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.
My journey with food at Dartmouth has involved a lot of exploring. My gut health has not been the best, and I often found my body not feeling well after eating specific types of food. Thus, I started a gluten free diet in addition to being lactose intolerant. I was initially nervous about my food options at Dartmouth given my restrictions, but I've come to find Dartmouth Dining accommodating to my diet. Here are some finds at each major Dartmouth Dining Service (DDS) location:
1. The Class of 1953 Commons ("FoCo"): A particular aspect of FoCo I really appreciate is the menu TV screen at each station indicating any allergen symbols such as soy, wheat, and dairy that a specific dish contains; this alone helps me navigate the buffet-style dining hall. Furthermore, FoCo just opened an A9 station, a dining serving area that is free from the top nine allergens: dairy, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, fish, sesame, wheat, and soy—and naturally gluten free. I've had great experiences with getting my food from A9 as I've found it to be safe consuming the food I get at A9 as I know it doesn't have dairy while also being gluten free. Additionally, there is a gluten free freezer and pantry with gluten free frozen meals, pastries, breads, and snacks, which is available as part of the DDS inclusion and accommodation initiative.
2. Collis: One of my most frequent meal locations of choice, Collis, offers various gluten free options throughout the day, but I like coming for dinner as they offer GF pasta and sushi (which should be naturally gluten free without the soy sauce). I am not a big pasta person, but I appreciate this option if I do end up craving some pasta with marinara that FoCo's pasta station contrastingly doesn't offer. When I am craving something simple, Collis' sushi station featuring sushi chefs is a classic go-to for me—my favorite being the tuna and shrimp rolls. I've never been a big soy sauce person, so when I switched to gluten free, it wasn't a concern of mine.
3. Courtyard Cafe ("The Hop"): Although the Hopkins Center for the Arts is under reconstruction, Courtyard Cafe, which is inside The Hop, still remains easily accessible as the Hood Museum connects into this dining location. I love the salad bar at The Hop as they offer a multitude of salads that are made freshly when you order; my favorite has to be the "super salad", featuring a lemon vinaigrette dressing, kale base, and dried fruit—not to mention,there is also a "create your own salad" option, which I'm obsessed with. Furthermore, the Hop, known for its grill, features burgers, sandwiches, and egg burritos (which we call a "bob")—it's also important to note that these can also be made with gluten free wraps, buns, or bread! I've only gotten gluten free tortilla "bobs", and haven't tried the buns or breads, but I do appreciate having these alternatives.
I have written about being a student worker plenty of times in the past, but I have yet to talk about one of my favorite jobs ever: ticket selling at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a phenomenal total solar eclipse occurred — and we happened to be within the path of totality. As a result, Dartmouth hosted a variety of eclipse-related events on- and off-campus. Find out how I spent the eclipse!
