Hi! My name is Jack and I am a Sophomore at Dartmouth. I currently plan to major in sociology modified with anthropology, all with a human-centered design minor. Outside of class, I enjoy performing and I'm currently involved in both a student dance group and acapella. I love hiking and running outdoors and have already explored a lot of Dartmouth's surrounding trails. I am also involved in Greek Life, the Student and Presidential Committee for Sexual Assault, and the Inter Fraternity Council.
I can't believe that I have been on campus here at Dartmouth for a month. It simultaneously feels like the time has been incredibly long and ridiculously short and it's hard to describe? It's like the days have gone by very fast so the fact we are already hitting Week 5 now feels insane, but looking back, it feels like I have already lived here for months. The Dartmouth experience is incredibly immersive, so I just was sucked in immediately and have been flying through time very quickly. I thought that in honor of my first month here, I'd take a second to discuss some of my favorite aspects of the beginning of my life at Dartmouth!
The first thing that comes to mind when reflecting is the beautiful surrounding area. We are just exiting the ~peak foliage~ period, so the leaves have been incredibly colorful! I have realized how lucky I am to live in a place where the trees are so beautiful and have access to wonderful viewpoints and walks to take the sights in. One of said viewpoints is the Gile Mountain fire tower, which I think every single student has visited in the past 2 weeks. This involves a quick walk in the Vermont woods, 20 minutes from campus, and you end up at this old fire tower that you can ascend to see above the trees for miles! There have been long waits to get up the tower, but it is always worth the view.
Here's the incredible view from the top of the Gile tower!
Thinking about my friends and classmates here, I can't help but smile. I have never been more impressed by a group of my peers in my life. Over this past month, I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with some incredible individuals. I have been blown away by how outgoing and friendly people have been, and I am so lucky to have met and become friends with such amazing people. I have gone hiking, swimming, studying, eating, shopping, and so much more with other '24s and enjoyed every second. I have friends that are incredible varsity athletes, professional artists and performers, and impressive thinkers/communicators. It sounds extremely cheesy and you all have heard it a thousand times, but Dartmouth's community is truly special. Words can't fully describe how it feels to be here around such wonderfully supportive people.
While the Homecoming bonfire ceremony couldn't happen this year, we still got to decorate the bonfire boards that will be attached to the fire next year- here's my friend next to one of the boards!
This first month has been one of the busiest of my life, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Even though we haven't had the most conventional start to our year, it has still been extremely enjoyable and safe! I have joined a performance group (which I'm sure I'll discuss on here at another time), made some great friends, enjoyed nature, done (more than) some homework, and truly enjoyed living in Hanover. I am so grateful to have had this first month be so positive, and I can't wait to continue this experience and share it all with you!
Three years ago today, I received an email that would shape my entire Dartmouth experience in a way I never could have predicted. It's funny to think that it all started because I was a prospective student obsessively reading this very blog.
The River Cluster (the group of residence halls closest to the Connecticut River, including French and Judge Hall) has a reputation…and some of it is warranted. But there's more to living in the River than you might expect!
