![Kiara Ortiz '24](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/kiara_ortiz_24_resized.jpg?itok=S1W7XYFW×tamp=1600910121)
![lone pine](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/background_14.png?itok=0ugslJJD×tamp=1600458124)
Kiara Ortiz
![Kiara Ortiz '24](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/kiara_ortiz_24_resized.jpg?itok=S1W7XYFW×tamp=1600910121)
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Life Updates!
Hi everyone, welcome back to my blog! Just as a reminder, my name is Kiara and I am a '24 from New York City! I took a long break from blogging and I am deciding to give you a few updates on what is happening in my Dartmouth journey.
- No. 1
Sophomore Summer
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!
- No. 2
I went on my first hike!
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!).
- No. 3
I got a job at Dartmouth Health!
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.
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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.
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The Dartmouth Alma Mater isn't my most played song on Spotify, but it did teach me a lot.
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My first time in Seattle, during the week of the 4th of July! Exploring fish markets and watching fireworks, I had a great time exploring a new city during my off-term!
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Dartmouth employs a unique quarter system in which most students are on campus in the summer between their sophomore and junior year, labeled "Sophomore Summer." But why did it start? And what are my plans for this notable term?
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Sophomore summer is in full swing, and with the campus exclusively for sophomores, it's a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. I'm on campus to enjoy this unique experience, diving into activities like cooking, research, and outdoor outings!
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My first week in Spain has allowed me to discern distinct cultural differences. I have also been adapting to the time change, food, and speaking Spanish 24/7.
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