Hi everyone! I'm Estelle, a '23 from Seattle, WA. When not in class you can find me perusing every shelf at Left Bank Books, getting fresh bread at Umpleby's Bakery, spending time with friends, looking for a cup of coffee, and listening to music. I am a member of the Entrepreneurship LLC and a few on-campus clubs focused on service, mental health, and business. I work part-time at the Magnuson Center, most of the time on homework, and full-time at navigating this new world that is Dartmouth!
Four years may seem like a long time, your undergraduate commitment stretching out before you into a distant horizon. At least I felt that way when I arrived at Dartmouth. But word to the wise: the years really do go by with startling quickness. I can hardly fathom my current transition from freshman to sophomore, in part because Dartmouth welcomes freshman so wonderfully that I had no real desire to abandon the title even when my freshman year wrapped up in a flurry of finals and thank-yous to professors over mischievous internet connection, my face one of dozens in its little Zoom square. And yet I'm thrilled to do so, because now you, the '24s, inherit the mantle.
Though circumstances are different, Dartmouth welcomes every one of its carefully cultivated classes with unbelievable warmth. That includes you, wonderful class of 2024. While many of us may not be on campus to sing and dance and toast to you, we remain so very excited for your joining the Dartmouth community. I'm chomping at the bit to return to campus, to the crisp lovely sunlight and rain-puddles of Hanover's breathtaking fall, to a community of change-makers, especially those I'm honored enough to call my dear friends. But failing that, I'm left to siphon my excitement towards you!
Dartmouth's unofficial mascot! Hanover residents enjoy walking their dogs on campus *almost* as much as we love seeing them there.
You're going to Dartmouth!
The transition from high school to college is a big one, and you may not want to leave your loved ones especially during such circumstances as we find ourselves in today. But pursuit of higher education always requires some sacrifice—of funds, time, energy, hours turned to years on a whirling spindle which flutters full of papers and exams—but you are here because you believe in the pursuit, and in finding it worthy become endlessly worthy of it.
Trepidation is normal, but you are capable and brilliant and Dartmouth counts itself lucky to have you as members of its enduring community. After nearly a year spent walking on the picturesque Green, Dartmouth has become very dear to me, and there is nothing better than giving something which you care for to another who will appreciate it!
You're chasing your dreams, '24s. Of higher education, of making a difference, of equipping yourself to enter the world with banner flown for yourself and others. By keeping at it, you're inspiring us.
Keep the hearth-fire going for us, okay? The sun-dappled walks around Occom pond, the new footprints on the Green, the study and laughter and discovery. Dartmouth is a reflection of its students; I can only imagine the Green will be an even better place with you in it.
If you meet the prerequisites, Questbridge is an amazing opportunity that you should take advantage of. I know I did and, to this day, I believe it was the best decision I made as a high school student.
There are so many things that come to mind when I ask myself what I miss about campus. The smiles as you pass classmates on the Green, the satisfaction of finishing a paper in the Baker Berry tower room, the sweet taste of a FOCO cookie.
Choosing which three classes you are going to take can be a scary process. A great place to start is by considering what you came to Dartmouth to study.
Before I know it, it's already time to say goodbye to a somewhat unconventional freshmen year. The memories are here to stay, though. Here are some of my favorite snapshots of my freshmen year!
