Hi everyone! I'm Oscar, a '28 from Flushing, NYC. On campus you'll find me studying in Novack, lounging in the First Generation Office, or designing for the DALI Lab. I'm passionate about giving back to my community, fiber arts, and em dashes. Welcome to my blog—I'm excited to explore Dartmouth together!
COSC 1 was the most challenging but rewarding class of this term. I had minimal coding experience prior to this class, but the course is manageable because of all the support available. COSC 1 is one of the largest classes offered at Dartmouth—a total of 200 students split in two sections—but there was always ample help from Professor Vasanta's classes and concept hours and the TA team's recitation and office hours. I enjoyed that assignments had creative flexibility—I recreated "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" book cover, wrote an adventure story, and made games for assignments.
I had completed my language requirement by taking CHIN 4 in my last term, but I was interested in further pursuing Chinese through CHIN 22. CHIN 22 is very similar in structure to CHIN 4—small class size, vocabulary exams, and drill sessions. I was lucky to take CHIN 22 with the Beijing Normal University's exchange professor, Professor Yin, who often adds color to lessons by explaining cultural element of China. Some interesting topics we've discussed include the effects of China's One Child Policy, transportation regulations in Beijing, and the symbolism of snow in Chinese culture.
With the development of generative artificial intelligence (AI), why learn design when ChatGPT can create it for you? CSDA 21 (Computer Science/Digital Arts 21, previously known as COSC 21) argues for the importance of human agency in design (and why AI-generated designs are flawed). Using Adobe Photoshop and After Effects, we explored a range of topics, including typography, poster design, generative AI, and motion graphics. Professor Mahoney is an incredibly supportive teacher with deep knowledge of the creative industry—make sure to go to office hours if you take the course! As CSDA 21 was my first digital arts class, I’m excited to explore the department more!
I spent this summer studying Mandarin Chinese on the Beijing LSA+! It as a fast-paced, immersive experience that greatly increased my confidence in speaking and reading Mandarin. From ordering breakfast, to navigating public transit, every interaction was an opportunity to exercise my Mandarin skills. This study abroad counts as a regular 3-credit Dartmouth term, where I took two Chinese courses: CHIN 31 and CHIN 32, and a third Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages (ASCL) course. We also traveled to other areas in China—Shandong, Xi'An, and Chengdu, visiting numerous historical sites, temples, and museums, and of course, see pandas. This experience greatly developed my understanding not only of the Chinese language, but also Chinese culture.
Someone recently reframed my thinking about "surviving" in the winter to thriving, and I have really taken that to heart. Read to find out how I (try to) thrive in a winter climate!
Reflecting on how this school has changed my life for the better during the past year – reconnecting to my reasons behind choosing to call this place home each and every day.
This winter break, I went on tour with the Dartmouth Decibelles to Charleston and Atlanta, performing throughout local communities and making lasting memories together!
