Hi everyone! I'm Oscar, a '28 from Flushing, NYC. My academic interests are a mix of the arts (studio art, graphic design), the sciences (psychology, biology, sustainability), and maybe even anthropology? All of which I'm thinking of merging with a major in Cognitive Science with a focus area on Design. Outside the classroom, 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!
Picture this: It's week 7—a little over halfway into the term, and the pressure is starting to ramp up. Between readings, essays, and exams, sometimes students may need a break from academics. When I feel this way, I find a healthy distraction—catching up with friends, having a snack, or working on a craft project can help relieve some of that stress. Thankfully, the Residential Fellows of East Wheelock have just the thing—Wellness @ Wheelock!
East Wheelock House is one of six housing communities on campus (see this post by fellow blogger Lauren '26 to learn more about the housing communities!). Located in the newly renovated Brace Commons, Wellness @ Wheelock is a weekly event organized by the East Wheelock housing community. From crafting sessions to movie watch parties and giveaways, Wellness @ Wheelock hosts a range of activities designed to create an environment that encourages students to take a break from their studies.
Last week, East Wheelock members got crafty, creating bag charms and bracelets from a variety of beads, charms, and string. I felt that the design process was very meditative—who knew stringing beads could be so much fun? I was also able to catch up with some friends, enjoy pizza, and leave with a personalized keepsake.
My friends Keene and Amen and their bracelets!
While Wellness @ Wheelock is an event hosted by East Wheelock, all students, regardless of house affiliation, are welcome to join. All the house communities have similar weekly events. For example, School House hosts afternoon tea at their housing center, and North Park House offers dumplings every Friday, as well as yoga sessions. The housing communities aim to create smaller communities on campus, serving as a home base for students' Dartmouth experience. Through programming such as Wellness @ Wheelock, students can feel the care and engagement of Residential Life in the student experience.
In celebration of the new Attitudes of Coexistence exhibit at the Hood Museum of Art, artist Choe U-Ram spoke at two artist talks I attended. Read on for highlights from the experience!
