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![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)
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Luke's D-Plan
What's a D-Plan?-
FallHanover
Favorite Class: History of the English LanguageThis course delved deep into the linguistic development of the English language! It was super interesting, especially given my own unique accent!
WinterHanover
Favorite Class: Coloring BrazilThis class was SO interesting... We dug into the history of racial inequality in Brazil, stretching from the advent of slavery to persisting modern societal issues.
SpringHanover
Favorite Class: Creativity and CollaborationA course that I took completely impulsively turned into one of the most formative experiences I have had at Dartmouth. Through physical mediums and theatre, I rediscovered what it meant to be 'creative.'
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FallHanover
Favorite Class: Introduction to ItalianHaving always had a hatred for learning languages, I was wary of the requirement to do so here at Dartmouth. In reality, though, I needn't have worried! I absolutely loved every minute of this class, and now I can speak pretty good Italian!
WinterHanover
Favorite Class: History of the British EmpireThis class was extremely enlightening, and it was especially interesting to study as a British person. I felt as though I brought a unique perspective to the class, but also that I was learning a side of history which was brushed past in my GCSEs!
SpringHanover
Favorite Class: MacroeconomicsI LOVED this class. Macroeconomics is the reason I chose to study the subject, and this class reinforced how happy I am with that decision!
SummerHanover
Favorite Class: Research!I spent this term completing research with Professor Cascio of the Economics Department. Our work was concerned with educational investment, and it was one of my best experiences of Dartmouth so far!
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FallHanover
Favorite Class: Economics 24: Development EconomicsThis course teaches all about the economics of the development of economies, focusing on many case studies concerning education, housing, healthcare, and more!
WinterHanover
Favorite Class: CS 1: Introduction to Computer ScienceThis introductory computer science class was an amazing and immersive experience which introduced me to concepts in coding that I had no previous experience with. Definitely a must at Dartmouth!
![the snow tumbling off the roof of Anonymous Hall](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_0246_0.jpg?itok=Mh3CO0d3×tamp=1705694187)
Reuniting Under the Pines
One of the best parts of returning to Dartmouth for a new term is reuniting with friends who were on 'off-terms' last time you were here! Here is how that has been going for me this Winter!
![A view of the ski lodge from the top of Holt's ledge on a snowy day](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_9089.jpeg?itok=1r5asTbZ×tamp=1705438756)
Embracing Winter Wonderland
As a Junior, I have now spent 2 winters at Dartmouth, and I have just returned for my third. As the term with the coldest weather, it can be daunting for first-timers. Here are my reflections on why I love it!
![Blackboard with physics on it](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/pxl_20211115_161615210.mp_.jpg?itok=gOQc_Y5y×tamp=1698691906)
Navigating the Liberal Arts: A Journey of Learning at Dartmouth
The liberal arts were a foreign concept to me back when I was applying – read on to learn about their merits!
![Baker Berry](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/pxl_20230406_204824459_1.jpg?itok=neg9Gsw_×tamp=1698690692)
Study Spots and How to Choose Them!
Finding a study spot can be an intimidating process on a campus as varied as Dartmouth – here are my thoughts on some of them!
![franc ridge](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/pxl_20211022_163248558.mp_.jpg?itok=2jskP5rW×tamp=1698688764)
Exploring the Upper Valley: Hiking Adventures
Hiking has been one of the most exciting parts of my Dartmouth experience, so in this blog I wanted to talk about the mountains that I have enjoyed hiking the most!
![the fire](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/pxl_20221029_003531670.jpg?itok=sfKx9lQt×tamp=1697055295)
Homecoming: Laying in Anticipation!
As I find myself in my Junior Fall at this awesome school, I can't help but be in constant anticipation of Homecoming. Read on to hear more!
![Fall Trees](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/pxl_20221007_2016098702.jpg?itok=NCRkHm7T×tamp=1697055531)
The Enchanting Changing of the Seasons at Dartmouth
Hanover is of course a beautiful place, but there is one thing that photographs cannot capture the beauty of: the dynamic changing of the seasons!
![Trees and a Plane Trees and a Plane](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/pxl_20230805_180122290.jpg?itok=6kW7BXVX×tamp=1695659415)
Getting Back on That Academic Grind!
As is true for any long break from studying, it can be pretty challenging to return to school and get back into a solid routine – especially somewhere as fast-paced and rigorous as Dartmouth.
![Views on a trip to Montreal Views on a trip to Montreal](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/pxl_20230820_191215571.jpg?itok=2WACGIcy×tamp=1695658935)
In the Blink of an Eye: Reflecting on Sophomore Summer
It may seem like I repeat myself a multitude in these blog posts, and something in particular that I reference a lot, is the passage of time here at Dartmouth. In the writing of this blog, yet again I will do so! Read on to find out more.
![NYC views NYC views](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/pxl_20230614_202449256.jpg?itok=oE0aLW8a×tamp=1691956703)
What do Dartmouth Students do on 'Off-Terms'?
Since we run on the D-Plan here at Dartmouth, students are able to elect which terms (including the summer) they take classes, and which they designate to be 'Off.' This is super helpful for a range of reasons – here are a few examples!