Welcome to the blog of an Englishman studying at Dartmouth—do take a look around! Hopefully, my blogs will provide you with an insight on life at Dartmouth, and specifically through the eyes of an international student. Dartmouth has a ton to offer from the staggering natural beauty of its surroundings and stellar academic programs to the wonderful people you meet along the way. So stay a while, I'll make us cups of tea, and take a moment to discover life at the College on the Hill.
Every year winter comes; it is as inevitable as midterms and final examinations. Hanover is slowly invaded by frost, temperatures plunge, snow piles up on the Green, and students don coats and scarves to make the brave walk to Foco ('53 Commons). In the bleak midwinter, however, there is a warmth that permeates campus—halfway through the term, we have the Winter Carnival! This is an awesome event that ties together generations of Dartmouth students, and it's an opportunity to take advantage of the seasonal activities that can only be enjoyed in the winter!
This year, the theme is CARRRRNIVAL—yes, pirates—meaning we have a bunch of pirate-themed activities going on! There have been movie showings at Collis, a Pirate Polar Plunge in Occom Lake, and a live dance and acapella show featuring a bunch of sea shanties! I personally have been involved in the festivities, since my fraternity (Phi Delta Alpha) runs a philanthropic 'chili cookoff' event, where local businesses and student organizations come with their own chili recipe, to be judged by President Hanlon and his wife!
Ujima Performing at Collis!
There have also been an array of intricate and pirate-related ice sculptures being erected along the side of the Green, as students take full advantage of the opportunity to learn the craft from local ice artists and submit pieces for a competition. The highlight, however, has got to be the Polar Plunge. People line up for hours to jump into a hole cut in the ice of Occom Pond, and brave the freezing cold temperatures of a Hanover winter swim!
So far, anyway, this Winter Carnival has been one for the yearbooks. It always warms my heart to look back at old photos and see students from years past celebrating the same events that we do. It just reminds me of how timeless the Dartmouth experience is. I think one of the greatest things about studying here is that you join a community spanning over 250 years.
The big-little process in my sorority has strengthened my bond with my big, fostered new friendships across class years, and deepened my sense of community and belonging on campus.
This term, I competed in the annual Speech at Dartmouth competition, but would never have had this opportunity without the support of Dartmouth faculty. Read on as I share how I got here!
When I look back on my time at Dartmouth, and it is hard to believe I will be graduating in just two weeks, I know that Africa Week will always stand out as one of the moments when this campus felt most alive, most joyful, and most like home.
