Hi there! I'm Nathan, a '27 from Lynn, MA (just outside Boston). I'm an intended Engineering Sciences Major and Studio Art Minor—I like to understand, design, and create things. I also love reading about history, writing, and photography (hence this blog). On-campus, I'm involved in the Triathlon Team, French Living Learning Community (LLC), and Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship. 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.
SummerAmherst, Massachusetts
I interned at a running biomechanics research lab in Amherst, MA, to explore my interests in kinesiology and running shoe design! I was able to self-fund the internship through a grant from the Dartmouth Center for Professional Development (CPD). I spent the rest of my summer reading, spending time with family, and took a trip to Quebec before returning to campus.
Dartmouth wouldn't be complete without trails. Meandering tracks through the woods and riverside paths have provided me with respite from the fast pace of a 10 week term—and each option allows me to select for a particular experience given my mood. Some trails lend themselves well to calm sunsets while others for morning vibes. The following list is not at all comprehensive, but it has the essentials.
1. Pine Park
As probably the most-well known trail by Dartmouth students, the Pine Park loop provides views of the former Dartmouth Golf Course (which was molded by glaciers, by the way) and winds its way parallel to the Connecticut River in a stand of mature pine trees. It's a shorter option that can act as an extension to a "Woccom" or walk around Occom Pond (a popular roadside loop). Pine Park has a few benches next to the river and sunsets illuminate the pine forest with golden light in the evening.
Pine Park in all it glory
2. Mink Brook Park
Mink Brook is known by some, but still a bit hidden. Located further down main street in the Southern area of Hanover, the park takes longer to get to, but offers quiet single track trails next to its namesake, Mink Brook. Its main path follows the brook to the Connecticut River and ends at a trailhead at the end of Maple Street. Mink Brook could be best characterized as a low-key somewhat suburban trail excellent for medium length excursions.
The brook!
3. Velvet Rocks
As part of the Appalachian Trail (A 2,190 mile path that runs across the East Coast), Velvet Rocks is well-worn and frequently hiked by locals, thru-hikers, and DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club) students alike. Warning: the first section directly after entering from Lebanon Street has a fair bit of elevation gain. The trail is technical and a bit moodier—more a "deep woods" sense pervades the space. Velvet Rocks is a good option for extended outings where distance and duration can be decided by how far you go before turning around.
Part of the Velvet Rocks climb
4. Oak Hill
Oak Hill is, well, a hill. A variety of open paths on grass and single-track trails can be found, as the reserve is a Nordic Ski area during the winter. The paths have a few vantage points that offer sweeping views and the forest is a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. Oak Hill is the farthest from campus on this list, so it may be better suited for longer runs or weekend hikes.
I applied through Questbridge's National College Match, but did not match. To others who also did not match, this is not the end of your application process! Here's what I did following match decision day.
Unlimited buffets, flavorful drinks, an assortment of breakfast pastries—Dartmouth has so many great food and drink options to choose from! Join me as I rank my favorite ones.
Walking around the Wellelsey campus, it's clear that it was built with intentional incorporation of the surrounding nature. The architecture of many buildings were also mindfully crafted to support Wellesley's unique principles.
