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.
Throughout my first year at Dartmouth, I found myself getting involved with the Admissions Office in new ways every term. Here are the three on campus jobs I have with Admissions:
1. Admissions Blogger: As an avid reader of the blog prior to my acceptance, I found it as an incredibly insightful source into envisioning my life at Dartmouth, and how every blogger's experience gives me an idea of how I can create my own version of Dartmouth. Thus, I knew blogging for the Admissions Office was something I wanted to do at Dartmouth. During the summer before entering Dartmouth, I saw on Dartmouth Admissions' social media that they were accepting applications for People Places Pines (this blog!). A few days later, I submitted my application, was invited for an interview, and here I am! I view blogging for People Places Pines as an outlet to do something I enjoy: storytelling—and I get paid for it as well! In the midst of a fast-paced term, I find myself reflecting a lot on my time at Dartmouth, and I feel a little more grateful for the College.
2. Campus Tour Guide: During my first winter term, I applied to be a campus tour guide, which is also a part of the Admissions Office; an interview later, I was offered the position and became a tour guide in training. The first half of spring term consisted of weekly training with the entire new cohort of tour guides, small group with a tour guide trainer, and tour guide partner (1-1) in order to prepare for the tour test. My tour guide trainer, Aidan '24, is one of the best tour guides I know; so, I loved meeting for small group training since he is such a joy to be around. After I passed my tour test, I began officially giving solo tours by myself half of spring term!
3. Admissions Communications Intern: As the position to be an communications intern for the Admissions Office opened in the spring, I was encouraged by my good friend Sydney '24 to apply since she previously held this role and is now a Senior Fellow for the Admissions Office! I found myself as I wanted to be involved with the blog in a larger capacity such as oversight, and engage in communications more broadly with the Office. After an interview, I was hired along with two other lovely interns Lauren '26 and Caroline '25 for the Admissions Office. We started training early on during the summer and have been working ever since!
The "Why Dartmouth" supplement was the hardest for me to write. How would I explain all the reasons I loved Dartmouth in 100 words? I chose Dartmouth because of how the people and campus made me feel. Dartmouth radiates excitement.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a phenomenal total solar eclipse occurred — and we happened to be within the path of totality. As a result, Dartmouth hosted a variety of eclipse-related events on- and off-campus. Find out how I spent the eclipse!
