Kiara Ortiz

Dartmouth’s students are unique to me. Not only do they create diverse intellectual environments, but one of growth. The friends that I have made here are all passionate about something and strive to fulfill their goals. I have friends who are involved with the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact, pursuing their passions of social justice. I have some who have already begun conducting their research projects in psychology labs. I even have some who created their own podcasts! Being around them fills me with the same energy to pursue what I’m aiming for. The friends here are the ones who are helping to push me to achieve my goals. Whether it be through lunch dates at FoCo, strolls across Occom Pond, or meetups in the library, I can always count on my friends to help me through those "sluggish" moments. 

At Dartmouth, I have yet to experience a shortage of support. My dean is always available for virtual meetings to talk about academics, social life, and offer professional or emotional support. My faculty adviser, as well, has helped me when I felt lost about course selection and encourages me to keep going when times get tough. And we even have pre-health advisers that you can set up virtual meetings with any time to help develop plans for your future, such as internships, research opportunities, course selection, and more!

Why go to college? Why Dartmouth? Why study neuroscience or public policy? When feeling unmotivated and experiencing those waves of self-doubt, I reconnect with why I chose to come here in the first place. I take a pen and post-it and write my end goals, my dreams, and my aspirations. Virtual college is tough, but it is a step closer in the direction that I want to be in. And when we say "the world is your oyster", Dartmouth is MY literal oyster. It is a place where I chose to be, so I’m going to take advantage of the available resources. I have a wall of post-its above my desk so that I can keep them in the front of my mind to help me persevere!
 

Let’s take a look at two new additions to our famous Dartmouth Green: the ice skating rinks! There are now two portable ice rinks, welcome to be used by any on-campus Dartmouth student with their student ID. And what’s the best part? It’s free! We can head on over as many times as we want throughout the term. There are free skate rentals available for students, or you can feel free to bring your own. The rinks operate from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm on weekdays and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends. Though not a pro, I am glad to have these rinks easily accessible to students and ready to keep practicing (after falling a total of six times...). It’s a great way to spend a brain break, some time with friends, and truly feel the Hanover cold. Don't feel like skating? No worries! There are fire pits and seating around the rinks as well so you don't have to feel like you're missing out! 

Okay, think what you want, but I have fun (sometimes stressful fun) studying in random spaces around campus. Though usually my dorm's common room (pictured above), I  have been taking adventures to new locations around campus. There are more available study spots, such as academic buildings, the Cube, the Hop, and the Collis Center. My favorite spot of all time would have to be the East Reading Room in Baker Library! With each location varying their hours, I never feel deprived of a good study space. Some buildings, such as Collis, even offer private group study spaces! Because, you know what they say, two brains are better than one. 

Of course, I had to represent the West House in one way or another.  But while we have been hosting events in-person, we have been doing a multitude of fun, virtual ones as well! These include playing Among Us, Murder Mystery, Scattegories, friendship bracelet making, and more! We’re even shipping the bracelet making materials and some merch to those off-campus so that we can all feel that West House joy. Near or far, I always feel connected to my house community, even if it is by hunting them down one by one in a virtual spaceship...