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.
If you aren't familiar with triathlons, there are three legs: the swim, the bike, and the run. Training and logistics can get complicated very quickly, but thankfully the Dartmouth Club Triathlon Team is here to help! I started preparing during the fall term and ramped up my volume over the winter (swimming takes the most work for me).
Training for the race was half the effort, the other half was helping to coordinate bike distribution! (I'm currently one of the equipment chairs and help other Tri executives run the club). The day before the race, we gathered in a parking lot and loaded two trailers with many, many road bikes. Everyone was excited, nervous, or some other combination of emotions. Then we boarded our respective vans and made the journey to Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME, where Polar Bear Tri was to be held. We stayed at a cozy motel and took over the Bowdoin dining hall during team dinner before trying to sleep away the nervous energy.
The following morning (a 5:30 AM type morning), the team stocked up on carbohydrates during a classic, outdoor van breakfast and drove over to race check-in. I got outfitted with an ankle tracker, set my bike and running shoes up in the transition area, and eventually settled onto the pool deck to wait out the start.
We started in wave four, and I was ready to get the swim over with (sorry swimmers). My goal going into the race was to execute well in the pool, push the bike leg, and go all in during the run.
When I plunged into the water, it was quite the adrenaline rush. I quickly settled into a rhythm, and before I knew it, I was almost done. This was only a sprint triathlon, so the total distance was "only" 525 meters.
After hoisting myself out of the pool and rushing to the transition area (so fun), I yanked on my bike shoes, wheeled my bike to the mounting area, and off I went! The bike leg ended up being my favorite part, as the course was fairly flat and the coastal Maine landscape was idyllic. Again, the leg went faster than I thought it would (distance was 11 miles), and soon I was back in the transition area.
My second transition took a bit longer, as I needed to tie my shoes (a most challenging task under pressure), but once again I was off and back on the course. The first thing I noticed about the run was how strange it felt to be running in a tight, damp, tri-suit. My legs were slightly jellified from the ride, but after a quarter mile I locked into a nice pace. I made my way around the two laps of the course and saw teammates around every corner! Dartmouth was truly dominating the field.
After 3.4 miles, the run came to an end and I crossed the finish line—tired but thankfully not utterly spent. I congratulated others and together we cheered on the remaining finishers, taking in the moment as much as possible. The atmosphere was ecstatic. We were all elated, relieved, satisfied, and a little sad that it was over.
Post-race discussion
An image of collective happiness.
Following an awards ceremony, chaotic pack-up operation, and food break, we drove back to campus. I can confirm that most of us dozed off in the van as the mountains of New Hampshire came into view.
Welcome to the first part of Dartmouth Debunked, a series of comprehensive blog posts answering common questions first-years have prior to their arrival at Dartmouth. This post will cover all the housing options for a first-year student.
In the summer, prospective students might take the time to visit potential colleges and universities to apply to. But what are some things to look for as you peruse campuses and take in the view, especially during the summer? Here are some ideas!
My first-year at Dartmouth has been a period of profound growth and self-discovery. It has challenged me to push beyond my limits, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, and navigate the complex web of opportunities that define college life.
"What's your major?" seems like a pressing question for every freshman, but now that my freshman year is behind me, I know I shouldn't have worried as much.
