![Luke Grayson '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/luke_grayson_25.jpg?itok=ANR2lSqD×tamp=1632752229)
![lone pine](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/lone_pine_background_12.png?itok=W5q2Hf7b×tamp=1631824384)
Luke Grayson
![Luke Grayson '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/luke_grayson_25.jpg?itok=ANR2lSqD×tamp=1632752229)
![The Hop](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/venues-spaces-hero.jpg?itok=PG3iEeP1×tamp=1635732087)
An International Perspective of On Campus Jobs
As an international student on financial aid at Dartmouth, the ability to get an on-campus job is really helpful. It allows me to earn some extra money for doing things with my friends, and also acts as another source of aid towards paying my bills at Dartmouth! Lots of students have these jobs and they act as another place to meet new people, make friends, and see another side of Dartmouth.
I personally hold two jobs on campus! The first is a little meta to mention, but is this one right here - an admissions blogger! I also work at the Hopkins Center for the Arts (The Hop) as an usher though. My work as a blogger is hugely fulfilling to me as it allows me to share my wonderful experiences here with everyone, and my job as an usher lets me meet people from the local communities and help them have an enjoyable night at events.
![The Hop The Hop](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_width/public/admissions/wysiwyg/about-hero.jpg?itok=6vT7NCdo)
My responsibilities as a blogger are fairly self explanatory, but as an usher I have many! I personally worked in retail for two years while in sixth form (the UK equivalent to the final two years of high school) and so had experience with customer service. This prepared me really well for the job as an usher as the main premise of it is to be inviting and provide a high level of customer service. I basically help set the front of house up, scan people's tickets as they come in, sometimes escort them to their seats, and occasionally perform 'extra' tasks such as recently when I walked up and handed flowers as part of the end of a performance to the performers which was super exciting as I got to be part of the show in a way!
The rest of the time that I am working, I get to do homework or watch the show. This gives me a tonne of time to focus and get some work done while getting paid (the dream, I know) and I actually find myself most productive during a shift! Watching the shows is super fun when I have no work though; since I didn't sit around for ages debating buying a ticket I actually end up seeing a tonne of shows I probably NEVER would have went to which is super fun. Honestly, I'd recommend just buying tickets to random shows if you can! It's been super mind-opening and perspective shifting; last week I got to see the Mountain Films on tour, and it had a tonne of small mini-films which all had interesting beautiful and sad messages to them. One in particular that stayed with me was a mini-documentary narrated by a young Mexican child who described life in his village.
![Mountainfilm Logo Mountainfilm Logo](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_width/public/admissions/wysiwyg/mountainfilm-on-tour-2020.jpg?itok=v9AwIY2A)
Working is honestly such a refreshing experience amongst academics; I feel like it separates out my life and gives me a retreat from academics that is still purposeful and productive. It's great for my mental wellbeing and I love working with my colleagues! The managers are also obviously completely flexible around classes since it's a job paid by Dartmouth, and so it doesn't interfere with my studies. I honestly recommend anyone to try working here - it's super fun and a great way to get some cash to have fun experiences or eat out at places!
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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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Welcome to the first part of Dartmouth Debunked, a series of comprehensive blog posts answering common questions first-years have prior to their arrival at Dartmouth. This post will cover all the housing options for a first-year student.
![Cal standing on the Dartmouth Green in front of Baker Tower](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/untitled_design_6_-_cal_shin.png?itok=eVUxVOeC×tamp=1697736503)
![Group of girls enjoying a sunny day in a grassy field, standing and looking away from the camera.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_7.jpg?itok=h2PMVDSj×tamp=1721892638)
As I reflect on my first year, I reminisce on the people, places, and things that made the most of my Dartmouth experience!
![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)
![An image of a sunset from a rooftop in Berlin](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_0351.jpeg?itok=Rr9boyBU×tamp=1718554988)
I used my weekends in Berlin to explore the countless flea markets across the city. I found great items and a great way to experience Berlin culture!
![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)
![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)
![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)
![Pop Up Bike Shop Sign Pop Up Bike Shop Sign](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/bike_shop_sign.jpg?itok=Q6g9dm_y×tamp=1718940753)
I got a bike this term! Read this blog to learn how!
![My first D26 swag! Me, holding up a Dartmouth 26 long sleeved t-shirt](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/bio_pic_redo.jpg?itok=yiMwSuSN×tamp=1673287174)
![Cute tree outside my dorm](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screenshot_2024-06-21_at_22.46.42.png?itok=cXPj0J_h×tamp=1719024425)
The Dartmouth Alma Mater isn't my most played song on Spotify, but it did teach me a lot.
![Antonio Jorge Medeiros Batista Silva '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/blog_antonio_profile_picture.jpg?itok=z4tVogx3×tamp=1632239532)
![My reunions co-workers](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screenshot_2024-06-21_at_22.38.05.png?itok=m-RnpBDm×tamp=1719023956)
Have you ever thought of working for reunions? Well, neither did I. But it was super fun, come check what it's all about!
![Antonio Jorge Medeiros Batista Silva '25](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/blog_antonio_profile_picture.jpg?itok=z4tVogx3×tamp=1632239532)