My name is Michal, but I often end up being called Michael. I am a '27 from Lozorno, a small town outside Bratislava (Slovak capital). I am an exUWCer. I am passionate about climate change and sustainability in general. I want to devote my life to making this world a little more sustainable. I am an incredibly curious person and I'll be exploring as much of Dartmouth as possible from hardcore research to different sports to American culture. Please enjoy my adventures and thoughts on Dartmouth!
From my brief experience at Dartmouth, what makes or breaks a class is the professor and—more importantly—their attitude toward teaching. The good thing about Dartmouth is that the chances are in your favor since professors are excited to teach and want to see their students succeed. In my case, PHYS 15 (Physics 15) was taught by Professor Miles Blencowe. I already wrote a blog post about him, but in a nutshell, he single-handedly managed to reawake my love for learning in the midst of a high-paced course load. We covered the basics of mechanics, general relativity, and quantum mechanics. The course has had weekly labs that aim to show the real-world applications of the theory we covered in class. My final rating for this class is 4.9 stars out of 5.
Math 13 offers a perfect balance between being challenging and manageable. The course has enough workload to keep you engaged and fill a solid part of your day, but not so much that you can’t find time for friends. While the assignments provide valuable practice, they may feel like busy work for those who need less repetition. For a faster-paced option, Math 11 might be a better fit. Math 13 gave me a solid foundation in the Calculus of Vector-Valued Functions, enabling me to take courses like Physics 16 and various Engineering classes. It also introduced me to the value of Teaching Assistants (TAs) at Dartmouth, who host 2-hour sessions where students can ask questions, review the material in-depth, and get the intuition for the way vector-valued calculus works.
Physics 16 was the hardest class I took in my first year at Dartmouth. It wasn't that the material was impossible, but for the first time, I had to confront the limits of my imagination. The course focused on electric and magnetic fields of charges and currents, and while I can usually solve problems if I can visualize them, this class threw me off. Concepts like the Poynting vector seemed simple at first, but when combined with changing currents and capacitors, I struggled to keep up; although Differential Equations (Math 23) isn't a prerequisite, I strongly recommend having a background in it. Every time a new equation appeared on the board, I had to jot it down to research later; many classmates with stronger math backgrounds had no problem, so don't be intimidated—just make sure you know the math. This class ultimately reshaped my D-plan. I decided to prioritize math courses, not just to get through the material but to gain a deeper, more fundamental understanding of the engineering concepts I'll encounter later. This course made me realize I want math to be second nature when I return to my engineering courses so I can truly grasp the principles behind the problems rather than just apply formulas.
SummerSlovakia, Alaska, and Bulgaria
The goal of my summer was to take a break—not just from my goals but from my everyday grind in general. For the past three years, I've been operating at full capacity, constantly pushing myself. In that time, I've had the chance to explore different parts of the world, learn fascinating things, conduct research, fall in love, and fall out of it. I've experienced so much that I never really stopped to reflect. As Ferris Bueller said in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." So, I slowed down. I went hiking in Bulgaria (see my blog post about it) and traveled to Alaska—because who could say no to Alaska? I also spent a lot of time with my family, something I realized many of my college friends rarely get to do. They're so active and busy that they miss out on moments at home; I'm starting to realize that strategy might not be the best approach. Spending time with my family and taking it slow, reading books, and reflecting was my first step toward figuring out my place in the world. It felt like a strange, almost conflicting experience. On one hand, this was a betrayal of the carefree child inside me who just wanted to live in the moment. But on the other, it was a step toward becoming a better friend, a more thoughtful person.
Picking a favorite class this term has been tough since I’ve genuinely enjoyed all of them. I’m taking Linear Algebra (Math 22), Problem Solving via Object-Oriented Programming (COSC 10), and Cinematography I: Lighting and Composition (Film 44.09). Since I’m taking an art class, it’s been a more relaxed term in the sense that I’m doing more than just math and computer science. If I had to choose, CS 10 would be my favorite. The class is challenging, but Professor Timothy J. Pierson makes the material fun, covering object-oriented programming along with data structures and abstract data types. On the other hand thanks to my film class, I get access to Dartmouth’s media equipment, including a Bolex H16 film camera and 200 feet of Kodak color film, with development costs covered—truly a dream for a student cinematographer.
