Hello, and welcome to my corner of the woods! I'm Lauren, a '27 from Munger, Michigan. On campus, I enjoy writing sports for The Dartmouth, going on as many DOC trips as I can, and hanging out with my friends. I also love Woccoming, doing the daily NYT mini crossword, and paddling!
I took this class as part of Dartmouth's first year writing requirement. We read a pro cyclist's life narrative, discussed research papers on controversial topics in sports, and wrote our own papers on a contentious sports technology of our choice. I really enjoyed this course's emphasis on discussion, and the small class size!
This was my first class in the classics department, which was super exciting as a classical studies major! We learned about the ancient Olympics and the connections between athletics and other aspects of ancient Greek society. I loved the final project in this class, which involved creating an argument about how the ancient pentathlon was scored!
To conclude my language requirement, I took Latin 3! This class was super exciting because we began to read ancient texts and poetry. We also took a class trip to the Rauner Special Collections library so we could physically handle and read some manuscripts. And as an added bonus, Latin counts as a prerequisite for my classical studies major!
As a part of my language study abroad in Italy, I also took a class on Italian history and culture! We went on field trips to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, participated in walking tours of Rome, and watched a lot of great cinema in this class! I loved it so much that I decided to minor in Italian.
This class, in addition to being a pre-requisite for both my major and my spring study abroad, was super interesting! I loved learning about archaeology in a chronological sequence, and I feel so much more prepared for my trip to Greece after completing this class.
As the term comes to an end, I've been spending a lot of time reflecting on my college experience so far and looking back at my old blog posts. While doing so, I came across a lot of mentions of my initial "Why Dartmouth" supplemental essay (and even a revised version from last year). I thought that this week, I could try my hand at completely rewriting that "Why Dartmouth" essay—now from the perspective of someone halfway through college!
When I think of Dartmouth, I think of home. I think of amazing people that make me feel incredibly loved. I think of interesting classes that challenge me to think critically and creatively. I think of a campus that is as beautiful on snowy January nights as it is on sunny June afternoons (and of the beauty found in every moment in between).
One thing I love to tell my family and hometown friends about Dartmouth is that I truly can't walk anywhere on campus without running into people I know. No matter what time of day or where I'm going, I'm bound to see a friendly face on my route. This has been a huge source of comfort for me during my first few terms on campus, and I look forward to meeting even more people during the rest of my time in Hanover.
Before coming to Dartmouth, I would have considered myself an introvert. But something about being here has brought me out of my shell—and now I find myself doing things I never would have before. I've become more spontaneous, more adventurous, and I'm having more silly adventures than I ever thought would be possible. Yes, this is an academic institution—but it's also a fun place to be, and every day offers something new to try.
I know this is anecdotal, but it reflects Dartmouth's culture. And ultimately, that's what my "Why Dartmouth" boils down to—the community and opportunities here are unmatched. After being admitted, I was a bit nervous. I thought that bringing together hundreds of intelligent and ambitious young people could create competition. I was wrong—it fosters collaboration.
Dartmouth students are smart (obviously). But they are also kind, supporting, funny, and genuine. I have stayed up until sunrise on numerous occasions discussing everything from artificial intelligence to Domino's pizza to Winterim plans with my friends here; I have spent a summer discovering Italy with a cohort from Dartmouth; I have been offered a shoulder to cry on and a hand to high five while working on my midterm essays and final projects.
People have told me that every college has this sense of community. Maybe they're right. All I know is that my community—the one that has pushed me to reach for my potential and then beyond, the one that has cheered for all of my accomplishments and helped me through all of my toughest days, and the one that makes my heart feel full—is right here in Hanover, New Hampshire.
This fall, Dartmouth provided me with incredible opportunities to get involved in politics. I registered as a New Hampshire voter, joined civic organizations, canvassed, and more! Read on to follow my journey leading up to Election Day!
Some of my rising senior friends from New York have been in contact with me since graduation, and I've compiled a list of FAQs that might help you better understand life at Dartmouth!
Dartmouth changed my life. A large part of that change comes from the support I have received from professors. Learn more here about some mentor-mentee relationships I have made!
