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.
Every fall, winter, and spring term at Dartmouth, there is one key tradition that we all look forward to: Homecoming in the fall, Winter Carnival in the winter, and… Green Key for the spring! So, what exactly is Green Key?
Green Key is a big weekend in May filled with festivities as we celebrate the spring and the end of the school year; it also gives us a chance to appreciate the sun a little bit more as we use this weekend to relax before heading into finals. I like to think of Green Key as "Dart-chella" (Dartmouth Coachella) as there is a big headliner concert that happens on Gold Coast Lawn (on Tuck Drive) on Friday, then followed by smaller concerts by our student bands on Saturday, more music, free food, crawfish boil, and a whole lot of smiles!
A few weeks before Green Key, Collis hosted Battle of the Bands, in which a variety of student bands competed to open up for the headliners of Friday; this year, our student band Frank won and got to open for the big concert. This Green Key, our headliners for the big Friday concert were Cochise and Neon Trees. I had never been to a concert before, so I was really excited to be able to enjoy this moment with my friends and the community around me.
On Saturday, after a nice sleep-in, my friends and I decided to go to Lou's Restaurant for a delicious Great American breakfast. With a day filled with events planned, there was always something to do at any given time past 12 pm. Besides the free food hosted by Collis, crawfish boil, and Greek house concerts/events, the Dartmouth Organic Farm hosted an annual event called Brewhaha, which features a variety of kombucha and non-alcoholic brewery, food (fun fact: you can bake your own pizza at the O-Farm), crafts, and some more music! Although it was raining on Saturday, the concerts and festivities still went on as everyone wanted to make the most out of this weekend.
Green Key has to be one of my favorite weekends as it is a moment to really appreciate the spring and people I am surrounded by. Now that I've experienced all three of the prime traditions at Dartmouth, it's safe to say that I'll probably be looking most forward to Green Key and the nice spring weather.
Through Dartmouth's Guarini Institute for International Study, I am getting to take classes and experience life at Wellesley College, an all-women's school!
