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.
During the last few weeks of winter term, I decided to head into the Student Wellness Center for the first time as I heard about the free massage chairs offered; nevertheless, this quickly became my favorite place on campus.
After I discovered this hidden gem, I knew where I would go for my study breaks in the midst of preparing for finals: I climbed up the stairs from the Orozco Room in the Baker Library basement and excitedly strolled to First Floor Berry as I made it a mission to stop by the Wellness Center. Aside from the great massage chairs in the Tranquility Room, the Student Wellness Center also offers a relaxing sofa space to sit and relax, a puzzle and play-dough station, snacks and cold drinks, hot tea bar, beauty facial masks, and pet therapy! Additionally, aside from the various paraphernalia around the SWC, it also offers a wide array of services such as Wellness Check-Ins, Yoga, and meditation! Furthermore, the center directs the Sexual Violence Prevention Project, Refresh Sleep Improvement Program, and various mental health and wellbeing resources.
Towards the last week of classes and into finals week, I developed a bad cold that didn't go away no matter what remedy I tried. After class, I would head straight to the Wellness Center as I thought it would be great for me to do my work on the relaxing sofa while having access to the hot tea bar that was great for my throat; I ended up spending a whole week inside the SWC as I used the morning to do work while my afternoons consisted of taking 4 hour long naps that were great for my sickness. One afternoon, I met Sid, the Wellbeing Program Coordinator, who noticed me napping on the sofa frequently and encouraged me to attend one of the yoga sessions he facilitated called Yoga Nidra, a sleep-like meditation. The following Wednesday, I decided to register for Yoga Nidra as I was looking forward to trying out this meditation practice that is supposed to be deeply restful and rejuvenating, which indeed did live up to its expectations; you can also earn a PE/Wellness credit if you attend 12 or more sessions offered by the Wellness Center, which includes Yoga Nidra!
In all, I'm so grateful to have found and utilized the Student Wellness Center which has been beyond beneficial to me and my wellbeing at Dartmouth. My favorite part of the SWC is the immediate sense of relief in my body as I enter a refreshing, stress-free, and calming space on campus!
I applied through Questbridge's National College Match, but did not match. To others who also did not match, this is not the end of your application process! Here's what I did following match decision day.
Unlimited buffets, flavorful drinks, an assortment of breakfast pastries—Dartmouth has so many great food and drink options to choose from! Join me as I rank my favorite ones.
Walking around the Wellelsey campus, it's clear that it was built with intentional incorporation of the surrounding nature. The architecture of many buildings were also mindfully crafted to support Wellesley's unique principles.
