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.
Over the course of my first year at Dartmouth, each term came with a series of reflections as I learned and grew along the way. Here are some of my favorite learning experiences:
It's Okay To…
Not know what you want to study or do with your life post-graduation:Prior to starting college, I essentially had planned out my life for the next twelve years. For example, I knew what I was going to study, all the courses I wanted to take my first year at Dartmouth, what clubs I wanted to join, plans for applying to medical school, and what type of specialty I wanted to practice—little did I know that it would all change within my first term here (click here to read more on my journey away from the pre-health path). As I dabbled in various departments, I found myself opening a wide array of possibilities that I probably wouldn't have discovered if not for the liberal arts education. After taking two history classes during my spring term, I found the excitement I was looking for all year long, and I can't wait to engage in more classes in the history department. I don't have an answer yet regarding what career path I would like to pursue upon graduation, but for now, I'm just taking it one step at a time.
Take time for yourself: Each term comes with different opportunities and challenges that may make one term more stressful than another. Sometimes I would pack my daily or weekly schedule with a variety of events; however, by the end of the day, I found myself needing to take a break whether that was a nap or just out of the studying atmosphere. I'm often reminded that we only have ten weeks each term, so it's important to have a mixture of time for work and also self-care; don't overload yourself.
Reevaluate your priorities: College is a time for growth and change, and with that, everyone is going to have different priorities. I've learned that it's okay to not have the same mindset, view, goal, or opinion you may have had the previous term. Change is good as you enjoy and explore new things, as well as have a new outlook through the course of time.
Feel imposter syndrome: There are so many brilliant minds at Dartmouth, and I've often felt anxious to speak up in the classroom as I fear not being good enough—it takes time for this feeling to go away. After fall and winter term, I learned that the best way to combat imposter syndrome is to take classes and professors you're going to enjoy, and also make friends in your classes. I found myself a lot more comfortable speaking in classes that brought me joy and excitement rather than sitting bored with no peer support.
Ask for help: Dartmouth offers a variety of academic resources available to students (for FREE), such as the Academic Skills Center. Inside the ASC, you can find weekly motivational programming, sign up for a peer-led course-specific group tutor, request a 1-1 peer tutor, or work with an academic coach. During the spring term, I was struggling with my French class, so I requested a 1-1 peer tutor who worked with me once a week. Additionally, I also scheduled an appointment with one of the academic coaches who advised me through a variety of language-learning strategies that I could try out. Don't forget to also utilize professor office hours as well; my professors have been flexible in scheduling times to meet with me outside of office hours if I can't make their official availability, which shows their interest in my learning despite their own busy schedules.
It's easy to forget how easy it is to access walking trails during the hustle of a Dartmouth term. As graduation nears, I am reminded of how special it is to step off campus and enjoy quiet moments in nature.
With a solar eclipse sweeping across North America for the first time in nearly seven years on April 8th came a road-trip with hundreds of other Dartmouth students to a zone of totality near campus: St. Johnsbury, Vermont!
