Hello everyone! My name is Natasha Raman and I'm a freshman at Dartmouth. Although I'm undecided on my major, I am leaning towards something related to government, economics, and Asian studies. In my free time, I like to watch The Office, keep up with current events, learn new languages, and hang out with my friends. I am excited to explore my interests at Dartmouth and take advantage of the amazing opportunities offered here!
When exploring potential colleges to apply to, one criterion I had was that the college should have a vibrant arts culture. Because I was involved in theatre throughout my four years in high school, having an avenue to participate in and watch the arts was crucial to me. At Dartmouth, there are many opportunities to delve into the arts, ranging from theatre to music and studio art.
One of the main art centers, the Hopkins Center for the Arts (also known as the HOP) hosts a plethora of art events that nearly every day. One weekend, my friend and I decided to go to the Hop to see a show. Even though there was a multitude of shows to choose from, we ultimately decided on watching "WiRED: The 24-Hour Playwriting Experience." In this theatre show, four plays were being presented. Each one of these plays was written, directed, and acted in by Dartmouth students in only 24 hours! I was skeptical at first of how good the plays were going to be, considering that they were being written and performed in only a single day. However, by the end of the show, I was amazed at how wonderful all of the plays were! They were all full of humor and creativity, leaving the audience members, myself included, in stitches by the end. Inspired from watching this show, I am looking forward to participating in "WiRED: The 24-Hour Playwriting Experience" myself next year!
The Bentley Theatre at the Hopkins Center for the Arts
Another art center on campus is the Hood Museum of Art. This art museum is filled with art from a variety of places, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The Hood Museum, which is free and open to the public, is simply breathtaking. In addition to having many neat artifacts dating back from ancient times, there are many events and programs hosted in the museum. Some of these events include lectures on art history and tours of the museum. Apart from the Hood Museum, there is also the Black Family Visual Arts Center. Like the Hood Museum, there is an art gallery located in this center. In addition, departments such as the Studio Arts department and the Digital Humanities department are located in this building.
Although Dartmouth may not be located in a major city, there are a plethora of ways to be involved in the arts here. From performing in shows at the Hopkins Center for the Arts to visiting the Hood Museum of Art and the Black Family Visual Arts Center, any student can become deeply involved in the arts.
Looking back on my college search process, I remember really wanting to meet students to try and get a sense of the school's culture. To help you guys out, I decided to interview a couple '24s to help you guys get a sense of Dartmouth!
I was attracted by the opportunity to engage with first-year residents and shape their Dartmouth experiences, in addition to working with other UGAs and staff who shared my interest in helping others.
With lots of things (understandably) still closed on campus, it's nice to know that study spaces are beginning to open up again in a safe and responsible way.
In previous winters, I was able to skate on Occom Pond, usually at events with my Living Learning Community, and I'm glad to see that we're still able to take part in such winter festivities even with COVID-19 restrictions.
Dartmouth's Center for Social Impact has several opportunities for students to be involved with the Upper Valley. This year, I have the privilege to be involved in Foundations, a first-year program, and can't wait for other opportunities!
Another art center on campus is the Hood Museum of Art. This art museum is filled with art from a variety of places, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The Hood Museum, which is free and open to the public, is simply breathtaking. In addition to having many neat artifacts dating back from ancient times, there are many events and programs hosted in the museum. Some of these events include lectures on art history and tours of the museum. Apart from the Hood Museum, there is also the Black Family Visual Arts Center. Like the Hood Museum, there is an art gallery located in this center. In addition, departments such as the Studio Arts department and the Digital Humanities department are located in this building.
