Nathan Hammerschmitt Le Gal

A Day in my Life: Wednesday Edition

8:00 am, Wake Up 

I typically have a bite to eat in my dorm—I heat up water and have some oats, fruit, and coffee. I find that eating before class puts my mind at ease, and I don't have to deal with going somewhere to get food—plus, I save a meal swipe to use on something else!

8:50 am - 9:55 am, Chemistry Class

My chemistry class is a flipped classroom model, meaning content is learned outside of class (via lecture videos), and in-class time is dedicated to solving problems and asking questions. I appreciate this classroom structure and have found myself embracing the process of problem-solving in class. It makes engaging with the professor far easier and clears up any sticking points in your learning.

10:15 am - 11:15 am, Earth Science Class

After biking from chemistry class, I climb to the second floor of the Life Sciences Center (LSC), where my earth science class is held. I'm currently taking "The Evolution of Earth and Life," which basically deals with the chronology of geological and biological processes that have led to the current planet—though there's a lot tied up in that statement. This course also follows a flipped classroom model so we can tackle the "big questions" that stem from the content we're learning. We talk about things like "How can we accurately examine the historical climate record over the last 60 million years?" and "What conditions were required for the original formation of life?" 

11:15 am - 12:30 pm, Work/Study 

I try to review ideas/concepts directly after class—when they're most fresh in my mind. I find it helps commit them to my long-term memory and allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the content. My favorite spots are Baker Berry Lobby (blobby), the Class of 1902 Room (the tall ceiling lets my brain breathe), the Stacks (layers and layers of books), and most miscellaneous spaces in Berry Library (first-floor berry, aka FFB, is good if you're looking for some friends).

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm, Lunch 

If I'm feeling committed, I'll go to Foco (the main dining hall). If there's something pressing that needs to get done, I'll grab something quick at Novack Cafe, which is a nice cafe in the lower level of Berry library. My go-to's are salads, sandwiches, wraps, and soups. 

1:30 pm - 5:00 pm, Miscellaneous Work 

My work for my classes this term consists of a schedule—I prepare for class, I go to class, and I do the deeper work that comes after attending the class. Lately, my time has been spent predominantly writing creative nonfiction, doing practice chemistry problems, and taking earth science notes. Sometimes, I also take breaks by running an errand or two (going to CVS, visiting the mailroom, doing laundry, etc.)

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm, Run 

I like to run with a few friends from the Triathlon team before spin class. I enjoy being able to talk about our days and de-stress a bit. There's a great loop around Occom Pond that is great for laps—there are a bunch of great trails that can be found around Hanover!

5:30 pm - 6:45 pm, Spin 

Next, I go to spin practice (also for Triathlon). It counts as an official club practice! The music is great, and everyone is hyped to be there—so it's a great environment.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Club Triathalon Dinner 

Tri-team dinner is a classic weekly event for Club Triathlon. Usually, team captains will update everyone on fundraising events, race schedules, and the like—but recently, we had a Dartmouth Alum and current coach give a talk about "zone two" training. If you want to learn more about the triathlon team, check out this post. 

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Wind down (Usually, some work must get done too, though)

10:00 pm - 12:00 pm, Bedtime! 

Midnight or later is the worst-case scenario (I promise I sleep). Sometimes, I get too caught up in conversations with my roommate or end up getting absorbed by some assignment—but that's alright.