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 my first year here at Dartmouth is almost coming to an end, let's recount a few of the little things I've grown to appreciate here:
FoCo Oatmeal
Before Dartmouth, I had never been a fan of oatmeal. As I've eaten breakfast every day since the fall, there was no urge to approach the steel cut oatmeal at a breakfast station. However, during my winterim (the 6 week long break between fall and winter term) break trip, we made oatmeal for breakfast before leaving to go hiking for the rest of the day; and soon enough, I found myself loving oatmeal. As soon as I came back for winter term, the first thing I thought of was getting oatmeal for breakfast, so I trekked over to FoCo and found myself at the oatmeal station. Nevertheless, it has been my favorite breakfast choice since I've discovered my liking of oatmeal as I fill it with raisins, almond butter, cheerios, and hemp seeds — my favorite meal of the day.
The Hop Salad Station
One new thing I discovered early on this spring term is the salad station at Courtyard Cafe, one of the Dartmouth Dining Services cafe located inside the Hopkins Center for the Arts; not only do they offer grilled meals, but Courtyard Cafe's salad station offers a variety of salads ranging from a traditional Ceasar Chicken Salad to a Cranberry, Feta, and Walnut Salad to choose from; or also a "make your own" option. My favorite meal and go-to order at Courtyard is the Asian Chicken Salad with cranberries and plant-based chicken (I was skeptical of how it might taste at first, but don't worry — it's delicious!).
Professor Office Hours
At Dartmouth, professors open office hours on a specific day (or days) of the week, or by appointment for students to come in and chat. Coming into college and during fall term, I felt a bit intimidated by office hours, or what exactly I would want to talk to my professors who are very knowledgeable and experts in their field about; I mean, do they actually want to talk with me? However, Professor Lee changed how I viewed office hours. During winter term, I took ECON 1 with Professor Lee who made it an extra credit opportunity for students to attend at least two office hours within the first three weeks of the term. When I arrived to her office hours a few hours after the first class, I spent two hours in her office talking about a range of topics whether that's her academic field of study, skiing, or her cats; her enthusiasm for trying to get to know all her students made me feel like office hours were not just an obligation on the professor's end, and weren't as intimidating as I thought they were in the fall. I made it my goal to attend at least one of her office hours each week not because I had to, but because she made it worthwhile as I got to connect with her on a deeper level.
People-Watching on the Green
My favorite thing to do during fall and spring term is people-watching on the Green. On warm, sunny days, I try to not stay indoors for too long since I really enjoy the immersive nature of spending time outside, especially just lying on the Green whether that's taking a nap outside by myself, or relaxing with my friends. As the Green is quite literally the center of campus, it's also emotionally the heart of Dartmouth. People cross the Green at least once every day, so you'll recognize a few faces crossing the Green whether that's someone walking to the gym, someone making it a mission on their bike to make it to a class on time, or someone slowly getting a meal after a class. There's a feeling of comfort while sitting on the Green, soaking up the sun, and appreciating the friendly faces encountered on the heart of campus.
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!
Traditionally, Dartmouth students take three courses during a term, but I decided to take four courses this term! Learn about course load and the academic system at Dartmouth.
