I wish this could be a sing-along, I'm afraid this is where my musical talents fail me. But we did hop on a bus this weekend! And drove to New York City! For a whole weekend! So, let me tell you how it went!
Wheeling down the interstate, Westians (a name for members of West House, one of the six housing communities at Dartmouth) spent their Saturday morning napping, getting through a little homework, and playing games like categories and chopsticks—ah, the road trip games!
When we arrived at the city, our House Professor (shoutout to the best, Professor Ryan Hickox!!) let us loose to explore the city! After a walk through Times Square, we moseyed back to the bus with glittering eyes. After regrouping, Professor Hickox began distributing tickets—completely cost-covered—for a brand-new Broadway show called Paradise Square!! Recounting the events of the Civil War, the play focuses on the experience of a runaway slave, as well as a free black woman and her Irish immigrant family. After crossing paths, the play displays the conflict as well as community found when the characters all commune in a pub called Paradise Square. For all you theater lovers out there, I would highly recommend!!
After the wonderful play, we ventured to our hotel in Times Square, the DoubleTree! Again, the hotel was completely covered by West House and was a wonderful place to stay, but despite the amenities, we were eager to get back out into the city!!
With free time on our hands for the night, we decided to venture into the subway—ohhh, ahhh—which was quite a challenge for the directionally challenged. After finding our way (not without a few hiccups), we landed in Washington Square Park, and met up with some friends who showed us around NYU!!
Evidence of us exploring the city!
After venturing back to the hotel and resting up, we were ready for the Met the next day! In the museum filled with ancient relics, famous paintings, and super cool monuments, we found ourselves lost for hours in the hallways! Afterwards, we were drawn to Central Park, as we found ourselves missing the familiar embrace of the shade of nearby trees and the green glow overhead when the sun hits the leaves.
While the weekend trip was a beyond AMAZING experience we were able to have with our housing community, I am glad to be home!!
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!
Homecoming—a time when current students and alumni gather to relive cherished memories and exhibit large amounts of school spirit. Find out how I spent my second Homecoming Weekend at Dartmouth!
I recently visited the Harold Edward Cable Makerspace, a workspace designed for students to create personal projects. Read about some of the different tools available and what I made!
I took advantage of the crisp autumnal weather and vibrant foliage to explore beyond Hanover and cross off an item on my bucket list, just in time for Halloween!
