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.
While opening up my Dartmouth application portal and reviewing the application materials checklist, I learned about the peer recommendation that Dartmouth gives us a chance to add into our application. While optional, I thought of the peer recommendation as a great way to provide a unique perspective for the Admissions Team to get to know another layer of ourselves through the eyes of our peers—who can be defined as your friend, sibling, teammate, classmate, or anyone else close to you (without a supervisory role) that you feel can strengthen your testimony of character. Some questions that can be helpful for your peer recommender include: How are you outside the classroom? Or what qualities do you possess as a peer in and/or outside of the classroom? What can your peer say about the qualities you possess? What is a memory (or memories) of you that can highlight your candidacy? What is it that your peer can add that can portray/showcase your personality truest to your character?
When deciding who I was going to ask to write my peer recommendation, I took into consideration who would have a raw vision of me that I felt was most true to myself and who I was. The question that I kept in my mind when thinking about who I wanted to ask to write my peer rec was "who can I trust enough to write my recommendation without needing to see it before they submit it?" I ended up asking one of my close friends from the Dartmouth Bound fly-in program; although I had never met her in person due to the pandemic making the program virtual, I felt that she would provide the best testimony to my character and the most to say given that I always felt a sense of comfort confiding in her and the extra layer of vulnerability she provided in our friendship, which made her a great choice in asking to be my recommender.
Two of the biggest questions that may come up by your peer recommender are about the length and structure. There is no official length or word count to how long the peer rec should be, nor is there a specific structure on how the recommender is to go about it; it's an abstract recommendation that can present your strengths and attributes to the College through the vision of you by your peer—trust them and their writing! I did not ask to see my recommendation before my friend submitted it because there should be enough confidence that your recommender will write a beautiful recommendation for the Admissions Team, taking away something positive about your character that can strengthen your application in this holistic review process.
As the regular decision deadline is approaching, I hope this can help any future Dartmouth '27s who are thinking about submitting a peer recommendation, or have already asked a peer who is currently writing one for them. Best of luck and we can't wait to welcome you to the woods!
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!
Learn about the different programs Dartmouth offers prospective students to explore campus life, learn about Dartmouth, and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Hanover!
"What's it like working for admissions?" "Are you being truthful with your answers?" "Are you being scripted?" Let's dive right into all these questions.
It's been (almost) a full year since I was in your (figurative) shoes! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dissect my Dartmouth application process. Part one of a long journey!
Choosing the right college is a critical decision that extends beyond mere rankings. Without the benefit of campus visits, it's vital to thoroughly research and understand each institution to ensure a fulfilling and safe experience.
