Kiara Ortiz

I am currently on-campus with most of the ‘24s this summer term as part of a tradition we call “Sophomore Summer." This summer usually entails opportunities for community building, leadership, and fun. With most upperclassmen away on off-terms, sophomores have the ability to lead clubs and organizations for the term. Additionally, more decide to complete research projects and are able to lead projects in their respective labs. But, above all, summer is a fun time! Though still taking classes, most choose a lighter course load or even take only two courses. There is more time to go swimming, kayaking, hiking, and more! 

The Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) is the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the United States. Most students interact with the club at least once, and it is mainly first through Trips! Most students will attend “First-Year Trips," but I participated in “Sophomore Trips” or Strips, which is the same concept except that it happens sophomore year. As a city person, hiking—or even grass for that matter—is not something I usually interact with. But, participating in Strips placed me outside of my comfort zone, taught me to appreciate the outdoors, and gave me way too many bug bites. (I have a separate blog post related to Strips if you are interested!).

Over winter term, I was looking for ways to gain more clinical experience and expand my horizons. Our Health Professions Program (HPP) includes pre-health mentors that will constantly send out opportunities available to Dartmouth students. One of these opportunities was a job in the ophthalmology department at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, which is the hospital right in Lebanon. I now work there as an Ophthalmic Assistant where I have been able to scribe for doctors, conduct visual field tests, dilate patients and generally help around the clinic when needed. The doctors in the clinic are incredibly helpful and open to having Dartmouth students, which is wonderful.