![Picture of Memo smiling in front of a pond](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/screen_shot_2024-07-17_at_9.01.11_pm.png?itok=Jo2SQcxM×tamp=1721264590)
![CECS](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/602c5b9d-4d0a-4f36-8e7c-bcbdd36bb8fe.jpg?itok=kmxJllDI×tamp=1663553960)
Memo Tangtipongkul
![Picture of Memo smiling in front of a pond](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/screen_shot_2024-07-17_at_9.01.11_pm.png?itok=Jo2SQcxM×tamp=1721264590)
![cs building](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/40860500-ce81-4f8c-bd3a-c0a7a7bd353a.jpg?itok=EGp2p2TA×tamp=1667764859)
Fall Term: Computer Science Edition
During Dartmouth's 2-week-long Orientation period, I had the opportunity to visit each department's open house. I went to the Chemistry and QSS open houses since I have always thought of pursuing these two interests in college. With the intention to just explore other departments out of curiosity, I tagged along with a friend to the Engineering and Computer Science Center.
Now, I am the most indecisive person in the world, so any exciting factors can easily sway me. I've never thought about taking a computer science class in college ever. Let's just say my high school coding experience was not so enjoyable. However, the moment I stepped foot into the ECSC building, I was so mesmerized by its interiors. I wanted to come here every day and take all my 3 classes in this building. Of course, I knew I couldn't just choose my major from how amazing the buildings were, but computer science suddenly became an option.
Anyways, my friend and I roamed around the building for a while, asking professors questions about the courses and appreciating some free orange juice and donuts. One other student asked a professor to give us a pitch as to why we should pursue computer science. I remembered locking eyes with my friends after his speech, and we knew we were both heavily convinced. We had to take CS1.
Course elections rolled along and I ended up taking CS1. The first few weeks were a breeze, but things got real as we sped into the quarter. It requires a chunk of your time, and the assignments are there to make sure you've got a grip on the concepts in the lectures. It's definitely not a layup (easy, chill class), but I think the way Professor Vasanta teaches gave me a stronger foundation in computer science.
I realized that computer science started making a lot more sense to me, and I was excited to pursue it further. Wonderful opportunities emerged as I started looking into the WISP Research Internship Program. This program matches freshmen and sophomore women who are in STEM disciplines to faculty members for a paid, part-time internship. As I've mentioned, this is a matching program, which means that both the student and faculty members have to be interested in working together.
After attending 2 informational sessions, I applied to the program and emailed a few faculty members to ask for an interview opportunity. I had to do it as soon as possible since availability in each lab may be limited. Three interviews and long days of waiting later, I got a match! In the winter, I'll be working with Professor Lorie Loeb and my WISP teammates on a computer science project titled, 'DALI Lab mobile app design and development.' Can you guess where my meetings will take place for this internship? If you said the Engineering and Computer Science building, you are absolutely right.
So here's my rating for CS right now: so far so good. I am so thrilled and I can't help but wonder what winter term will bring. :
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In this blog, I would like to share some other academic-inclined ways that Dartmouth students spend their freshman summer.
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In the summer, prospective students might take the time to visit potential colleges and universities to apply to. But what are some things to look for as you peruse campuses and take in the view, especially during the summer? Here are some ideas!
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I'm now finally done with my pre-medical requirements and wanted to continue my recap of the whole journey!
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My first-year at Dartmouth has been a period of profound growth and self-discovery. It has challenged me to push beyond my limits, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, and navigate the complex web of opportunities that define college life.
![blogger_image](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/wechatimg3290.jpg?itok=_fEvVHFF×tamp=1695605711)
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"What's your major?" seems like a pressing question for every freshman, but now that my freshman year is behind me, I know I shouldn't have worried as much.
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Dartmouth has Distributive and World Culture Requirements, including the Writing classes, that are be fulfilled during your first year.
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