Welcome to the transition diary from a big, cold Brazilian city to a small, very cold American town! I fell in love with Dartmouth, and I'm sure my first term will expand my love, as there is a lot to enjoy here in the woods: majors and minors, extracurriculars and clubs, many new open doors to a curious mind like mine! This was written to lofi hip hop, which I could listen to all day if I could, so come to me if you want some nice music to study or relax to. Hope you guys like the content!
Introduction to the amazing language of Chinese, taken with Mao Lao Shi. Really got my mornings going! I think all Dartmouth students should make the most out of their language classes, as they offer unique cultural opportunities and stick with you for life. I'm grateful for all who shared that classroom with me, and I am very happy to realize how much I have progressed in a subject so new to me.
My writing seminar, themed on Asian Conflict and Cooperation. I got to discuss a topic beyond my comfort zone, and had a blast! My classmates were really giving their best, and professor Rezvani gave us an incredible learning experience and an organized debate environment. This class opened my horizons , and I am really happy I took it, having looked forward for each class! My writing style improved greatly due to this class, which makes it all the better!
The class that first got me into CS, and eventually led to me choosing my major! I believe this class should be a requirement to graduate. Most students at Dartmouth take it already, and it figures. Great class, provides you tools you can use in whatever field you choose!
I took three Chinese classes this term, so I chose the last one to show off. This was the term I had my LSA+ experience in China! Got to travel all over, and improved my Chinese a ton. I encourage every Dartmouth student to take a language, even if you start at intermediate level, so you can go on an LSA+ or FSP experience!
A blast of a class! Discussion, great readings and a lot of amazing topics to learn. Also, Professor Joe Vignone was a bright spot on my term. A perfectly quirky man, I loved being one of two people to laugh at his jokes and his novelty t-shirts. He is also superbly smart and got me interested on a class I thought I was just taking to fulfill a graduation requirement!
Great Professor, great TAs, great class. I didn't think I'd like this class: it is infamous for being a lot of work. Don't get me wrong, it is, but it is work you do with a smile on your face. The teaching team is great, there is a lot of awesome material to cover and it's great to have some smartphone programming ability. Greatly recommend to CS majors!
How's living in a small College town for you? I remember I used to take daily strolls with my dad to the supermarket back home, to shop for daily needs (we don't have CVS in Brazil!). Now, I go on regular snack runs to CVS, and it is just as amazing. Oh, the variety!
There are many reasons why I might stroll down to the pharmacy/minimarket CVS. It might be restocking my dorm's snacks, it might for some over the counter medication, it might be for office supplies. It could even be a special date, such as a birthday or secret Santa, that I need a present for. Whatever the reason is, I know the Hanover mainstay has got my back, even in situations I wouldn't have thought of. I once needed eggs for my special end of term dish (homemade bread). I couldn't find them anywhere, but low and behold, CVS had my back once again, with a special promotion on eggs -- just $1.49 for a dozen! Moreover, Dick's House staff can direct your prescriptions directly to CVS, facilitating pickup and preventing longer trips when you are ill. Can you think of a place more convenient?
Why can't I just buy ALL the oreos?
Open all day, every day, CVS is also very accessible. I've stopped in at 1 a.m. on the weekends because I needed chips for my late-night viewings of The Bachelor. CVS is just present in all my important moments! And the staff makes it even more memorable. They are always happy to help and point out the numerous coupons I would not have spotted by myself. The smiles and the interactions in the aisles are something I look forward to anytime I go on a CVS run.
Coming to a college town, you might be concerned about your convenience options. However, if you need things faster than Amazon can bring them, your options are plenty: apart from the already discussed CVS, you can visit the COOP for fresh produce, the gas station's convenience store for snacks or even take a short (free) bus ride to West Lebanon, where you can find a Walmart, Kohls, a comic book shop, a Home Depot, Best Buy, TJ Maxx, and many other stores to cater to your needs. There's no lack of options up in New Hampshire!
I was attracted by the opportunity to engage with first-year residents and shape their Dartmouth experiences, in addition to working with other UGAs and staff who shared my interest in helping others.
We so very wish you could step onto Dartmouth's campus yourself to witness the beauty of our winters live, but COVID-19 has made visiting campuses extremely difficult. I would love to share some of my favorite photos from this past snowy week!
With lots of things (understandably) still closed on campus, it's nice to know that study spaces are beginning to open up again in a safe and responsible way.
In previous winters, I was able to skate on Occom Pond, usually at events with my Living Learning Community, and I'm glad to see that we're still able to take part in such winter festivities even with COVID-19 restrictions.
International students like me are no strangers to choosing their College without being able to physically visit. Now, I believe everyone is in that situation, and I decided to gather some thoughts on my choice!
How's a hedgehog plushie for a gift?
Why can't I just buy ALL the oreos?
I love you all, Prospies <3
