![Matt Catrambone](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_5373.jpeg?itok=ZtWlp_1U×tamp=1664116961)
![Pine park](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/img_0617_1.jpeg?itok=LCp1CIg6×tamp=1664117884)
Matt Catrambone
![Matt Catrambone](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_5373.jpeg?itok=ZtWlp_1U×tamp=1664116961)
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Favorite Moments of 22Fall
It's been getting busy on campus! Because of the quarter system, the final days in Hanover can be pretty hectic, but I'm finding the routine quite enjoyable. I've definitely been studying with friends in the library and trying my best to get outside to have some fun. To finish off this term, I'm going to share some photos that capture what the Upper Valley has to offer.
1. First Year Trips!
![fyt](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_5696.jpeg?itok=eARs0u66)
![fyt2](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_0056_0.jpg?itok=uEqbfwi3)
I've probably mentioned my trip in other blog posts, but it feels necessary to address it some more in this post. I was on the more strenuous hiking trip, so we, you guessed it, hiked and camped about 20 miles off Dartmouth's campus. The trip culminated in our summit of Mt. Moosilauke, but what I will remember most is how tight-knit our group was. We shared many laughs on the trails over (many) bags of trail mix and banana chips, and still get together about twice a month to reconnect. It's been a great source of community and has grounded me if I ever feel like I need to talk to someone. We're planning a part 2 very soon!
2. Trips to Queeche Gorge and Woodstock
![Woodstock](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_1606.jpeg?itok=EfX8Q2KV)
![quiche](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_1161_1.jpeg?itok=OX6t8wM_)
I've tried my best to take advantage of the surrounding area and visit some neighboring towns - most notably Queeche and Woodstock, VT. With my housing community (West House), we took a trip to the Queeche gorge (pictured above) and also visited a farmer's market which was a great way to get to know the people I'll be living with for the next four years. On parent's weekend, as I've mentioned, we visited Woodstock to shop, walk around and go on a short hike which allowed me to catch up with my parents. Totally recommend exploring the Upper Valley if you make the visit!
3. Riverview Farms Apple Picking with Club Ski
![apple](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_1939.jpg?itok=L64hxzrg)
![apple2](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_2428.jpeg?itok=4-AlX3hO)
I plan on joining the club racing team this winter, so I attended a meet-and-greet social at a local apple orchard. We weaved through the many apple trees to try to find some Yellow Delicious and, more importantly, was able to explore my options of how I could get involved. The trip eased my nerves because I had never raced before, but the upperclassman reassured me that they had their fair share of falls and I should come out to join them. I'm really excited for this winter and to meet some new peers outside of my current involvements.
4. Hiking Mt. Cardigan with friends
![cardigan](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_2711.jpeg?itok=hW3e3nHK)
![car2](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_3491.jpeg?itok=yZsTDWhE)
As you can tell, I've tried my best to check out some cool hikes in the area - this time I took a Zipcar with my friends and headed out to Mt. Cardigan. It took us about 45 minutes to get up to the top where a watchtower (and the beautiful sunset) awaited us. And if you don't have access to a car - there is nothing to worry about! The Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) runs many trips each weekday and weekend all around New England. It's a great way to meet peers and older students, and I'm even trying to lead a trip in a later term!
5. Homecoming Bonfire
![bon](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_4672.jpeg?itok=mqxZncwW)
![bon2](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_6667.jpeg?itok=UTgtkcU5)
Each quarter on campus, we celebrate with a main tradition - in the fall, it's the Homecoming bonfire. Many alumni return to campus to reunite with their classmates, and there are many events - like dinners, barbeques, and information sessions - to welcome our friends back to campus. The most tangible is the large bonfire that is built by my classmates (the '26s) and is decorated with posters from student organizations. My entire class walked all around campus to return to the Green where alumni and current students cheer us on and initiate us into the community. It was a really beautiful moment.
6. Hanging out on the green
![green](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_2796.jpeg?itok=dWDKgmKm)
![green2](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_half/public/admissions/wysiwyg/img_3393_0.jpeg?itok=jDsO9aaZ)
I'm trying to soak up some of the last warm-ish days on campus, so I've been getting outside to do some homework. Above I am working on an outline for my WRIT5 research paper. There are always students out on the Green, throwing around a frisbee or competing in sometimes-heated games of Spikeball. Moving out of the library makes me more efficient if I've spent an hour or two inside, so I'll sometimes recruit friends to join me.
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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)
![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)
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![Connecticut river](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-11_at_12.34.54_pm.png?itok=Za7K_il9×tamp=1720715742)
Sophomore Summer has already defined itself by its exciting, unfamiliar experiences and the relaxed atmosphere of campus. With new classes and clubs in full swing, here is what I have been up to during this wonderful time on campus!
![Me! blog_828 × 1026_brendilou](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1226.png?itok=U8hQQ4ev×tamp=1663881287)
![FIRE study abroad program at Rome](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/fire_1650x916.png?itok=cypHcxe5×tamp=1718399675)
In this blog, I would like to share some other academic-inclined ways that Dartmouth students spend their freshman summer.
![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)
![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)
![chem](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_4517.jpg?itok=lB6u7Onl×tamp=1718400172)
I'm now finally done with my pre-medical requirements and wanted to continue my recap of the whole journey!
![pic](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1827.jpg?itok=BAuyur99×tamp=1665456638)
![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)
![a picture of a lufthansa airplane in Boston Logan with the setting sun behind it](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_3508.jpg?itok=5W4WA3HO×tamp=1718913460)
"What's your major?" seems like a pressing question for every freshman, but now that my freshman year is behind me, I know I shouldn't have worried as much.
![Kalina standing amidst the autumn leaves](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/kalina_duncheva_27_-_kalina_duncheva.jpg?itok=1Spk_Kot×tamp=1694612135)