Olá! I'm Luana from Brasília, the capital of Brazil. I hope to be an environmental engineering major, but, surprisingly, my favorite class right now is Humanities 1. You can find me studying in the Tower Room or at AQ, our Catholic Student Center. One year ago I was looking through this blog hoping to get to know Dartmouth. Now, I get to tell you why I love this place so much while I learn what it means to be a Dartmouth student. Consider this an invitation to accompany me.
Don't frame your college dreams! Frames are placed on paintings to make them immutable—behind a glass wall where they should never be changed. Don't do that to your dreams.
Coming from a big city, during my college search, I was fixated on keeping my urban way of life—going to a city populated by millions and with tall buildings you can barely see the top of. I couldn't imagine being happy in a place different from what I was already familiar with, and I framed my college dreams that way.
Spoiler alert: life had other plans for me. I chose a school so different from the urban setting I envisioned that it's known as "The Woods." Between hikes, bonfires, gorgeous scenarios, and lifelong friendships, I found my sense of belonging. Surprisingly, I am now here, in the middle of "The Woods," and I couldn't be happier.
It's scary to think I almost missed out on all of that. Dartmouth's supposed rural setting scared me away. But, due to a counselor's advice, I reluctantly took a second look. This time, leaving room in my search for more than the population number, I learned about this very supportive community and its strong school spirit. I was amazed by the campus's beauty, shocked at the academic opportunities, and impressed by the students' way of life. Suddenly, there I was, head over heels, waiting for Dartmouth.
So, here is my advice to you as you walk through this college search season: know your preferences, but leave a little room to be surprised. Your true happiness might not be in that dream you framed.
Who knew a big-city girl would ever call "The Woods" her home? Maybe you will too.
This fall, Dartmouth provided me with incredible opportunities to get involved in politics. I registered as a New Hampshire voter, joined civic organizations, canvassed, and more! Read on to follow my journey leading up to Election Day!
Some of my rising senior friends from New York have been in contact with me since graduation, and I've compiled a list of FAQs that might help you better understand life at Dartmouth!
Dartmouth changed my life. A large part of that change comes from the support I have received from professors. Learn more here about some mentor-mentee relationships I have made!
