Hello there! My name is Joanna Jou, a '26 from El Paso, TX. I love Hanover sunsets, relaxing out on The Green, and Still North Matcha w/ honey + almond milk. I'm beyond stoked to have y'all follow along as I create my own version of Dartmouth!
Academic Program
Major in History; Double Minor in Government and Religion
A 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.
Coming 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.
As 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!
Initially 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.
I 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.
As I sit in the Hanover Starbucks on a gorgeous, sunny Saturday morning writing this blog post, I think back on the polar vortex's visit to Hanover and the Northeast last weekend. Although it was below freezing temperatures, that did not stop me or the rest of the student body from making the trek to Thompson Arena for the Dartmouth v. Princeton ice hockey game Friday evening; this game is also the most important game for the men's ice hockey team as a tradition follows in the midst of the game after our first point: throwing tennis balls. I had never attended an ice hockey game before coming to Dartmouth, so leading up to the Princeton game, I decided to attend some home games before the Princeton game just so I could learn how hockey worked in anticipation for the big home game. Turns out, I find ice hockey very entertaining and enjoyable—rumor has it that I'm a big hockey fan now.
My Friday evening started with grabbing dinner before the game at the local restaurant Tacos and Tequila with my friend and fellow blogger Chelsea '26. After a very delicious meal, we decided to head over to Thompson Arena (around a 12-minute walk from downtown Hanover) dripped out in outerwear winter essentials such as mittens, scarf, beanie, earmuffs, and hand warmers as the evening got colder hitting -17 degrees Fahrenheit. We arrived around 45 minutes early, since we expected the Dartmouth side to be a full house, which was the right decision as we were able to grab some great seats close to the front of the rink. The students were reminded to bring tennis balls to this game in order to continue the Dartmouth v. Princeton hockey tradition that has been ongoing since 1998. (For context, it all started with a Princeton student throwing a tennis ball at the Dartmouth goalie in the Princeton arena, which led to Dartmouth students orchestrating a payback when Princeton came to Hanover, resulting in a new light-hearted rivalry tradition!) After a long and aggressive start, we were eager for the first goal made by Dartmouth to throw the tennis balls. Nevertheless, with the crowd going wild came a burst of yellow tennis balls down into Thompson ice as we screamed and cheered for our team.
Despite a tough loss, my first Dartmouth v. Princeton ice hockey game definitely lived up to its excitement and expectations surrounding it; the packed student section, school spirit, and liveliness definitely made the walk to the game during the coldest week worth it!
Growing up in New England and transitioning to living at Dartmouth, I'm all too familiar with the unpredictability (and beauty) of New England's weather. Let me tell you about it here!
