Joanna Jou
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Joanna's D-Plan
What's a D-Plan?-
FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: COLT 31.03 Poetry After WarA discussion-based class co-taught by two notable professors in the Russian and German translation/scholar community. We read a series of poems and short stories written by poets who lived under totalitarian regimes (specifically in Germany and the Soviet Union) while examining the role poetry played in communicating trauma and the living of life.
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: ECON 1 The Price System: Analysis, Problems, and PoliciesComing in with no economics background, ECON 1 is an introductory class that explores how individuals and firms make independent choices, how it is reflected in the market place while analyzing it through consumer and producer perspectives, and exploring the theories involved in resource allocation and output determination. Taught by the amazing Dr. Ha Yan Lee, her dedication to the class and her students made me excited to come to her lectures, office hours, and to continue taking classes in the economics department.
SpringHanover, NH
Favorite Class: HIST 7.36 The Green New Deal: A HistoryAs a freshman, we are required to complete a seminar course as part of our first-year writing sequence. With a variety of departments to choose from, I elected a course on the Green New Deal with the history department since I wanted to explore the department a little more. As a discussion-based class, the way Professor Link structured his course and how he led discussions undoubtedly became the highlight of my spring term; not only did I learn some history and improved my writing along the way, but it also encouraged me to pursue the history major (and more classes with him).
SummerEl Paso, TX
Back home for the summer in Texas as I spend time with my family, focus on my mental and physical well-being, and start a new role with the Admissions Office as an Admissions Communications Intern!
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FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: ANTH 50.49 Anthropology of MuseumsInitially taking this course to fulfill my distributive requirement, I ended up really enjoying ANTH 50.49. Although I am a self-proclaimed museum enthusiast, I didn't think to inquire about the development or evolution of museums, which is why I thought this course would also be interesting to take. Nevertheless, Professor Meredith Ferguson '08 did a lovely job in shedding light on various angles in the museum world such as its natural history, curating/conserving, "heritage", repatriation and restitution, and public trust. In addition, we wrapped up the course by finally thinking about the future of museums, and their representation in society today.
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: GOVT 4 Politics of the WorldI initially took this course purely out of interest as I didn't have any prior experience with the government department. Nevertheless, Politics of the World is the reason why I've decided to pursue a government minor. Taught through a comparative lens, I quickly realized that much of my academics interests lie at the intersection between comparative politics and international relations; thus, this course served as an intellectually stimulating and enriching experience, which made it a highlight of my winter term.
Food at Dartmouth: Gluten and Dairy Free
Curious about food at Dartmouth involving dietary restrictions? Read on!
Working for Dartmouth Admissions!
Curious about how students can work for the Admissions Office? Here are three of the on-campus jobs I have—all with the Admissions Office.
Photo Journal: Fall 2023
Sharing snapshots of how my second fall at Dartmouth went with a little photo album!
- No. 1
First Pine Park Walk of the Term
During freshman spring, I started going on various walks throughout campus and Hanover with my friends Becca and Lauren. As soon as we were all back on campus, we decided to go on a walk to Pine Park after not being on campus for the summer. I love my walks with Becca and Lauren as we always get to decompress and relax, so I was excited for our first walk back before it got cold in Hanover.
- No. 2
Welcoming New Bloggers!
My fellow Admissions Communications Intern Lauren and I decided to plan a morning breakfast for our new bloggers! This special breakfast entailed a very early morning, and help from our boss Kevin.
- No. 3
President Beilock’s Inauguration
I had the opportunity to attend President Beilock's inauguration as Dartmouth's 19th president, and first woman president in the Wheelock Succession! I was really excited to be on campus during this historic moment since it isn't every year, or every couple of years that your college elects a new president. As I was a first-year during President Hanlon's last year as president of the College, I'm really lucky to see the transition into a new leadership team for the next few years.
Reflecting on My Sophomore Fall Classes
As this term is coming to an end, here is a rundown on the classes I took this fall!
Full Circle Moment: First Year Trips Croo + Trip Leader
Read about my First Year Trips experience not only as a Support Crooling, but also as a Trip Leader!
