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)!
Welcome to my off-term! Dartmouth operates on a quarter system, with students needing to take 12 terms worth of classes across four years. There is flexibility in how students schedule those 12 terms. During their first year, students are required to be on campus and enrolled in classes during the fall, winter, and spring terms. And again, during the spring semester of their senior year leading up to graduation, students are required to be "on." Otherwise, students have some flexibility as to when they are enrolled and when they are taking an "off-term"; this system is known as the D-Plan.
Because I was "on" for sophomore summer, as most Dartmouth students spend the summer after their sophomore year in Hanover taking classes, I have the opportunity to take one term off during the traditional academic year. This system allows students to get unique jobs and research opportunities during the academic year. A bunch of my friends have gotten internships in Boston or NY, my friend Ava trained for the US Ski team for her off-term, and some people (like me) elect to spend time in Hanover working on/around campus. If you've made it this far, you're probably wondering why I am living on an alpaca farm—a valid question.
Before I answer that question, here is a lovely chart to explain when I will be taking classes in Hanover (or in New Zealand) during "on" or abroad terms.
My (tentative) D-Plan!
Here is your answer: I'm doing what is known as an "H-Term." This means I am technically "off," meaning I am not taking classes, yet I am on Dartmouth's campus working and completing research. I elected to do this because I did not want to be away from Hanover for two consecutive terms during my junior year—and because I wanted to continue working for the school and conducting my paleoanthropology research.
I found the unique opportunity to live a little removed from campus on an alpaca farm. I elected to live off campus because my research and other jobs would not require me to be on campus every day. Although, routinely, I find myself drawn back to campus most days, whether to grab a meal with friends, check in with my research professor, or get coffee from Still North.
So that's been my life this term. I'll give you a brief summary in photos:
Here is my little brother and mom in the paleoanthropology lab. They came to visit this term, and I got to show them around the research lab where I work and show them the project I am currently working on!
Here I am with Daphne, one of the Classical Studies Department's illustrious canine staff members, during evening office hours where we work at Latin Help Desk (group tutoring sessions for the introductory Latin courses). I am also a Latin Learning Fellow, meaning I attend Latin classes four days a week to help engage students and drive participation by facilitating active translations and discussion of Latin texts.
I have also spent time dog-sitting and nannying. It has given me the opportunity to explore more of the Upper Valley! Enjoy this photo of Daphne wearing my sunglasses.
If this post has not given it away, I am still working for Dartmouth Admissions both as a blogger and a tour guide. It has been nice getting to show prospective students and their families around during peak foliage on campus!
My off-term has not been all work, however. I've loved getting to spend time with my friends who are "on" this term, exploring the upper valley, working together, and enjoying the fall foliage!
Ava and I found a new rope swing! Tyler, Cooper, Joanna, and I went on a canoeing adventure.
My friend Lucie working at Still North and Maddie trying to see the Northern Lights (unsuccessful)
Emeline and I found a lovely dog on the golf course! Maddie and I also explored nearby Woodstock, VT.
If this post tells you anything, it should be that no two D-plans are the same. The system is incredibly pliable and flexible to your wants and needs. I wanted to be in the Upper Valley and work here for my off-term, so here I am, living on an alpaca farm!
One of the staple characteristics of the D-Plan is the off-term, a term in which you are not taking classes! Most students at Dartmouth will take at least one off-term, and this winter happens to be my turn! What will I be doing?
