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.
The beginning of each term always feels incredibly nice because it feels like an opportunity to restart and try again. The winter term feels especially special because everything feels like a new beginning, especially since the winter term usually starts just a few days after January 1st. Resolutions are also more likely to be carried back to campus. I wasn't on campus last winter, so I am feeling really excited and nervous about this upcoming winter. Therefore, I thought I would share a couple of things I hope to implement to enjoy the winter term as well as activities I would like to try out!
The winter days feel incredibly short because of the sun setting early. It is one of the things I dislike the most about the winter. The sun also rises a bit later than usual and sometimes there are just clouds and no sun. Therefore, a sun lamp is incredibly helpful for me to feel like I am being blessed with some warmth.
A humidifier! I bought one a while back because it was on sale and thought I might need it in the future so now is the perfect time to bring it out. I dislike how dry Hanover can get because it feels uncomfortable and I hope a humidifier will fix this issue.
This is definitely a stretch, but I would like to find a way to be more active during the winter. I am fortunate to live closer to the gym than other on-campus housing options. Therefore, I feel like I need to take advantage of it. During a regular fall day, I am more likely to be outside and at least take longer walks. However, I expect myself to be really lazy and hesitant to want to be outside for long periods. Therefore, going to the gym to play racquetball or just walking on the treadmills is something I would like to pursue.
Speaking of being active and moving around… I would love to try more outdoor winter activities. I don't have high expectations but it would be really cool to try skiing or snowboarding. Dartmouth is also installing an ice rink on the rink so that could be another fun option!
Visit the Hood Museum. I have grown to really appreciate different forms of art and the Hood Museum has plenty that I have yet to see. They also host different speakers and events that encourage community gatherings. Often, they will bring out fresh fruit, drinks, and crafts for people to enjoy.
Participate in a jewelry-making session. During the fall, seniors who did not purchase a Dartmouth class ring were able to sign up for a jewelry session to create their version of a class ring. There was also a session to create a jewelry piece that matched with students' chosen outfits. I would love to participate in these events!
Lastly, I can't wait to do the Polar Plunge again and make more of my friends participate in this tradition! The Polar Plunge is a Dartmouth tradition that takes place on Occom Pond during the Winter Carnival. A square of ice is carved out and students, as well as other community members, wait in line to swim from one distance to the other. Students are decked out in flair and bathing suits while battling the winter weather. I participated in my sophomore year and it was exhilarating, so I hope to drag more friends to join me this winter.
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!
