Hello there! I'm May and I'm so excited to find a home away from home at Dartmouth, coming all the way from Southeast Asia! Joining such a tight-knit community under the shades of the great trees will definitely make it easier. I love trying new food (especially spicy cuisines, but I do have a sweet tooth!), meeting people through sports, and cozy movie nights. Find me in the soccer field during intramurals, getting coffee at Collis (my favorite), or volunteering at local service projects!
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.
I'm going to be completely honest: sometimes college is hard! I've compiled some resources that are great if students want to take some time to de-stress.
Even if I won't see my fellows NADs (our powerful Indigenous community), Questies (Questbridge ʻ23s represent!), and First-Generation Low-Income (FGLI) folks for a little while, you should all know that you make Dartmouth a wonderful place to be.
Because the town and school are small, they are extraordinarily interconnected and, in my experience, people in the community have been super welcoming. One long time Hanover resident even helped me pick out a good winter coat!
When I think of "old" at Dartmouth, I think of the many parts of campus that are rich in history. So this week, I went around to a couple of locations on campus to capture some of the historical parts of campus and their history.
I don't think any place exemplifies the stereotypical college town like Hanover and our dear old Dartmouth. Of the places at Dartmouth that have the best vibes, my vote — without question — goes to The Hop.
When I came to Hanover almost four years ago to start my freshman year, finding every place that serves coffee was of the utmost importance. Here's the rundown on the best places in town for coffee.
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.
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.
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.
The inside room of the bell tower where the clocks are located
