Welcome to the woods! My name is Matt Catrambone and I'm super excited to be joining the People, Places, Pines team as a new blogger. As of now, I am majoring in biology and quantitative social science (QSS), but who knows where I will end up! I will be sharing my journey as I try out classes, activities and research opportunities in various departments. Outside of the classroom, I like to listen to music, hike, ski and explore the surrounding area with my friends. Nice to meet you all!
What up everyone! My name is Matt Catrambone (a '26) and welcome to my blog! This is where I'll be sharing my story as I transition from a small town in New Jersey to college life in Hanover. I've lived in Chester for most of my life where we enjoy small-town traditions, hiking, and exploring local spots–something I hope to continue in Hanover. It was bittersweet leaving behind my family and some lifelong friends, but I'm excited for each of us to start our new journeys, especially my two triplet brothers. Growing up, I always had my eye on Dartmouth. I love the down-to-earth and outdoorsy culture of the school, as well as the flexibility the quarter system offers. I'm beyond excited to join this new tight-knit, welcoming community in which everyone has something different and exciting to offer!
For me, my blog page will serve as a great place for weekly self-reflection on my Dartmouth experience and the community around me. But for all of you, I hope it serves as an authentic, unique view into what life is like at Dartmouth. Coming into my first year, I am very, very undecided. It's been a little overwhelming because a lot of my peers seem to have an idea of what they are interested in, but this is the exact position I want to be in. Dartmouth has so many fascinating and unique opportunities that I don't want to overlook. For example, I'm taking computer science and anthropology courses, trying out climbing, and looking into research opportunities–all things that are new to me! Stay tuned as I fulfill some of my current passions and look into new ones.
So far, I'm really enjoying myself here. Once I got over some jitters on move-in day, I've been able to embrace connections with the people and world around me. The first few days here, I spent a lot of time at orientation events and hanging out on the Connecticut river with some new friends. Then, I went on my first-year trip which was hiking where I bonded very well with my "tripees," sharing our stories over mac-n-cheese and trail mix. We hiked on the Appalachian Trail and climbed Mount Moosilauke before ending the trip with a hearty dinner at Moosilauke Lodge. Now I'm trying to find a good work-life balance as classes have started to pick up: bouncing between group study sessions at Baker-Berry Library, meals around the long tables at FoCo, runs around Occom Pond and Pine Park, and club meetings around campus.
I won't lie: it's been very busy and at some points, a more difficult adjustment than I thought. However, I wouldn't have it any other way, at any other place. I can't wait for the new experiences and connections that are to come in the next four years! Thank you for joining me on this journey!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
