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Melissa Barales-Lopez

Class of 2022
Melissa

About 

Hello! My name is Melissa and I'm a binge-watching, carrot cake-loving, undercover art aficionado from the West Coast (best coast). I'm excited to explore the Government, Latin American Studies, and Geography departments during my first year at Dartmouth. You can find me studying in the Black Family Visual Arts Center, working or hanging at Novack Café 24/7, and adding to my earring collection at Dartmouth's jewelry studio.

Academic Program 

(Intended) Double Major in Government & Spanish

Favorite Thing Right Now 

Coffee Shops & Sandals

Hometown 

East Los Angeles, CA

Pronouns 

She/Her/Hers

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Melissa's D-Plan

What's a D-Plan?

    • FallHanover

      Favorite Class: Food for Thought

      As a self-proclaimed foodie, this writing class was an absolute pleasure for me. I learned everything from the disastrous effects that our food industry has on our environment to the lack of nutrient-dense foods in low-income communities in the U.S. With the help of my professor, I also completed my first-ever research paper!

    • WinterHanover

      Favorite Class: Is Dartmouth a Religion?

      This seminar was the first course I took under the religion department, and I absolutely loved it! I analyzed Dartmouth through the lens of religious traditions - like sacred spaces, rites of passage, and religious founders - and discovered that the College possesses many features that parallel important characteristics of the world of religion. In addition to careful and exciting analyses, the course work also included engaging oral reports, unique writing assignments, and dynamic discussions. In short, this course was a delight!

    • SpringHanover

      Favorite Class: The American Political System

      This course was a comprehensive introduction to U.S. government. I learned both how the nation's political system works and why it works the way it does. Alongside engaging lectures, the writing assignments challenged me to apply what I know of government to real-life political events. This course solidified my choice to major in Government!

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Here’s What I Love about the Town of Hanover

This summer, I'm heading to Los Angeles for the first time in five months. That means I’ll be leaving the small, quaint town of Hanover which has truly become a second home during my time at Dartmouth. Hanover and Los Angeles are polar opposites, but both environments offer attractions that are distinctly special. 


Over the year, I’ve slowly explored the town of Hanover, which is mostly comprised of Main St. Main St. doesn’t run for too long (it’s not like your typical city boulevards), but it’s packed with distinct treasures that undoubtedly shape students’ experiences. Many of the establishments found on Main St. are unique to Hanover and beloved by the community (and, of course, myself). Here are the spaces in our college town I’ll miss during the summer. 

  1. No. 1

    Lou’s Restaurant & Bakery

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    An iconic institution located in the middle of town, Lou’s Restaurant has been open for over 70 years. This business has served the Dartmouth community well, supplying mouth-watering and delectable plates during that time period. For any Gilmore Girls fans out there, I would class classify Lou’s as the equivalent to Lukes in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. While I can’t speak to the food at Lukes, I can certainly attest to the sheer deliciousness of Lou’s menu items. It attracts people far outside of Hanover, but beyond it being a regional tourist attraction, Lou’s is the faithful haven of Hanover residents and Dartmouth students. On any given day, you can find long-time community members, undergraduates, and even Dartmouth professors chatting away inside! In addition to the celebrational visits to Lou’s with close friends, I’ll miss its quaint and friendly ambiance. The restaurant’s sense of community is something you can’t replicate anywhere else. 

  2. No. 2

    The Nugget Theatre

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    As a movie fanatic, the Nugget Theatre is my favorite place in Hanover. The Nugget Theatre first opened in 1916 and, given its popularity among the community, it’s stayed open ever since. While my first visit to the Nugget took place during spring break, I have not stopped going since! The Nugget is smaller than your traditional movie theater, but it still screens the most popular productions out there. So far, I’ve seen Jordan Peele’s Us, the long-anticipated blockbuster End Game, and Disney’s live action film Aladdin. The popcorn served in the Nugget also happens to be especially good (it’s somehow extra savory), and the small showing rooms create a pleasurable viewing experience. Every time I’ve gone to the Nugget, everyone seems to be immersed in the movie, and it elevates the entire experience. Beyond the yummy treats and the comfortable accommodations, the experience of watching a good movie with close friends is unbeatable. 

  3. No. 3

    Morano Gelato

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    Unlike my handful of (yet nonethless memorable) visits to the Nugget Theatre, I frequently visit Morano Gelato. Morano Gelato is also located down Main St. and is an absolute town gem. While Morano Gelato is not unique to Hanover, the establishment has a special place among the community. With a continuously changing list of flavors, Morano Gelato notably serves something for everyone. Because of its impressive variety, you can almost always count on encountering a line of customers when you pay Morano a visit. But the wait time is well worth it! My favorite flavor is Cioccolato Bianco (or White Chocolate), which I like to enjoy on the nearby outside patio. I love relaxing on one of the many benches on this courtyard on a nice sunny day while savoring delicious gelato.

Posted 07/21/2019 at 12:30 PMAll List Posts

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