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!
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.
I was immediately drawn to this course just by the title. To put it simply—wow, just wow. Through studying two centuries of wars, reforms, and revolutions, I've gained a deep understanding of Chinese nationalism, not just as part of national history, but also how it was carried overseas by an array of influential characters. Professor Yi Lu is one of the kindest, most genuine, accommodating, and thought-provoking professors I've had a pleasure to know and learn from at Dartmouth!
SummerThe Baltic countries: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
Studied abroad in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with the government department! As post-Soviet countries, the Baltic states have become democratic success stories after major political and social transformations. This government seminar—taught by the program director—featured a variety of guest lecturers and excursions exploring the concept of democracy, its pathway and development in the Baltics, and the region's future given its geopolitical significance at the forefront of potential global conflict.
For a college student, I can be considered an early riser—funnily enough, there is a timeblock for classes that start at 8:50 am, which I try to avoid as I like to utilize my mornings as work time before the actual start of my classes. I usually do my history class readings during this time; so, as part of my morning routine, you can find me reading away on my laptop inside the local Hanover Starbucks in town.
Starbucks study session
10:10 am: Intro to Chinese Culture
After Starbucks, I left to go to my first class of the day, Intro to Chinese Culture. We just started our literature unit, so today's class was on Chinese folk poetry and discussing poet Tao Qian's Peach Blossom Spring.
11:45 am: Gym
Since my afternoon/evening was going to be spent at Ben and Jerry's, I decided to go to the gym after class; the gym usually isn't as crowded during this time compared to 5-6 pm, so I'm glad I utilized this time to get a workout in between classes. (FYI: the gym is free to undergraduates!)
12:50 pm: Readings at Irving
Since my reading load for my history class today was heavier than usual, I went to do my last reading at Irving Institute, accompanied by an iced coffee on the side from The Fern cafe, a Dartmouth Dining cafe inside of Irving.
Iced coffee!
2:10 pm: Nationalism and Revolution in China
Headed to my second (and last) class of the day! Today, we are discussing the founding of the Chinese Communist Party accompanied by a few primary and secondary sources that we read before the start of class.
3:30 pm: Drive to Ben and Jerry's Factory Tour
After class, my friend/fellow blogger Diana '23+1 and I decided to take a trip to the Ben and Jerry's factory in Waterbury, VT. Since Diana is graduating this year, one of her bucket list goals was to visit the ice cream factory, so we decided to pay the factory a visit. After a short 1 hour drive, we made it to Ben and Jerry's! We booked a guided factory tour that started with the founding of Ben and Jerry's to its production room, and ended with a sweet snack in the Flavor Room.
7:00 pm: Dinner at "The Hop" (Courtyard Cafe)
Diana and I got dinner at Courtyard Cafe, another Dartmouth Dining location located inside the Hopkins Center for the Arts. On our way back, we scheduled an order with Courtyard Cafe so it'd be ready when we got back. My go-to order at "The Hop" is a create-your-own salad, and some berries from the yogurt bar!
8:30 pm - 11:00: Winding Down…
After a long day, I used this time to catch up on some work such as editing blogs for People, Places, Pines (this blog), reviewing work from Dartmouth Alumni Magazine, or planning out my priorities for the next day. Additionally, some good Netflix is part of my favorite pastime activities, especially comfort shows such as Grey's Anatomy or Suits!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
