![Julia smiling set against some greenery](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/7382cb94-d687-4bfb-8a21-71ed89dfbf02_1_201_a_-_julia_cappio.jpeg?itok=G2ofq6aA×tamp=1694612238)
![Sunset on the beach - logically this is probably a Seattle beach](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/9c541b97-deda-46ef-bf73-9242bb9aa16a_1_201_a_-_julia_cappio.jpg?itok=Ie8_t22F×tamp=1694612317)
Julia Cappio
![Julia smiling set against some greenery](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/7382cb94-d687-4bfb-8a21-71ed89dfbf02_1_201_a_-_julia_cappio.jpeg?itok=G2ofq6aA×tamp=1694612238)
You are here
![A zoomed-in photo of an old map book that shows a global view.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_6576.jpeg?itok=-P-lQMpI×tamp=1697208213)
Professor Pride
Before coming to Dartmouth, I had no real sense of how students interacted with professors here. I had heard that students and professors tend to be close because of our undergraduate focus, but I had no idea what that looked like in practice. TL;DR, I definitely understand what's so special about these relationships now.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Rauner Special Collections Library with my Religion 1 class. Our midterm project involved choosing an artifact from the library and explaining why it matters using our own definitions of mattering. We got to select among objects including a version of the First Folio(!!!!), a copy of "On the Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin, and a book with a lock of George Washington's hair encased in it(?!). I chose to focus my paper on a splinter of wood from the Yale goalpost after we destroyed it during our first win against them in 1936 (I do NOT condone destruction of property FYI). It was so much fun to be at Rauner with my classmates who were also geeking out over the incredible pieces we got to touch and examine. It's easy to forget that all of us were/are (to some extent) pretty nerdy people. It's one of the best parts of being at a school like Dartmouth.
During our tour, the guide recommended that we drop by the library again to check out the artifacts another time. I felt pretty confident that I wanted to work with the piece of wood, but I decided to go back because, honestly, I just wanted to see some of those awesome pieces again. I ventured back over to the library on Saturday morning. When I got there, I asked the front desk attendant where the Religion 1 cart was. The attendant gave me a bit of a funny look before gesturing over to a group of people crowded around a table filled with objects. To my surprise, I looked over to find my professor waving at me. He was there with his family, all looking at the artifacts pulled for our class. We chatted for a couple minutes before I scurried over to the library to get started on my paper.
I know that I've already written about how much I love being here. However, I think this moment took my adoration to a new level. I came to this school to interact with professors who know my name and are excited to say hi to me on the weekends. These are scholars at the top of their fields that care about me as both a student and an individual. Yes, I love spending time with my friends. I feel so fortunate to have found people who make me feel worthy and special every day. And, I am so lucky to go to a school where I am filled with "pinch me" moments about academics, too. I've said it once and I'll say it again: Dartmouth is the best of both worlds.
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Sophomore Summer has already defined itself by its exciting, unfamiliar experiences and the relaxed atmosphere of campus. With new classes and clubs in full swing, here is what I have been up to during this wonderful time on campus!
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In this blog, I would like to share some other academic-inclined ways that Dartmouth students spend their freshman summer.
![blogger_image](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/wechatimg3290.jpg?itok=_fEvVHFF×tamp=1695605711)
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In the summer, prospective students might take the time to visit potential colleges and universities to apply to. But what are some things to look for as you peruse campuses and take in the view, especially during the summer? Here are some ideas!
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I'm now finally done with my pre-medical requirements and wanted to continue my recap of the whole journey!
![pic](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1827.jpg?itok=BAuyur99×tamp=1665456638)
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My first-year at Dartmouth has been a period of profound growth and self-discovery. It has challenged me to push beyond my limits, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, and navigate the complex web of opportunities that define college life.
![blogger_image](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/wechatimg3290.jpg?itok=_fEvVHFF×tamp=1695605711)
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"What's your major?" seems like a pressing question for every freshman, but now that my freshman year is behind me, I know I shouldn't have worried as much.
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This term I directed the Scottish Play with the Dartmouth Rude Mechanicals!
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