Joanna Jou
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Joanna's D-Plan
What's a D-Plan?-
FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: COLT 31.03 Poetry After WarA 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.
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: ECON 1 The Price System: Analysis, Problems, and PoliciesComing 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.
SpringHanover, NH
Favorite Class: HIST 7.36 The Green New Deal: A HistoryAs 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!
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FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: ANTH 50.49 Anthropology of MuseumsInitially 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.
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: GOVT 4 Politics of the WorldI 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.
SpringHanover, NH
Favorite Class: HIST 72 Nationalism and Revolution in ChinaI 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.
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FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: HIST 26 The Vietnam WarAs I prepared to go to Vietnam as part of the ASCL Developing Vietnam Fall+ study abroad program, I decided to concurrently enroll in the Vietnam War history course, which was also taught by my abroad program director, Professor Edward Miller. While the Vietnam War was undeniably a major domestic and global event, this class examined the war in the context of Vietnamese history, dating back to the origins of the war in Indochina’s colonial era. As a discussion-based class, I really enjoyed the various primary sources curated, which featured Vietnamese sources and perspectives at the center of analysis. Additionally, Professor Miller is one of the most brilliant and kind individuals I’ve had the privilege to study under!
Season of the Sticks, Skis, and Snow
You're not fully immersed in a Hanover winter without knowing how to ski. Read more on my experience taking ski classes with the College!
Exploring Study Spots: 23 Winter Edition
A new term comes with new study spots to explore. Let's take a look at some of my new favorite cozy study spaces that I've come to appreciate so far:
- No. 1
2nd Floor Berry
With Berry being the newer part of the Baker-Berry Library complex, it consists of four floors with various study spaces that are differentiated by noise levels; as you go up, the quieter it gets. 2nd Floor Berry (also known as 2FB) is home to the Jones Media Center and Evans Map Room, which assists with anything media-related and houses an extensive collection of geography-related materials; these study spaces aren’t just limited to just media or map related purposes, which makes them very accessible for all and any purposes. My favorite part of 2FB is how it is a common space for small group gatherings whether that is to meet for a project/assignment, to study with friends, or to simply see a familiar face.
- No. 2
Engineering and Computer Science Center (ECSC)
Although located farthest from the center of campus along Tuck Mall street, the Engineering and Computer Science Center is one of the newer buildings on campus as it just opened in 2022. I enjoy studying in this building because it is usually very quiet and is a great space to maximize productivity and is also a bit more modern; not a lot of students come here because it is very far unless you live in the River dorms, but I find the walk to be worthwhile. Additionally, ECSC is home to the Computer Science department and connects parts of Thayer School of Engineering into one building with various spaces for design (Digital Applied Learning and Innovation Lab aka DALI Lab), entrepreneurship (Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship), and research all under the same roof; this makes it more accessible/convenient for students interested in the intersection between engineering and computer science, and opens more options for co-curricular activities involving design thinking.
- No. 3
3rd Floor Berry
3FB has been my go-to study space for my first round of midterms that I just got through this week; this is generally known to be one of the more quiet spaces, but also sometimes a little more lively depending on the day. What’s more distinctive on this floor is the individual cubicles and desks all around 3FB, but also the group study tables and private group study rooms, which contribute to the facetime-y (Dartmouth slang for being outgoing and social) nature sometimes seen on this floor. Whenever I come up to 3FB, I always look for the individual cubicles that centralize my productivity while limiting distractions.
A 'Cord'ppella
Curious about a cappella at Dartmouth? Read up on my interview with Bill '26, a member of the Dartmouth Cords!
Embracing my Inner Crunch
Read about my first Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) winterim break trip!
- No. 1
Table Rock of Dixville Notch
This was the first hike of WHEATSTARCH, and also my first snow hike. Although it was a steep and tough hike, my fellow trippees kept me entertained with jokes and laughter along the way. After we got to the top, we enjoyed a beautiful snowy view of Dixville Notch and ate a delicious lunch consisting of pita bread, hummus, red bell peppers, corn nuts, trail mix, peanut butter, jelly, and very delicious dried mango (thank you to one of my trip leaders Abigail for introducing us to Wellsley Farms Dried Mango! ) that we devoured after a beautiful hike.
- No. 2
Crossing to Canada
The next day, our group of 9 trippees split up into two groups for two different morning hikes: Tumbledown Mountain and the 4th Connecticut Lake. I decided to do the International Peace Trail of the 4th Connecticut Lake because it is located between the line of what separates New Hampshire and Quebec, and marks the beginning of the Connecticut River that also runs through Hanover. Throughout the hike, our phone signals switched over to Canada and we even got text messages from our cell service provider that said “Welcome to Canada!”, which was definitely a highlight. After we regrouped back at the cabin, we had delicious vegetarian taco burrito bowls for dinner and reflected on how each group’s hikes went.
- No. 3
Never a Dull Moment
This photo was taken by Kelby, who was the second trip leader for WHEATSTARCH. I really appreciated this moment being captured as my fellow trippees and I sat at the dinner table talking about a variety of things, and learned more than a few things about each other along the way; this was basically how we would end our nights after dinner - crazy how five days can change the social interaction as we shared various storytimes while also learning so much about one another.
My Travel Journey Back to El Paso
As I finished my last final, I was ready to go back home. What did my travel journey look like?
Unpacking the Peer Recommendation
One of the most unique parts about Dartmouth's application process is the peer recommendation—let's unpack what this means.
Introducing my Freshman Winter Classes
As I prepare to enter my second term at Dartmouth, let me introduce the classes I elected to take for the winter.
Academic Interests, Pathways, and Possibilities
The biggest takeaway over the past three weeks is opening myself up to other academic interests, pathways, and possibilities. Tune in to read about my transition away from being bio+pre-med.
Curious about being Native/Indigenous at Dartmouth?
Read up on my interview with three '26s Lexie, Liliana, and Keva as they share their experiences being Native/Indigenous at the College and why they chose Dartmouth.
An Introduction to First-Year Dorms
Curious about the living situation of first years? Here is a sneak peak into first-year housing.
- No. 1
The Choates
The Choates Cluster, located northwest of the Green and next to Occom Pond, comprises 4 halls: Cohen, Bissell, Little, and Brown. Cohen and Bissell connect to a common room (known as Bisco), while Little and Brown also connect to their own separate common room (known as Brittle); the two buildings look identical to one another as they are also located next to each other. On my housing application, I had indicated that I would prefer to not have any roommates, which the residential life office (blessedly) granted as I currently live in a single inside Cohen Hall.
- No. 2
The Fayes
The Fayes (short for Fayerweathers) consist of North Fayerweather, Mid Fayerweather, and South Fayerweather, which are externally connected in a linear form right behind Dartmouth Hall. Because of its close proximity to the Green, it is often the hotspot for first-years to hang out as the Fayes host only first-years and house a good amount of the first-year class given its basement and four additional floors.
- No. 3
The River
The River Cluster, consisting of French and Judge Hall, is located closest to the Connecticut River (hence why it is called “The River”); students often joke about how it is closer to Vermont than the rest of campus as it is also the farthest from the Green (maybe it isn’t even a joke?). Nevertheless, many of my friends who live in the River Cluster vouch for the tight-knit community they have amongst the people on their floors and dorms as they spend more time in their common room together and get to know one another beyond just being floormates or hallmates. A bright side of living near the River is that you have the closest access to the Connecticut River to go swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, or anything else water-related during the warmer seasons.