Hi there! I'm May and I'm sooo excited to share my Dartmouth experience with you! I love basically all types of food, binge watching Asian shows, and cozy movie nights! Find me in gym playing badminton, with my friends in the common rooms, getting coffee at Collis (my favorite), or volunteering at local service projects!
Academic Program
Quantitative Social Science
Favorite Thing Right Now
Finally having Stir-fry from Collis after a looong year...
Did you know that Dartmouth is one of the oldest colleges in the United States? Fun fact — it is among the nine institutes of higher education recognized before the American Revolution. That makes Dartmouth 250 years old! Among several sites on campus showcasing Dartmouth's rich history, the Baker Library Bell Tower stands tall and proud.
My friends and I on the night of the Homecoming Bonfire!
In early October, the Big Green hosted Homecoming. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Homecoming, it is a weekend for alumni to return to campus and celebrate their reunion. Of course, for us '23s, it also means that we light the bonfire (yes, an actual fire!) in the center of the green.
Don't worry, though. Dartmouth takes all the steps to make sure we are all safe and sound from the 10-foot flames.
Look at the rising bonfire at the back!
After the bonfire is lit, we follow the long-lasting tradition to walk a lap around the fire and join in on spirited activites throughout the weekend. This year, my friends and I had the chance to go to the top of the Baker Library Bell Tower.
Listening to our tour guide at the foot of the stairs that would take us to the top, I marveled at the hands of the clock that have been ticking for the last two centuries. Looking up at the high ceilings, I'm humbled by how I am such a small part in this world. And yet, I feel like I can do anything as I take the stairs that so many have climbed before me and so many others will in years to come.
The inside room of the bell tower where the clocks are located
The way up is a bit steep, so we have to make sure to have a tight grip on the rails. The occasional ceiling joints keep us on the watch of where we're going, too. If you are uncomfortable with heights, be extra cautious of your step!
Try not to look back and take a rest whenever you have to.
Once I reach the top, I am greeted by a fresh breeze that reminds me that fall is well underway. I look out over the small balcony: across the green, the great trees in shades of orange and yellow, the North Main Street that runs through Hanover, and then towards the gentle slopes in the horizon. On the green, there is an orderly stack of wooden beams — in less than 24 hours, they would be lit for the bonfire.
The amazing view that greeted us at the top of the tower!
After several elated exchanges of waves with those below us and an intense photoshoot, it was time to climb back down. I look back one last time not only at what laid before me but also at who surrounded me: my two friends, a '22, an alumnus from Syracuse, New York, a fellow '23 and his dad. At Dartmouth, people come together. We take pride in where we're from and even more in how we ourselves build a home here.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a phenomenal total solar eclipse occurred — and we happened to be within the path of totality. As a result, Dartmouth hosted a variety of eclipse-related events on- and off-campus. Find out how I spent the eclipse!
