Hi everyone! I'm Madison. I'm originally from Pasadena, California, but I also spent eight years living in Manila, Philippines, and one year in Gibraltar. At Dartmouth, I plan to double major in Film & Media Studies and ASCL (Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages). Dartmouth has already opened up so many doors for me and truly changed my life for the better, so I'm really excited to share my college journey and experiences with you all!
Academic Program
Majors in Film and Media Studies and Asian Societies, Languages, and Cultures
An introductory Chinese class for beginners that provides a foundational understanding of the language, including pinyin, proper tones, pronunciation, character writing, basic vocabulary, and sentence structures.
A dynamic, hands-on course that emphasizes empathy-driven problem solving, rapid prototyping, and collaborative innovation through team projects, energizing activities, and practical skill-building sessions.
A course that builds on the foundations of Chinese 001 and 002 by introducing more sentence structures and vocabulary, with regular weekly drills to strengthen speaking and tonal pronunciation, and a shift from traditional to simplified characters in the final three weeks.
A course that builds on introductory Chinese 1 2, and 3, following Chinese 22, and deepens previously learned material through more complex grammar, sentence structures, and expanded vocabulary.
A film theory course that builds on some prior intro experience, where you watch, analyze, discuss, and write about films across different genres while learning how to apply various theories.
With everything going on as a college student, it's easy to feel overstimulated by the constant hustle of classes, activities, and commitments. I've learned that making time to slow down and recharge is just as important as staying busy. Lately, there are a few simple things I've been turning to that help me relax and reset at Dartmouth:
1. Using the Sauna
One hidden gem at Dartmouth that I don't think enough people take advantage of—mainly because they might not even know it exists—is the sauna in the gym (located in the East Women's Locker Room). I started using it during the winter of my first year, when the cold was brutal, and it quickly became one of my favorite ways to warm up and unwind.
I love stopping by the sauna after a good workout, in between runs, or even just to relax and catch up with friends. One of my favorite routines is the gym–sauna–late-night combo my friend Kaitlyn and I like to do—working out, unwinding in the sauna, and then heading to the dining hall for a late-night snack. It's the perfect way to end the day.
Overall, the sauna is incredibly refreshing and feels like a small reset in the middle of a busy schedule. Plus, it's an excellent bonus for your immune system if you're looking for a little health boost during the term.
A quiet, tucked-away spot on campus that's perfect for warming up.
2. Going on runs
Amid everything on my to-do list, I've found running to be one of the best ways to reset my mind and step away from the constant mental checklist of the day. I love going on solo night runs to clear my head, but I also really enjoy running with friends—whether they're more experienced and push me to improve, or newer runners who I can encourage along the way.
One of the best parts about running at Dartmouth is how scenic the routes are. I only got into running this past fall term after returning from my study abroad, and being able to run through campus while the leaves were changing made me fall in love with it even more. My favorite places to run are Pine Park and Occom Pond, and it's always fun to explore new routes and spots around campus.
Sweaty, happy, and proud after CHaD HERO 2025.
3. Sanborn Tea Time
What better way to stay productive than heading to Sanborn Tea Time, where you can enjoy tea and cookies while getting work done in the library? I really love going to tea time at Sanborn—not only because the building's historic architecture is beautiful and timeless, but also because the quiet, calming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to focus.
The tea and cookies just add to the experience. They usually offer options like lemongrass or Earl Grey tea, along with ginger cookies or maple shortbread, which are all really good. It's such a relaxing, low-key pick-me-up and one of my favorite ways to unwind while still being productive.
Finding calm in the middle of the day at Sanborn.
4. Hiking
Dartmouth is surrounded by so many great hiking trails, and I definitely recommend going on a casual hike nearby whenever you get the chance. I've been to places like Mount Cardigan, Gile Mountain, and Quechee Gorge, just to name a few. These spots are a short drive away, so you may need access to a car, but they're absolutely worth it.
Chasing views and fall colors at the Skiway.
One of my favorite memories from the fall term was hiking Mount Cardigan with friends right at the start of the term. We spent the drive catching up on our summers and talking about what we were excited (and nervous) about for the term ahead. During the hike, we talked, played music, took breaks to rest and watch the sunset, and ended the day with Cold Stone ice cream on the way back to campus. It was such a simple but grounding experience—and a perfect reminder of how refreshing it can be to step outside, slow down, and reset.
Taking a breather and soaking in the Mt. Cardigan views.
Nothing like good company and a killer sunset to cap off a hike.
5. Cooking with Friends
The last thing I want to touch on is cooking with friends. There's something really comforting about trying something new together and spending time off-screen and outside of your room. This past fall term, my pod chat group for a class I was taking, Video Games and the Meaning of Life, met weekly, and sometimes that meant cooking and eating together while getting our work done.
We'd make meals like steak with carbonara or Korean BBQ with ramen. It was actually such a wholesome experience. Sitting with friends, sharing food, and working through assignments together made the work feel easier and the time truly well spent.
Friends + Korean BBQ = winning combo
Packed with flavor and definitely worth every bite.
A little culinary reward to power through our work.
Since 1911, Dartmouth has hosted the annual Winter Carnival. This year, we celebrated the 116th Winter Carnival, The Blizzard of Oz, filled with winter-themed activities and campus wide fun!
Ah, college—a new beginning. Read on to hear what the transition was like for me, from being a nervous but excited high school senior to slowly settling into college life.
