Hello! My name's Griselda Chavez & I am a second-year student from Southern California. I am majoring in Economics modified with Public Policy and double minoring in Human-Centered Design and Environmental Science. At Dartmouth, I have been involved with Dartmouth's Center for Social Impact, the Rockefeller Center, the Dartmouth, and People of Color Outdoors (POCO). Stay tuned to learn more about what Dartmouth has to offer and how as a first-generation college student I have navigated college.
Academic Program
Economics Modified w/ Public Policy, Human-Centered Design, Environmental Science
Although the topic and issues were not completely new to me, I was able to learn more about why current immigration policies existed and the history behind several immigration policies. I absolutely loved the class because Professor Kim was passionate about the course, and the numerous readings we were assigned were very insightful and encouraged class discussions.
The course centers on the educational issues of public school systems and how by creating certain policies or programs we can improve schools and use them as a tool to promote social mobility and equity. The students who took the class were always very passionate to discuss and came from a variety of majors and educational backgrounds, thus enriching class discussions. Furthermore, I loved that Professor Wheelan encouraged us throughout the entire term to "think outside of the box" and inspired us to continue pushing for more change.
During the spring term, I was very confused as to what major I wanted to pursue and decided to give economics an opportunity, never expecting that I would enjoy it. Professor Petre did an amazing job of demonstrating how economics could and is used for social issues like environmentalism, minimum wage, and discrimination. Learning about the concepts and employing them was very important to me because I felt like I could learn how to best help communities.
Dartmouth hosts a first-year family weekend every year for the families of current first-year students. Because of the pandemic, the Class of 2023 and 2024 were unable to experience their family weekend. Therefore, the College organized a fall term weekend to experience a fully programmed weekend for Dartmouth students and their families.
Starting on Friday, Dartmouth Coach buses, a transportation system that extends from Boston and New York to Dartmouth, arrived carrying several family members. The sidewalks were busy with adults and the streets were busy with cars driving by. While they stayed on campus, they were able to attend dance groups' showcases, listen to acapella groups, tour the campus, shop in Downtown Hanover, engage in outdoor activities, and much more!
Being on campus felt very bittersweet. During meal periods, families could be seen grabbing food from our dining hall '53 Commons (FOCO). As I studied in Blobby (Reiss Hall in Baker Library), I could see students showing their families around the campus they were attending and taking pictures outside in Baker Lawn and the Green. Even after the weekend, photos still lingered around on Instagram.
It was heartwarming to capture those happy moments others were living through, but it was also saddening to recognize that I would probably not be able to get the same experience of showing my parents around throughout the next three years. There were several other families who for some reason, whether it was international, out-of-state, low-income, citizenship status, health reasons, etc. could not attend. Although it sometimes feels like you are alone, there are several other students who undergo similar experiences and you can connect with them.
I think, for me, it was important to address this because it's necessary to address not only the benefits and advantages of going to Dartmouth but also the moments where it may not feel so great. Prior to my senior year of high school, I was a firm believer that I would not be applying to out-of-state colleges because of the obstacles between my family and me. I was terrified of what it would mean and the loneliness I could feel. Although it is a justified reason, I want to let you know that it is possible to go out of state.
Although the weekend was occasionally upsetting, I think I have coped with it by taking time to accept it and knowing that I'm not the only one going through these emotions. Moreover, I am reminded that although this weekend was harder than the others, I've had a great time overall while at Dartmouth and hardly ever feel incredibly homesick.
Yes, it kind of sucks to know that your family won't be able to visit and it is unfortunate. But, I think it also gets easier each year. And if you decide to go to college, close to where your family is, that is also okay! Just know that it is possible to move and it is okay to make that choice.
Planning on visiting Dartmouth as a prospective student or an interested person wanting to see our beautiful campus? In this post, I share insider tips to ensure your visit is fulfilled!
Witnessing an eclipse was one of the most exciting days in my life to date, and a solid reminder of our place in this universe. Read on to hear about it!
Coming back from Spring break usually means coming back to an entirely different campus than the one you left in the Winter – but that was not the case this year! Read on to hear more...
