Hi, my name is Liliana (or Lili, for short) and I'm a '26 from Hawaiʻi! On campus, I can be found performing with my dance troupe, going on walks with friends, and spending an excessive amount of time in Collis. I also love collectible stickers, ultra-specific playlists, free verse poetry, and iced tea. Excited to share my Dartmouth journey with you all! :-)
In addition to my major in Government, I've decided to pursue a minor in Human-Centered Design, or HCD, for short. HCD is a relatively new minor at Dartmouth, and it's an amazing social science approach to engineering and design! For this minor, there are three prerequisites: MATH 3 (Calculus), ENGS 12 (Design Thinking), and ENGS 21 (Introduction to Engineering). I've already taken MATH 3, and now I'm currently enrolled in ENGS 12. This course has been so exciting and enriching, especially because it utilizes a different side of my brain!
ENGS 12's course name is Design Thinking – and that's exactly what it requires us to do. Since this is my first course in the engineering department, I came in quite worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up, or do things "like an engineer". However, right off the bat, my professor made the space welcoming and exciting, especially since my class is full of other prospective HCD minors – or, students wanted engineering exposure! There are certainly students with engineering experience in the class, but I always feel supported and comfortable sharing out what I've come up with.
My favorite thing about ENGS 12 is its focus on group work. The engineering department advises to take ENGS 12 before ENGS 21, since 21 is focused on a group project for the entire term. ENGS 12, throughout the term, assigns multiple projects – but many of them are group-based! My favorite group project so far required us to design a carrying device that enhances a user's life. My group's user in mind was a busy student who requires different items each day, depending on the classes they have. We designed a backpack that transforms into a tote bag, as well as a duffle bag! The bag was received really well by others, especially because it's so variable for different students and their personal styles.
I'd love to share more about the projects we work on in ENGS 12, but I won't spoil the whole course for you. Whether you're a prospective ENGS major, HCD minor, seeking engineering experience, or simply looking for a fun course – I would highly recommend taking ENGS 12! Even if you're not inclined towards engineering or design, this course is so welcoming and enriching. ENGS 12 has made me extremely excited for the rest of my HCD courses here at Dartmouth. Next term, I'm planning to take ENGS 21 – and I can't wait to see what I can do with the knowledge I've gained from ENGS 12!
As much as I love studying abroad on Dartmouth's Full Immersion in Rome Italian program, I also really miss campus! Here's a look back at some of the places I can't wait to get back to soon.
This past week, I got to participate in a Memory Café hosted by the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth with my club, Dartmouth Forte! What's a Memory Café? Read to find out!
Choosing the right college is a critical decision that extends beyond mere rankings. Without the benefit of campus visits, it's vital to thoroughly research and understand each institution to ensure a fulfilling and safe experience.
As I head into the final week of my LSA in Spain, I want to share my reflections on finding balance while taking four classes and being immersed in a language in another country.
This blog explores how taking classes outside my major at Dartmouth helped me grow personally and academically. Taking a film class made me more creative, curious, and highlighted the value of diverse learning experiences at Dartmouth.
Dartmouth is special because it offers abundant resources with little risk or cost. This environment allows passions to flourish, as students have the time, resources, and security to take the necessary risks and grow in their chosen fields.
