Hi! My name is Jack and I am a first-year at Dartmouth. While I plan to double major in theater and psychology, I intend to explore social science as a whole. Outside of class, I enjoy performing and I hope to participate in theater productions, a cappella and dance groups on campus. I love hiking and running outdoors and have already explored a lot of Dartmouth's surrounding trails. I still have so much to discover about this school and I'll keep you all updated here with what I find. Enjoy!
It goes without saying that things are far from normal in the world right now (I'm sure you all are just as sick of this "unprecedented times" talk as I am, so I'll save you from that). I was already nervous about moving 12 hours away from home and starting college without a single familiar face in sight. The pandemic only heightened such anxieties. However, the transition into Dartmouth has been smoother than I could have ever imagined. Dartmouth's COVID-19 plan for the fall involved a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, stuffed with multiple tests and virtual activities/events. To be fully transparent, before arrival, I was not looking forward to spending the first two weeks of my freshman year of college trapped in my dorm, but actually I ended up having a really great start to the year.
One of my largest concerns about starting college in a pandemic was the lack of social mobility. Opening up my housing assignment on my computer a week and a half before arrival, I was disappointed when I learned I would not have a roommate for this term. I became nervous about college, afraid I wouldn't be able to meet anyone and would end up upset and lonely. However, after arriving here, these fears went away pretty quickly. Through virtual meetings every night, I became extremely close with my orientation group, and we have been able to safely hang out and get meals together since quarantine has ended. I've been able to make other friends and meet more people in other formats as well. Being here made me realize that my feelings of social deprivation and excitement to meet new individuals are shared by most other freshmen, so we have all been extremely outgoing and friendly to each other.
Here's a flashback to move-in day, standing in front of Richardson Hall!
During the first two days on campus, students weren't allowed to leave their rooms for any reason as we were awaiting our first test results. That was definitely hard at times because I am an extroverted person, so not having another human to talk to face-to-face for 48 hours was a challenge. But, as I kept myself busy with orientation activities and a lot of room-decoration, time passed much faster than I expected. After those two days, we were allowed to go outside on solo walks or for exercise, and I used that opportunity as much as I could. I went on many different walks and runs through and around campus, discovering many beautiful scenic views. I have gone swimming, stargazed, and taken advantage of the last few hot days here before it permanently starts to cool down for the fall and winter.
This was captured on a sunset walk next to the Connecticut River.
If I had told myself a year ago that my first few weeks of college would look like this, I would have never believed it. Facing the college transition in the middle of a pandemic is not easy, but I have genuinely enjoyed every minute of my life here. If my first few weeks here in quarantine have taught me anything, it's that it is possible to meet people and have fun while still following the rules here in college.
But at the end of the day, when people ask me what my favorite Dartmouth memories are, I'm always thinking about the place. Ice skating, pink sunsets, riverbanks, or canoeing? That's my highlight reel.
In a world where proper social distancing is so important, Novack Café has fulfilled a unique desire for current on-campus students; it's a place to study, hang out with friends, and grab a snack—all while staying COVID safe.
The last week of October was especially ~spooky~ as I was able to find more time than usual to enjoy my weekend with friends and the small-town-charm of Hanover.
While the student body at the College may be relatively small, students here recognize that their vote can hold a lot of weight in New Hampshire, a classic swing state.
After walking around campus all day in eye-catching attire, we headed to a Murder Mystery night hosted by Phi Tau (a fraternity) in one of the tents scattered around campus.
My personal visit to Dartmouth was a huge factor in my decision to apply, so in honor of Week 7, I hope this blog post can virtually illustrate some of what Dartmouth has to offer in seven images – worth 7,000 words!
As a member of multiple performance groups on campus, I thought I'd give you a bit of background info on the opportunities here and discuss what we've been up to!
In honor of Veterans Day, I was able to interview student veteran Eugene Lovejoy '22 to hear about his experiences in the United States military and as a Dartmouth student. Read on to learn more!
During the first two days on campus, students weren't allowed to leave their rooms for any reason as we were awaiting our first test results. That was definitely hard at times because I am an extroverted person, so not having another human to talk to face-to-face for 48 hours was a challenge. But, as I kept myself busy with orientation activities and a lot of room-decoration, time passed much faster than I expected. After those two days, we were allowed to go outside on solo walks or for exercise, and I used that opportunity as much as I could. I went on many different walks and runs through and around campus, discovering many beautiful scenic views. I have gone swimming, stargazed, and taken advantage of the last few hot days here before it permanently starts to cool down for the fall and winter.
If I had told myself a year ago that my first few weeks of college would look like this, I would have never believed it. Facing the college transition in the middle of a pandemic is not easy, but I have genuinely enjoyed every minute of my life here. If my first few weeks here in quarantine have taught me anything, it's that it is possible to meet people and have fun while still following the rules here in college.
