Welcome to my page, I am a '27 from central New Hampshire! I came to Dartmouth for the liberal arts curriculum, so I plan to explore the academic disciplines before deciding what to focus on. I am currently looking at environmental science and religion. In addition to blogging, I work as an Interfaith Trip Fellow with the Tucker Center for Spiritual and Ethical Life. I enjoy mountain biking, running, skiing, singing, and drawing.
Academic Program
Intended: pre-health, anthropology, environmental studies, and religion.
This discussion and reading-based class was incredible and relevant! Content ranged from the historical impact of the printing press to AI in the workforce and transhumanism, and all of the topics were grounded in religion and some of the frameworks religion provides. I pondered on ideas from this class all the time.
I was captivated by the first class meeting of the term reading Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' and eventually chose to focus on it for my research paper at the end of the term. All of the readings captivated my attention, however, Kafka, Han's 'The Vegetarian', and Kristeva were the authors that made the biggest impression on me. The class discussions resulted in wonderful insights relevant to humanity at a macro level. My favorite aspect was our professor instructing us to focus on the ideas before picking apart the writing style.
This class made me think about the bigger picture of health in a systems focus. Ultimately this class helped me realize that there are a lot of structural health system challenges in the U.S. and around the world. I particularly liked learning about the histories and anthropological side of things. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were my favorite topic in the class because the frameworks are very limited, so some do not receive enough focus and funding.
I came to Dartmouth hoping for an enriching liberal arts experience, and several of my classes have delivered on that in my first year. I think this is thanks to a few key things from the Dartmouth professors who value interdisciplinary studies, focus on current pressing challenges in the world, and emphasize discussions and varied methods of learning.
In my first term at Dartmouth, Fall 2023 (23F in Dartmouth lingo) two of my classes had some fascinating overlaps: Religion and Technology and ENVS 2 Introduction to Environmental Studies (check out my post about this class!). Namely, we had a section in the religion course about the environment including an excerpt of Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' (which came full circle and showed up in my seminar class this current spring term) and content on 'environmental jeremiads' as well. Another through line was a documentary in ENVS 2 and a reading and discussion in religion and tech about the Dakota Access Pipeline, meaning that both courses also managed to veer into Native American studies for a moment as well (something I thought was wonderful). Both of these courses were wonderful for stimulating my desire for interdisciplinary content, and I was thrilled to be able to make connections between the two courses.
I am taking my second geography course right now called Global Health and Society; this past winter I took the class Living with Nature, which is about nature-society relations. Since these course are in the same department it is less surprising that I have found overlaps, but they are still standing out to me. There has been a reading overlap as well as major analytical themes, such as political economy and political ecology frameworks. These two frameworks were not something I had encountered before taking these classes, but I would highly recommend checking them out since they conceptualize big challenges in the world in a more holisitic way, at least in terms of what might currently be actionable (i.e. working within current limits of the economy and government to make change).
I already mentioned my global health course, and some of the foundational approaches were very similar to my nature-based solutions seminar class (taught by the same professor as ENVS 2!). Both professors had the class question our preconceived notions about our mindsets with solving challenges in the given fields. In nature-based solutions, we thought about the difference between valuing nature for its physical resources (an extractive mindset) or its intrinsic value. In global health we talked about how priorities are assigned, what terminology is used, along with the colonial origins of many practices in the field. These classes provide some incredible opportunities for learning through critical thinking.
I hope you were able to get a sense of how much I have enjoyed these classes!
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!
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!
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.
"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.
