I am an arts -lover and passionate debater still navigating my way through Dartmouth. I have also been, slowly but surely, adjusting to Hanover’s weather from Saudi’s constant heat (and learning the importance of layers and insulation). I draw editorial cartoons for The Dartmouth, our college newspaper, and am interested in everything and anything related to foreign affairs! This time of the year, you will likely find me gazing at the snow outside a window in Baker-Berry Library.
The incredible Professor Fishere's engaging teaching style made my initiation into the realm of politics unforgettable. The class gave us an overview of the Middle East's history and how it shapes (and explains) the region's current pressing political issues as well as how they are (or aren't) tackled.
Professor Lind is an amazing lecturer - I even took her to lunch at Pine! She is specialized in East Asia, so it was very fun to discuss how US relations with China and North Korea were developing from day to day.
Coming to Dartmouth, my experience with the outdoors was very limited. I had only camped out once and went hiking for the first time on my First-Year Trip. I knew I wanted to experience the outdoors more and not miss out on one of many great opportunities offered here, so I signed up for a hike with the Dartmouth Outing Club’s Cabin and Trail (DOC CnT). Besides the fact that I am going on a hike in the winter, I certainly did not know what to expect, but I was very excited to try out something new!
At 9 am on a Saturday, my roommate - who I asked to join me for a cute bonding experience - and I joined six other Dartmouth students, whom we have not met before.
Led by our two trip leaders, we drove up to Mt. Kearsarge, in Wilmot, New Hampshire. As soon as we arrived, we put on gear, many of which I had no clue about prior to the trip (over-boot and mini-spikes?) and hiked up the trail.
Hiking in the snow is an absolutely different experience. Being the amateur that I am, my leg would occasionally sink in the unpacked snow; I am not ashamed to say that I slipped over 20 times, each time fortunately unscathed. Luckily, the DOC trip leaders are some of the most patient and caring individuals you would ever need on a trip like this!
The group waited for me to catch up and took a good number of breaks to accommodate for my newbie hiking experience. They always ensured we all had snacks every now and then (Trips snacks are the best!) and de-layered or layered when necessary.
Although it was a quite strenuous hike for me, I am so glad I did it. The breath-taking view from the top of Mount Kearsarge made it all worthwhile. We could see frozen lakes from afar and the beautiful New England greenery covered in white. I did not take too many pictures because it is nice to take a break every so often and unplug - I also wasn’t too keen on taking my hands out of my mitts! The few pictures I did take do not really serve the views justice. Not to romanticize it too much, soon, a strong wind blew and we hurried back down the snowy trail to avoid freezing!
A panorama of Mt. Kearsarge my roommate - Phoebe Park - took.
Going on trips like these is one of the aspects that make the Dartmouth experience one of a kind. I got to borrow all of the gear for free and try out an activity that is quite foreign to me. Not only did I receive a lot of support, but I also had the chance to get to know some more students from various classes and majors who I may not have necessarily met otherwise. If you ever end up at Dartmouth, I believe the DOC’s Cabin and Trail is definitely one thing you should consider getting involved in!
It’s no secret that Dartmouth is located in a small town and many city kids are apprehensive about entering such a vastly different environment from what they’re used to.
After coming to College, I realized how much these spaces are important, and how much we take them for granted during high school. To be able to go and socialize in a safe, low pressure environment is priceless!
