![Portrait of Lily sitting in the woods](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/lily_10-12_-_lily_johnson.jpg?itok=mQHa7Ywb×tamp=1694612886)
![Kemeny court bee on a yellow flower close up Kemeny courtyard bee on a yellow flower close up](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/img_7149_1.jpg?itok=kEh3wDMz×tamp=1711939261)
Lily Johnson
![Portrait of Lily sitting in the woods](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/lily_10-12_-_lily_johnson.jpg?itok=mQHa7Ywb×tamp=1694612886)
![Beet greens! beet greens wrapped in a wet paper towel held by Lily](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_20200703_162730624.jpg?itok=8F0dxvPi×tamp=1699236598)
![Bug on yellow flower Bug on yellow flower with dark green plant foliage background](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_7154.jpg?itok=YsFu1CWo×tamp=1699236189)
Intro to Environmental Science (ENVS 2)
This might be my favorite course of my first term at Dartmouth, although I will say that 'Religion and Technology' is just about on par with it. Introduction to Environmental Science was taught by Professor Morgan Peach (his bio!) this fall and I think he ranks among the most engaging teachers I have encountered.
When the class is tired from a rainy day or a busy time in the term, he notices and makes it a point to pause which tends to wake us up. He also utilizes anecdotal stories related to course content to make us laugh and gets everyone to talk to peers whenever we are discussing assignments. He also asks for our feedback after quizzes (was there enough time to thoroughly answer, how was the word limit on the open response questions, etc.). In short, Professor Peach is aware of pedagogy techniques (if this is a new word for you, look it up because it is neat!).
![Bee on yellow flowers Bumble Bee and Yellow Flowers](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_590/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_7145.jpg?itok=ll6TaW4J)
Now that I have brought up assignments and quizzes, I can delve into the course structure! It is split up into 5 units: SPEES (Sustainability, Policy, Ethics, and Ecosystem Services), Climate, Biodiversity, Food, and Water. In each unit, we have a media assignment (documentary or podcast) and a reading that considers the social and societal context of environmental science.
All of the media assignments have stood out to me, and I will elaborate on the first one from the SPEES unit. 'Rise' was a documentary produced by Viceland that covered the Indigenous people's protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016. It did a great job of highlighting the importance of water to the community for physical and spiritual reasons. It also took a deep look into the history of the U.S. treatment of Indigenous people and the different legislation and treaties (that were broken by the U.S.). Perhaps it is needless to say, but I learned so much more about the situation than just the science.
The course has a quiz every unit, as well as a midterm and final, and they are all open-note with a time limit; so while I may forget a small detail and can find it, in general, I have to have a good understanding of the material before assessing. I also love that Professor Peach emphasizes learning as a process, and he reinforces this is by not showing a grades page in our class navigation page (if we want to see grades we have to look at each assignment).
![Cucumber plant Cucumber plant flowering (they are yellow) and the vines are green](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_590/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_20200703_105123406.jpg?itok=XbGsIDC3)
If Environmental Studies excites you here are media suggestions that were assigned in the course: 'Rise'- mentioned above, 'Extinction: The Facts', A film that the course reminded me of is 'Dark Waters' which is a scary reality check. The book Lawn People by Paul Robbins is something I aspire to read over winterim (winter break before the winter term which begins in January).
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Reflecting on my sophomore year and how I feel about being halfway through my time at Dartmouth!
![Profile Picture](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_6959_2.jpeg?itok=8Ic27ok0×tamp=1717243884)
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Sophomore Summer has already defined itself by its exciting, unfamiliar experiences and the relaxed atmosphere of campus. With new classes and clubs in full swing, here is what I have been up to during this wonderful time on campus!
![Me! blog_828 × 1026_brendilou](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1226.png?itok=U8hQQ4ev×tamp=1663881287)
![FIRE study abroad program at Rome](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/fire_1650x916.png?itok=cypHcxe5×tamp=1718399675)
In this blog, I would like to share some other academic-inclined ways that Dartmouth students spend their freshman summer.
![blogger_image](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/wechatimg3290.jpg?itok=_fEvVHFF×tamp=1695605711)
![An image of a map of Dartmouth College](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_5_800x600.jpg?itok=aUgvuRDu×tamp=1721722730)
In the summer, prospective students might take the time to visit potential colleges and universities to apply to. But what are some things to look for as you peruse campuses and take in the view, especially during the summer? Here are some ideas!
![Olivia Koo - blogger](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/4b596702-2c48-4037-8b1f-db79eeb3e7b0_1_201_a_0.jpg?itok=9S9os9ML×tamp=1663532063)
![chem](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_4517.jpg?itok=lB6u7Onl×tamp=1718400172)
I'm now finally done with my pre-medical requirements and wanted to continue my recap of the whole journey!
![pic](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1827.jpg?itok=BAuyur99×tamp=1665456638)
![writing essay in the library](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-16_at_3.20.04_pm.png?itok=HQbcow8c×tamp=1721157629)
My first-year at Dartmouth has been a period of profound growth and self-discovery. It has challenged me to push beyond my limits, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, and navigate the complex web of opportunities that define college life.
![blogger_image](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/wechatimg3290.jpg?itok=_fEvVHFF×tamp=1695605711)
![a picture of a lufthansa airplane in Boston Logan with the setting sun behind it](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_3508.jpg?itok=5W4WA3HO×tamp=1718913460)
"What's your major?" seems like a pressing question for every freshman, but now that my freshman year is behind me, I know I shouldn't have worried as much.
![Kalina standing amidst the autumn leaves](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/kalina_duncheva_27_-_kalina_duncheva.jpg?itok=1Spk_Kot×tamp=1694612135)
![The white blossoms are sprouting from the trees on Ivy Lane in a depiction of spring blooming.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_5246_1.jpg?itok=We2VabIP×tamp=1719527109)
Dartmouth has Distributive and World Culture Requirements, including the Writing classes, that are be fulfilled during your first year.
![Arianna smiling at the grocery store](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_7676_-_arianna_dunkley.jpeg?itok=eQQiMmwB×tamp=1694612412)