Hi there! I'm Nathan, from Lynn, MA (basically Boston). At the moment, I'm studying Engineering and Biology, though I hope to explore courses across the Humanities and Social Sciences. I'm an aspiring naturalist who loves writing, drawing, and photography. My time outside the classroom is spent running trails, reading random wikipedia articles, or speaking French with Francophone friends. Explore my posts for an inside perspective of everything Dartmouth has to offer!
I took this class to explore the Biology Department and it ended up defining my freshman Fall. I grew close with other biology-minded students and together we delved deep into cellular mechanisms and processes in a fast-paced environment. The labs were long but rewarding and everything about this class made me a better scientist—Professor Bezanilla is an amazing teacher! I would recommend this class to anyone with a passion for biology and research.
“Who do I want to be?” is a question that I frequently ask myself as an undergraduate (and I’m sure you will as well). A good place to begin answering this question, however, is “Who am I ?” Taking Investigative Memoir as my first-year Seminar allowed me to explore this question via personal reflection and expressive writing—something that has helped me frame my identity at Dartmouth with the rest of my life. College can be a surreal experience, but Professor Sharlet’s introduction to the world of creative nonfiction has given me the ability to transform my own perceptions into tangible, recorded stories.
As a kid I drew a lot; I was inspired by architectural books like “Pyramid” and “Castle” and fascinated by illustrations in “The Way Things Work.” All of these books are by the author David Macaulay—and I had the opportunity to take this very class with him! I completed weekly sketchbook exercises, worked on visually communicating inventions, and was able to receive personal feedback. The theme of visual illustration as a tool in engineering resonated strongly with me, inspiring my interest in an engineering major modified with studio art. Given my long relationship with his work, this class was truly a dream come true.
As the term grows old and exams are ramping up, I took the opportunity to take a break from Dartmouth academics and bike to the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. The trip was organized by the one and only Dartmouth Triathlon Team (read all about it), and the plan was to arrive at the lodge in time for dinner (where other team members who drove would be meeting us!).
Our group of brave riders set off on a Saturday afternoon with an expected travel time of around 3 hours. We had 45 miles to cover and 3,000 feet of elevation gain to climb, but there were only smiles and excitement for what was to come.
Starting in front of Robinson Hall (home of the Dartmouth Outing Club), we crossed campus and traveled up Lyme road. After a few rolling hills, we crossed the road and turned onto River Road—a path offering stunning vistas of the Connecticut River. There was an intense feeling of "spring has sprung" as the views flew by. Between weeks of rain, snow, and wildly alternating temperatures, it felt euphoric to speed along swaths of green and feel the sunshine!
At around mile 20, one of us got a flat, but with a spare inner tube, we were back on the road in no time. One of the Triathlon coaches, coach Jim, was SO kind and met us farther up the road to change the tire.
Coach Jim to the rescue.
It was around this point that we'd turned off River Road and began a series of long climbs on the final stretch. I had underestimated the amount of water needed for the whole trip, and also ran out of my maple syrup gels l (fueling lesson learned), so this is where things got a bit harder. Each incline tested my legs and our collective fortitude, but the group held strong and we continued making steady progress!
At mile 40, on the final push, misfortune struck: I snapped my rear derailleur. The repair would be impossible, and I was forced to be picked up by teammates who were 15 min behind by car. I was sad to be knocked out of commission by a simple mechanical failure so close to the finish, but was grateful that I'd already made it 40 miles.
Back at Moosilauke, we gathered at long wooden tables and feasted on a meal prepared by the lodge crew. A good meal tastes different after a long ride!
Moosilauke: 10/10. I will definitely repeat this ride at some point, but it won't be the same without this awesome team!
What an incredible spring! This term was undoubtedly my favorite that I've experienced thus far, and as I wait to board a flight back to campus for a highly anticipated Sophomore Summer, I reflect on everything that allowed this spring term to bloom.
I lived on the same dorm floor as the GIS LLC (Living Learning Community) this year. I asked some of my floormates about their experience with it so that you can hopefully get a holistic sense of what GIS is like!
Dartmouth's most anticipated spring tradition is over, prompting an influx of Green Key posts from Dartmouth students online (including this one from myself)! Join me as I reflect on the most memorable parts of this weekend!
Eastern European Easter (loads of E's, I know), a mock wedding with the Dartmouth African Student Association, and of course, Green Key! What a busy week!
Green Key: A quintessential Dartmouth tradition along with Homecoming and Winter Carnival—and the one remaining tradition I had yet to experience as a freshman. Here are my impressions of my first Green Key weekend!
Green Key Weekend in Berlin! My experience at Karneval der Kulteren was amazing, a festival of cultures that lasts four days. It is very different from Green Key at Dartmouth, and it proved to be a great experience!
