So, You Live on an Alpaca Farm?
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.
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!
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!
Here are some more alpacas for good measure: