Garrett Crouch
The Indigenous Fly-In Program at Dartmouth
As a native student, the Indigenous community at Dartmouth caught my attention early on in my college search process. Around this time last year, fall of 2021, as a senior in high school, I attended Dartmouth's Indigenous Fly-In Progam—and although it was presented in a virtual format, I had an extremely encouraging and enlightening experience. In retrospect, I would definitely say attending the program was critical to my final decision in applying Early Decision to Dartmouth, which is a binding commitment option available to students who are certain of the college they wish to attend. In my case, after attending the Fly-In Program, I was more than certain Dartmouth was going to be my new home. Let me highlight why!
The Indigenous Fly-In Program
The Indigenous Fly-In Program (IFI) at Dartmouth is a college admissions program designed to give prospective Indigenous students a glimpse into the daily life of a college student at Dartmouth. During my time as an IFI student, I met with various admissions officers and directors over Zoom and was able to essentially craft my entire understanding of Dartmouth as an institution, both through a prospective student lens, as well as a native student. This included everything from the basics of building and developing a successful application, learning about financial aid opportunities, as well as getting involved and immersed in the Indigenous community at Dartmouth. Being able to experience and participate in the program was really ground-breaking, I met fascinating professors, I got to chat one on one with admissions officers and directors, and I got to make friends in the native community! The program gave me a sense of belonging, answered all my nagging questions about Dartmouth and student life, and it provided me with an opportunity to share a Dartmouth-specific experience on my application.
I had such a valuable experience during the program, I made a vow to myself to find some sort of way to get involved for the next class of IFI students if I ended up fortunate enough to attend Dartmouth. Thankfully, I had the opportunity this past week to do so! For the first time in three years, the 2022 fall class of IFI students were able to participate in the program in person, on campus—we had 65 amazing students join the native community and stay on campus for three days! One of my hometown friends happened to be attending the program and I was able to be his host!
It was really neat seeing the native community show so much support for all the prospective students; Dartmouth's Indigenous community as a whole is really inspiring. Everything from the professors to the Native American House (NAH) on campus pictured above, to the mentors and directors, to the IFI program, the manner in which students and faculty connect with one another is entirely unique to Dartmouth, and that's something I'm really proud to be a part of.
With that, I'm glad I was able to share a bit about the Indigenous community here at Dartmouth as well as IFI this week, my hope is that you learned something new! With one last group picture of this year's class of IFI students, I'll see you next time!
Your friend,
Garrett
Posts You Might Like
In August, I participated in the First Year Summer Enrichment Program, a pre-orientation program designed to help FGLI students adjust to life at Dartmouth!
Recently, I explored the Norwich Farmers Market with my parents and it was amazing! It was such a perfect fall day!
My experience canoeing for the first time on my first-year trip!
A look into how I'm managing my commitments this term!
Even away from campus, Dartmouth students strive for a sense of place.
Sophomore summer was a time of deep personal reflection. Here are my reflections on sophomore summer and its serendipitous prospects!
Hola chicos! Do not worry I know I might be making you a little hungry but I promise it'll be worth it! Come and take a seat with me at the cookout table:)
Read about my experience during first-year trips, including cabin camping and a stay at the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge!
I'm starting my sophomore year feeling more grounded and clear about my academic and personal goals after a whirlwind first year of exploration. This fall, I'm excited for new experiences!