Hello everyone, and welcome to my little corner of the woods! My name is Lauren, and I'm a '27 from a small town called Munger, Michigan. I'm studying Classics and Italian, and I love paddling, writing, and exploring the Upper Valley. My favorite places on campus are the Green and the Book Arts Workshop. Talk to you soon!
This past week, I had the opportunity to connect with local members of the Dartmouth community at a holiday luncheon. Rick Paul '75, the Dartmouth Club of Detroit's president, organized the luncheon for us at the Iroquois Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. I enjoyed sharing memories about the school I love dearly and learning more about Dartmouth's history. I also learned more about Dartmouth's impact on the lives of many.
The luncheon was a gathering of current students, alumni, and the friends and family members of those with a connection to Dartmouth. One of the highlights of the event was sharing new aspects of Dartmouth with alumni. Teaching them about housing communities, telling them about President Beilock's inauguration, and showing them photos of the new Irving Institute building was an incredible experience.
I was also able to bond with alumni by trading stories about our First Year Trips, the Homecoming bonfire, and eating at Lou's restaurant in downtown Hanover. Attending this luncheon reinforced my idea that Dartmouth is not just a physical location, but a living entity that is shaped by the diverse members of its community.
Another invaluable aspect of the luncheon was learning about the post-Dartmouth journeys of several alumni. They each took different paths, but have achieved similar success and made significant contributions to their communities. This speaks to the education they received at Dartmouth, both in the classroom and through their lived experiences.
I was also able to reconnect with some of my current classmates. Since winterim is a long time to spend away from Hanover, it was nice to catch up with my peers. We reflected on our fall terms, shared which courses we plan to take next, and talked about our extracurricular pursuits and plans.
This event reminded me that Dartmouth transcends generations, geographical boundaries, and past life experiences. It served as a physical representation of the Dartmouth experience–a blend of tradition, new pursuits, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections.
The holiday luncheon was a great opportunity to celebrate the season with the Dartmouth community. I am immensely grateful and proud to be a part of the Dartmouth community, and this holiday luncheon reinforced that feeling. The connections that I forged and rekindled this past week have left me with an even deeper appreciation for Dartmouth.
As Dartmouth prepares to welcome the Class of 2028, I am reminded of the appreciation I have for the connections this school fosters. Dartmouth isn't just a college—it's a community, a source of connection across generations, and a home.
I hope to welcome prospective students to campus and help instill the love I have for Dartmouth in them. I am happy to share my perspective on Dartmouth, so feel free to contact me or search my blog for more information about the school! Remember to enjoy the holiday season, and that your college acceptances or rejections do not define you.
The big-little process in my sorority has strengthened my bond with my big, fostered new friendships across class years, and deepened my sense of community and belonging on campus.
When I look back on my time at Dartmouth, and it is hard to believe I will be graduating in just two weeks, I know that Africa Week will always stand out as one of the moments when this campus felt most alive, most joyful, and most like home.
In my freshman year, I wrote a blog revisiting my decision of attending Dartmouth College. Now that more than a year has passed, I would love to revisit my decision again, with a more realistic lens.
