Hi! I'm Lauren, a '26 interested in biological anthropology, classics, and global health! Originally from Long Island, NY, I grew up spending every free moment swimming in the ocean. Going to college in NH was a shift away from that; however, I frequent the CT River during the warm seasons! Outside of academics, I am a tour guide and am involved in paleoanthropology research, Global Health Fellows, Camp Kesem, and First Year Trips. I can't wait to share my Dartmouth experience with you!
Academic Program
Anthropology major concentrated in Biological Anthropology, Classical Studies minor
Latin 1 is the first of three introductory Latin courses at Dartmouth. The class is split into small teams; students complete coursework as groups. I cannot recommend taking Latin enough: the classes are tiny, the professors are fantastic, and some even bring their dogs to class (check out my blog about Dartmouth's Latin dogs). I finished the introductory Latin sequence, fulfilling my language requirement. Now, I am continuing to work in the department as a Learning fellow—a student who has already taken the class and attends class to facilitate group work.
After taking Latin 1 in my first term, when it came time to pick my writing seminar (the second required portion of the first-year writing sequence), I naturally chose the course themed on the Greco-Roman world. This course was incredible and was seminar-style, so we discussed readings, went to the Hood Museum of Art, and presented on a feature of art in Pompeii that we found particularly interesting.
My first anthropology course! This archaeology course introduced me to the field of anthropology and archaeology at Dartmouth. This course was lecture-style, with different lectures on everything, including the evolution of religious thought, human sacrifice, and Stonehenge! The professor was incredibly engaging, and we even got to pick lecture topics during the end of the term.
SummerWater Mill, NY
I spent my summer at home, working on my family's vegetable farm. I also started working as an Admissions Communications Intern for the Admissions Office!
Anth006 was my first biological anthropology course! This course was incredible; this introduction course delves into the concentrations within anthropology and everything from the first life on earth to applied anthropology today! We also often had guest lecturers, from visiting professors to graduate students, who would speak about their concentration and research.
Fossils, fossils, fossils! Our professor is a renowned paleoanthropologist, so the course focuses on fossil traces of human ancestors and relatives. Human Evolution is a lecture-style course, but every Friday, we go to the paleoanthropology lab to handle casts of fossils—which we were introduced to during lectures. These fossils are also our primary form of assessment, as we were assessed on the fossils in culminating lab practicals. It is incredible not only to learn about the discoveries that shape our understanding of human evolution but also to engage directly with replicas of them.
Anth017 course focused on individuals' experiences of illness. Our professor was a medical and psychological anthropologist, so it was interesting to hear about the intersections of her research and our course's themes. Throughout the term, we discussed various topics like illness behavior, the culture of biomedicine, and structural violence. We had daily readings and three full-length texts—which we read throughout the term. Our final project was a gateway to delve deeper into the course's themes. This opportunity was particularly enriching as it allowed me to integrate my URAD research into the course seamlessly. This personal connection made the final project a truly enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
The Sixties was an incredible Humanities course taught by a Religion professor. Each week, we broke down a year of the “long sixties”—starting with JFK’s assassination in 1963 and ending with Nixon’s resignation in 1974. We learned both about the history and the culture of the decade. My favorite part about this course was the emphasis on the music of the "long sixties." We listened to the top 30 songs for each year of the "long sixties," and now I have a fantastic playlist from all of the songs I have discovered due to this class (some Don McLean, Simon & Garfunkel, The Doors, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Beatles, The Supremes, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, and so many others)!
After spending my summer in Hanover, I have accumulated a list of activities I often do when on campus. Enjoy!
Ice Cream Fore-U(called IC4U) is a fan favorite—I have been far more times than I would like to admit. The fantastic ice cream shop—and mini-golf center—is conveniently located in West Lebanon (in theHome Depotparking lot, lol). They have countless flavors of ice cream—some of which they make themselves. There is almost always a sizable line at the shop, and there are almost always other Dartmouth students in line or eating ice cream nearby. I highly recommend getting "Chocolate Cookie Monster" if you are ever in the area. There are also resident skunks that meander around in the summer—dessert and a show!
Proof of my frequent IC4U attendance AND the resident skunks!
The Norwich Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning from the late spring to early fall. The fun part about the farmers market is that nearly everyone you know will be there. I highly recommend you check it out; they have amazing grilled cheese sandwiches (favorite = "The Morning Goat") and fantastic pickles. Everyone will get their coffee and grilled cheese sandwiches on Saturday mornings, listen to local bands, and chat with friends.
Lake Morey gets bonus points because it is applicable in the warmer months and the peak of winter. It is a stunning lake about a 20-minute drive from campus. In the winter, it is a giant ice skating loop that families and students use—and you can rent ice skates from. During the spring and summer, it is a fantastic place to swim and sun tan—there is even a waterfall nearby that you can explore. I have even been toLake Morey resort for Greek life formals; term after term, I always end up visiting Lake Morey.
King Arthur Flour—yes, like the all-purpose flour in your kitchen cabinet—has a flagship store in Norwich, VT (right across the river from campus). Students call King Arthur Flour "KAF"—pronounced "calf." VariousDartmouth Dininglocations offer KAF pastries for students to buy, but it is nice to see what the large flagship store has to offer every once in a while. They have amazing pastries and sandwiches that my friends and I always get when the farmers market is closed in the winter.
There are quite a few rope swings along the Connecticut River—that my trippees and I discovered onFirst-Year Trips—and an awesome one on Storrs Pond (a 5-minute drive from campus). Finding and trying out a new rope swing or swimming hole near campus is always a fun adventure.
TheGile Fire Toweris a beautiful hike—especially at peak foliage. Students say Gile is not a hike; however, if you go into it thinking it will be a walk, it will feel like a hike—and vice versa. I have done Gile countless times, as it only takes 30-45 minutes! You can even see the tower of Baker Library if you orient yourself correctly.
I highly recommend checking out these activities if you are ever in the Hanover area—whether as a current student or prospective applicant!
From orientation week to your classes, you can easily find community at Dartmouth! Read on to know how I met my Dartmouth family and where you might also find yours.
