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.
Full Circle Moment: First Year Trips Croo + Trip Leader
As I enter my second year at Dartmouth, I also got the opportunity to volunteer for First Year Trips (FYT) as both a Support Crooling (crew member) and Trips Leader. As an incoming student last fall, I had so much excitement surrounding Trips, which exceeded my expectations (click here to read more on my FYT!); neverthless, when the application to volunteer for Trips came out, it was no brainer that I would also apply to help out with Trips this fall. The First Year Trips team isn't just composed of Trip Leaders, but also a myriad of Support Croos (Dartmouth lingo for Crew), which are logistic and support teams that work behind the scenes to help the Trips program run smoothly.
After finding out I was going to be on a Croo, it was later revealed that I would be on VOX Croo, which manages the safety and logistical responses during Trips. Some examples of what VOX is responsible for include responding to incidents, injuries, and urgent situations that occur during Trips, as well as supporting Trip Leaders through these situations. Although this might sound a bit boring and high stress, VOX was SO much fun.
My experience with VOX was a bit different from my fellow VOX croolings. Before the first day of Trips officially starting, VOX was notified that one of the trips was in need of a substitute Trip Leader due to last minute changes — before arriving on campus for Trips, VOXlings (VOX + croolings) were asked if we would be willing to step in as a Trip Leader in case of unforeseen circumstances (VOXlings would come back to Croo after stepping in as a Trip Leader), in which I noted that I wouldn't be willing to; however, as our VOX captains were looking for VOXlings willing to sub in as a Trip Leader, I thought it would be rather an awesome experience and opportunity to be able to do both positions in one Trip!
After deciding to step in as a Trip Leader, we left the first day of Trips as I was Section A Cabin Camping and Nature Literature. Being in a cabin away and unplugged from the internet reminded me to appreciate the outdoors and nature a little more. I met seven new '27s who I probably wouldn't have met if it weren't for Trips, and also got to know my lovely co-leader Brooke, who is also a '26! Although I didn't have the intention of leading a Trip this time around, it taught me to embrace the unknown with an adventurous spirit!
After Section A of Trips ended, I came back to VOX Croo. One element of VOX that makes it so lively is dressing up in flair (a Dartmouth tradition of wearing crazy outfits) and doing check-ins with various Trips around the surrounding Hanover and Upper Valley area. Here is a photo of hiking Mount Cardigan with fellow VOXlings as we did Trip check-ins!
Being able to start off my fall term able to help out with Trips is definitely an experience I got to check off my Dartmouth bucket list. Here's to a beautiful fall and embracing the adventurous spirit!
