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...
After a 23-hour flight, 2 transits, and 2 delayed check-ins, I finally found myself (plus a recently discovered love for The Office) at Boston Logan Airport. You can imagine how glad and relieved I am as I write this blog post under the comforts of a warm blanket in my dorm which I share with two amazing roommates. For many of us, leaving family and friends for college is always tough and for international students like me, saying goodbye to home doesn't get any easier.
Me with the most adorable 2nd graders at a local school in Shan State, Myanmar, during my gap year
This time a year ago, I had been travelling with a health charity around Myanmar, making stops at several village schools and teaching English to children at monasteries. I'd never have imagined I'd be at the Big Green. Taking a gap year before college was not what I had planned but looking back, it has definitely been one of the better decisions I've made, and I would totally encourage anyone to do so! Not only will you be able to find yourself through whatever activity you dive into beyond the walls of school, you'll come to understand yourself better as a human being, flaws and all. And if you're like me, starting college will be all the more exciting!
The last day of first-year trips at Dartmouth's Moosilauke Ravine Lodge ( Go F64!!)
At the time of writing this post, it has only been a week into the term at Dartmouth — but when there's a will, there's most definitely a way. From DOC first-year trips and pre-orientation to a capella performances and inflatable basketball showdowns, there is always something happening at the Big Green. As a huge foodie, I've been spending time at the Organic Farm and trying out the famed Lou's donuts and Morano Gelato. Yet, as someone who grew up halfway across the world, food touring is as easy as paying a visit to FoCo, our beloved dining hall. So far, I've absolutely loved the clam chowder, three-bean chili, and the occasional sushi!
A snapshot of the night of Fallapalooza featuring COIN (check them out!) and Ivy Sole
As someone who'll also bust a questionable move (I can't dance ☹️but when has this ever stopped anyone?) whenever there's music playing, I've had so much fun at Street Soul, a student-led dance group. Aside from that, I've been playing badminton, hosting movie nights with my friends, and of course, loving the opportunity to share my experience at Dartmouth with you. Feel free to join me as I start my first year exploring the many dimensions of Dartmouth; it'll be a journey of many firsts for the both of us! Geographically, it took me 29 hours to finally get to Dartmouth from Yangon, my home of 18 years. From this point on, I'm hopeful that no amount of time will be able to take away the Dartmouth experience from me.
Some of you planning to attend Dartmouth as international students may be thinking, "How will I celebrate the family weekend at Dartmouth?" Isn't it something I need a family for? How will my family get to Dartmouth from the far ends of the earth?
Honestly, it was hard for me to picture myself in an Ivy League. As I start to meet the incredible people who constitute the class of 2026, the idea that, in three weeks, my last term as a freshman will to an end, shocks me.
Last Saturday, instead of spending time doing work in Sanborn, spending time on the Green, or hanging out in my fraternity house, I spent most of the day out on the golf course, with a backpack full of supplies for outdoor events.
As I have been sick more than ever this year, here is what I have learned works best for me while taking care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Me with the most adorable 2nd graders at a local school in Shan State, Myanmar, during my gap year
The last day of first-year trips at Dartmouth's Moosilauke Ravine Lodge ( Go F64!!) 
