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!
From Reflection to Action: Standing in Solidarity with Ukraine at Dartmouth
A few months ago, I found myself sitting in the study room of Kemeny Hall, Dartmouth's math building. Instead of tackling the overwhelming pile of coursework in front of me, I paused to watch The Pacific, an HBO miniseries that follows the intertwined journeys of three U.S. Marines during World War II.
Halfway through the series, I broke down crying. The psychological toll of war on these men, the way it eroded their humanity and tore apart their personal lives, was too much to process. I couldn't help but think about their sacrifices—the unimaginable pain they endured for the greater good of the generations that came after them, for us.
At that moment, I felt an immense sense of debt, one I knew I could never repay. The tension of that realization weighed heavily on me, and I felt compelled to resolve it. I began to ask myself: who is putting their lives on hold, risking everything to defend their loved ones and their way of life? The answer came to me in a flash: Ukraine.
For me, the war in Ukraine is not just a distant geopolitical event; it feels deeply personal. Growing up in Slovakia, a neighboring country, I was acutely aware of the region's shared histories and connections. My own family experienced the challenges of displacement, and last year, we had the opportunity to host two Ukrainian families fleeing the conflict. Hearing their stories brought the harsh realities of war closer to home.
Source: The Dartmouth
At Dartmouth, I found an opportunity to channel these reflections into action through the Dartmouth Student Alliance for Ukraine (DSAU). This student-led organization works to support Ukraine by fostering awareness, encouraging thoughtful dialogue, and helping to sustain attention to the ongoing crisis.
Through DSAU, I've had the privilege of engaging with Ukrainian students, faculty, and experts whose experiences have shed light on the complexities of the conflict. Their stories of resilience and determination remind me of the power of community and solidarity in the face of hardship.
To further support this important cause, DSAU is organizing a vigil on the Green on February 24, the anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This event will provide a space for the Dartmouth community to come together in solidarity, honor the resilience of those affected, and reaffirm our shared values of justice and peace.
At its core, this effort is about connection—recognizing the shared humanity that unites us across borders and circumstances. It's about acknowledging that what happens in one part of the world can ripple outward, reminding us of our responsibility to care for one another. On February 24, we will reflect, show support, and engage in meaningful conversation. Together, we will demonstrate Dartmouth's commitment to fostering understanding and compassion in the face of adversity.
The sorority rush process is a flexible, three-round experience each fall and winter where potential new members gradually narrow down their choices and receive an invitation to join their matched sorority.
Exploring the Southern Part of Sri Lanka during our six weeks of winter break! A much-needed exposure to the sun and sand before I return for the Winter Term at Dartmouth.
An international student's perspective on Dartmouth's unique and inclusive Greek life culture, exploring the diverse motivations, experiences, and social dynamics behind joining a sorority.
Starting college in a new country is a big leap, but with orientation programs, cultural connections, and helpful resources, Dartmouth quickly became more than just a campus—it became home.
My journey home for winter break (winterim) after an entire year of being away from family and friends! The winter break is six weeks from late November to Early January, and students may stay on campus with provided housing and meal plans.
From orientation week to your classes, you can easily find community at Dartmouth! Read on to know how I met my Dartmouth family and where you might also find yours.
As an international student, I was hesitant to join Greek Life, but I found a welcoming community. Now, as a junior, I hope to help others find their place too.
