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.
One special opportunity I did not utilize my fall and winter term is the "Take a Faculty Member to Lunch" program offered by the Undergraduate Deans Office. This program allows students to invite a professor out for a meal at either our fine dining restaurant PINE in the Hanover Inn (just right across the Green), or the 1953 Commons (aka FoCo) dining hall — all on Dartmouth's dime! Additionally, "Take a Faculty Member to Lunch" can be utilized every term as a way to encourage students to engage in conversations that can range from academic interests to general life experiences with the professor of their choice. As my friends spoke excitedly about taking one of their professors to lunch during the last two terms, I made it one of my spring term goals: identify a professor early on that I would like to get to know more outside of the classroom; timely, this happened to be my seminar professor Dr. Stefan Link of the history department — I really enjoy the way Dr. Link initiates discussions in our class about the Green New Deal, and how attentive he is when responding back to our thoughts, which makes my ability to participate in the class to be of a mixture between excitement and delight.
My classmate/friend Laurel and I decided to invite Dr. Link out to lunch together since the program allows for a maximum of three students and one professor to attend, which I find to be comforting if you are feeling a bit nervous about what conversations to initiate or if there will be any awkward pauses during the meal.
Initiating the voucher was very easy as all I had to do was click on the tile in my DartHub (the student portal) labeled "Take a Faculty Member to Lunch" and then fill out the date of the meal, the professor's name and department, meal location, and any additional students. For PINE restaurant, each individual is given $30 for their meal, so our voucher's total was $90.
At first, I was a little nervous about my lunch with Professor Link because I wasn't sure how the lunch would go, or what exactly I would discuss with him; but, I'm really grateful Laurel decided to join me on this lunch since she was really great at initiating conversations with us all, as well as her upbeat attitude that made this meal a lot more enjoyable.
In all, I'm very grateful to have utilized this program as I got to learn a little more about one of my professors outside of the classroom setting, and Dr. Link's research area of interest when not discussing the Green New Deal. Dartmouth's faculty are some of the most brilliant specialists in their field, but I'm grateful to be introduced to another facet as I recognize they are also real people too.
Academics can be challenging at Dartmouth. But there are lots of groups across campus here to support you through your academic journey. Read on for my experience asking for help and a few organizations that might be helpful to you!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
