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. 

Not used to the cold? Are you, say, from Florida? I would recommend investing in a durable, water-proof set of boots because the ground is going to be covered in snow for basically the whole term. Be sure to bring a hat, thick socks, and gloves (especially if you will participate in our annual snowball fight!). And of course, bring a thick coat. The costs of these items can most certainly add up. Our FGLI office (first-generation/low income) provides gift cards to L.L Bean for students who need financial assistance and for those from warmer climates! 

Imagine yourself on Dartmouth’s campus. Snow is falling and sticking to the ground. The wintry winds slap against the windows. And, of course, it is below freezing. But, your class is across campus (essentially a 15 minute walk). On a day like this, Dartmouth students will tend to “warm-cut”. This means that students will walk through buildings on their way to their next class in order to avoid being outside for extended periods of time. It is an efficient way to minimize the time spent in the cold, so definitely utilize this technique!

Dartmouth is beautiful in the winter and it is a fantastic time to embrace the snow! We have our own ski-way with shuttles heading to the mountain regularly. Don’t have your own set of skis? Don’t worry! There are opportunities to rent equipment if you need. There are even skiing lessons that can count for Physical Education requirements (with financial aid available). Housing communities will also often host free ski events for all members. Not a fan of skiing? You can go ice skating on Occom Pond, go cross-country skiing or sledding on the golf course, or even rent some snow shoes! If playing in the snow is not your thing, there are fire pits around campus that you can utilize to meet with friends and enjoy roasting marshmallows for s’mores! Did I mention that we have an annual midnight snowball fight?

The Green is the social hub on campus! Besides being the venue of our largest traditions such as the Homecoming Bonfire, Winter Carnival, and Green Key, it’s a place where students study, play spikeball, and sometimes sleep.

Designed  by the Lincoln Center Architect, Wallace K. Harrison, the Hop is home to the arts! Each year, there are world-class performances by individuals such as Yo Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Hillary Hahn, and more. Better yet, student tickets are $10 or less!

Dartmouth has been collecting art since 1772 and the Hood is our special home for these pieces. There are over 65,000 pieces of art that includes works by Picasso and O’Keefe. Even students (specifically senior Studio Art majors) are able to display their work in the Art Galleries in the spring.