This semester, I’m taking mostly STEM courses—CHEM 5 (General Chemistry), ENGS 22 (Systems), and MATH 23 (Differential Equations). With two labs, it’s a relatively intense term. If I had to pick a favorite, it would definitely be MATH 23. MATH 23, in particular, stands out as one of the most useful classes I’ve taken. Over 10 weeks, we explore how relationships between variables affect outcomes and solve specific problems, offering a deeper understanding of how systems work rather than just how they are. Another reason I love this class is the professor, Robert Dougherty-Bliss. His energy and enthusiasm make the class not only engaging but genuinely enjoyable—I actually look forward to it!
My experience living in the Max Kade Living Learning Community!
When I first arrived at Dartmouth, I had no idea what a Living Learning Communities (LLC) was. Like most students, I assumed my only housing option was a traditional dorm. It wasn't until my sophomore year that I stumbled upon Max Kade House, the German-themed LLC, and realized I had missed out on something incredible. Looking back, I wish I had known about LLCs sooner—because joining one changed my college experience.
In my first year at Dartmouth, I lived in a single. At first, having my own space seemed like a luxury, but I saw the downside as the year went on. My friends formed close bonds with their roommates, and I had to leave my room bubble whenever I wanted to seek out my friends. When sophomore year housing applications opened, I wanted something different. That's when I found Living Learning Communities (LLCs), in my case, Max Kade—an on-campus apartment where everyone shared an interest in the German language and culture. Even though I wasn't fluent, I applied and got in. But there are a lot of other options; you can find out about them on this website:How to get involved in LLCs
Living in Max Kade was nothing like a dorm. Instead of long hallways and communal bathrooms, I was in an apartment-style setup, something usually reserved for seniors. But what made it special wasn't just the housing—it was the people. Everyone had some connection to Germany, whether through language, history, or just a love of pretzels and Oktoberfest. Conversations drifted toward European politics, German cinema, or language quirks. Some of us were fluent, others just starting, but that didn't matter. We had something in common, and that made all the difference.
The biggest perk in my opinion? The kitchen. Unlike dorms, where you're stuck with a meal plan, living in an LLC meant I could cook for myself. That meant midnight pasta, weekend cook-offs with friends, and the freedom to eat whatever and whenever I wanted. It also helped me save money by reducing my meal plan.
The kitchen!
Another part of LLC life is the built-in programming. At Max Kade, we had access to a private library full of German books, and each term, my flatmates and I had to organize an event—whether it was a film screening, a discussion, or a German food night. Attending at least two other events was also encouraged, but honestly, these never felt like requirements. They were just more opportunities to connect.
As someone not involved in Greek life, Max Kade and the Dartmouth Outing Clubbecame my two main communities. They gave me a sense of belonging and a place that felt like home. If I could go back to my first year, I would apply to an LLC right away. Living in a dorm was fine, but having an intentional community, an apartment setup, and more control over my daily life made a huge difference.
If you're thinking about selecting housing at Dartmouth, joining an LLC is as easy as selecting it in your housing application on your housing portal and writing a few short essays about your connection to the theme of the LLC. If you're looking for a place to live, learn, and find your people, an LLC might be what you need!
Winter at Dartmouth has many special traditions, but my favorite winter activities so far have been the "little things": the random, spontaneous adventures Dartmouth students experience daily. Read to learn about my encounter with the "Winter S's"!
Oftentimes, life can be stressful. Though it's easy for me to feel anxious, I have found that identifying the things I am grateful for can be rather helpful. Read on to hear about what I appreciate.
Whether you're braving the cold on your way to class or participating in classic winter activities, there are plenty of ways to make the most of a Dartmouth winter!
