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.
As we are approaching the home stretch of this term, my friend Tyler asked if I wanted to go to the river with him. Having not been to the river this entire year, I excitedly said yes! After doing some French final presentation work with my partner inside FOCO, I immediately went back to my dorm to change into my swimsuit and headed down to the Ledyard Canoe Club with Tyler.
The Ledyard Canoe Club, a Dartmouth Outing Club sub-club, also owns a boathouse right on dock by the Connecticut River; it offers various boat/watercraft rentals such as kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. Additionally, rentals with Ledyard are also pretty affordable (with kayaks being $10/hour, paddle boards being $15/hour, and canoes being $20/hour); also, there is a student membership ($50) that offer free kayaks and canoes for a business day or one overnight, and paddleboards for two hours, which is a great deal especially for Sophomore Summer. After getting to the boathouse, we decided to rent kayaks as Tyler's First Year Trip was kayaking, so I thought it would be fun for him to show me the ways as we explored the Connecticut River.
After hopping into our kayaks and embarking on our kayaking journey, we paddled to the north of the River, then turned around to cross the Ledyard Bridge. I learned that after you pass the bridge, there is an island called Gilman Island, which lies in the middle of the river. At Gilman, there lies a cabin called Titcomb Cabin, which is also owned by Ledyard Canoe Club and also available for us to rent. We paddled around the island, and then back to the boathouse; the journey back felt like such a long way, but we made it back in time for some yummy dinner at the Hop.
In all, I'm really glad that I got to go kayaking and trying at least one watercraft. Back home, there is no river available for me to swim or kayak in, so I felt a lot of appreciation for the Conneticut River and the fulfillment it brings me as I get to enjoy it for another three years.
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!