Photo Journal: Summer 2023
As the summer is coming to an end, here is a glimpse of my camera roll from the past few months!
- No. 1
Birthday in Boston
I left campus and celebrated my 19th birthday in Boston with my beautiful mom! We went to Saltie Girl—a seafood restaurant—and had such a wonderful dinner. Afterward, we walked to Matcha Cafe Maiko and had some delicious matcha floats (soft serve matcha + matcha tea).
- No. 2
Visiting Albuquerque
I decided to visit my boyfriend this summer, who lives on the outskirts of Albuquerque in a village called Corrales. We drove up to the highest point of the Sandia Mountains (called the Sandia Crest) and hiked around the nearby area. My brother also happened to be in Albuquerque for a summer program when I visited, so I also enjoyed watching his presentation on the final day of his program.
- No. 3
Little Tokyo in LA
I was in Los Angeles for a few days, so I met up with Daniel '26, one of my best friends from Dartmouth! We went to eat sushi in Little Tokyo, walked around the district, visited a Japanese grocery store, and then grabbed some matcha desserts. Daniel got the matcha soft serve, and I got a matcha smoothie; however, we started getting headaches and felt a bit shaky—it was safe to conclude that we were overcaffeinated from the very concentrated matcha, so we called it a day.
Beyond the Green: Walks and Friends
One of my favorite campus activities consisted of exploring spaces on the outskirts of campus. Read about some of my favorite paths!
- No. 1
The Co-op Food Store
One spring morning, my friend Lauren, whom I met during my winter spin PE class, invited me on an afternoon walk with her and Becca, which I immediately said yes to. We decided to walk to the Co-op Food Store, which is on the east side of Hanover (closest to the East Wheelock dorms)—there are two routes you can take to get to the Co-op; one is walking down West Wheelock Street (near the gym and sporting facilities) and then turning to South Park Street (near Thompson Arena and Leverone Field House), or walking down Main Street (downtown Hanover), turn at the corner of Starbucks, and then past Hanover High School. Becca and Lauren mentioned that they hadn’t been down the second route to get to the Co-op, so we decided to go this route instead. Coming back to campus, we decided to walk via the first route back up just for a change of scenery. I love grocery shopping, so I find a visit to the Co-op to be seemingly therapeutic and a sense of entertainment; the pricing at the Co-op is also affordable and student-budget friendly, which is another feature I appreciate. In addition, the company provided by Becca and Lauren was also a highlight of this walk—some of the sweetest and loveliest friends on campus!
- No. 2
Pine Park
During the fall, my friend Julia was visiting from Yale, so I decided to take her to Pine Park (located past Occom Pond and the golf course). I hadn’t visited Pine Park yet, so I thought it would be fun to bring along a friend as we explore the outskirts of campus and the nature that comes with it. There are a variety of gorgeous trails through Pine Park; whether you are looking for a route on the shorter end or something longer, the Pine Park Visitors’ Map has got you covered. I must admit, I am a bit geographically challenged, so I took Julia around Pine Park without actually knowing where we were going. Luckily, I still had a signal on my phone, and Pine Park has many signs you can follow; eventually, we made it back!
- No. 3
Woccom
One of my favorite evening activities is definitely a woccom (a hybrid of "Walk" + "Occom"), which is where you can probably find me at night, especially during the fall and spring terms. Occom Pond is located on the north edge of campus near Dick’s House (the student health center/clinic). You can do a woccom clockwise or counterclockwise, so there is some flexibility in your scenic route; additionally, you may also encounter deer around Occom, which was surprising as I don't usually see any deer back home in El Paso. I love going on woccoms by myself whenever I need some alone time or time to decompress, whether that is listening to music on my walk or talking on the phone with my mom. Woccoms are also great with friends! I did a lot of woccoms during my spring term as a way to catch up with friends while staying active.
Exploring the History Department
Curious about the Department of History at Dartmouth? Here's a sneak peek into the history major and departmental offerings.
"It's Okay To…": A First-Year Reflection
Here are some lessons I've learned over the course of my first year at Dartmouth!
First Time Kayaking!
I went kayaking on the Connecticut River for the first time. Read up on my experience!