Hi everyone! I'm Rika, a semi-international '28 from Japan, India, and Malaysia. I'm interested in studying women, gender, and sexuality studies, as well as public policy, global health, and biology while also being on the pre-health track! In my free time, I love to read books, cook and bake, play violin, spend time with animals, be sarcastic, and drink hot drinks (especially teas)! I'm so excited to share my exploration of Dartmouth with everyone :)
Sex, Gender, and Society is a class in the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) department. It focuses on how gender and sexuality are represented in the media and explores different ways society shapes our perspectives. This discussion-based class features multiple group projects, which allowed me to meet and interact with many of my classmates, which was super helpful in my first term! Fun fact: this class taught me how to plan, film, and edit a podcast on campus!
In this class, we explored the different contemporary meanings of the 4 concepts; love, romance, intimacy and dating. What did they look like at Dartmouth? How were they represented or defined in scholarly research? Why are they important to the world and human interaction? Our classes consisted of thoughtful discussions, insightful lectures, and even primary research. The final project was a research paper that featured the data we collected as a class. It was a wonderful course that introduced me to the world of sociology and qualitative research!
This class was my first English/literature class and it was an absolute BLAST. Professor Jodi Kim provided us with so many interesting texts that explore the nuanced intersections of identity and sexuality, in various Asian American settings. Texts include M. Butterfly, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, and The Necessary Hunger. Our classroom discussions were lively, filled with new and contrasting interpretations of quotes. I highly recommend this class!
SummerBoston, Massachusetts
This summer term, I decided to stay with my parents, who moved to Boston at the end of May! I kicked things off by spending a few weeks training to become a certified nurse assistant (CNA), and after earning my license, I took some time to recharge. I reconnected with family, explored Boston’s best food spots, and went on a few spontaneous trips around the U.S. with friends! Definitely a refreshing and memorable summer!
This was one of the most eye-opening classes I've taken at Dartmouth so far. As the title suggests, it was an introduction to a sector of academia that I had absolutely no experience in. This class taught me more than just what literature exists about disabilities, but also taught me how to think through, see, and understand the world in completely different ways.
This winter break, I had the opportunity to go on one of my favorite Dartmouth traditions with my a cappella group, the Dartmouth Decibelles. As the oldest historically female a cappella group on campus, the Decibelles have a long-standing tradition of going on annual "tours" during winter break. These tours are 1 to 2-week trips we take together to sing, travel, and spend time with each other outside of campus. They are often hosted in the hometowns of group members, which means we get to perform in places that are meaningful to them and connected to their communities.
Charleston!
This year, our tour took us to Charleston, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia. It was my first time visiting both cities, so I was especially excited about going on the trip. Not only did I get to travel somewhere new, but I also got to experience these places alongside a group of people I love singing with. Our tour began in Charleston, and it immediately exceeded my expectations. The city itself was beautiful, full of history, colorful buildings, and a calm warmth that felt especially welcome during winter break. We sang in several incredible locations, but the highlight was definitely our performance at the Wentworth Mansion. We had the chance to sing Christmas carols for guests staying at the mansion, and the setting made the experience feel truly magical. Singing holiday music in such a historic and elegant space was something I will never forget.
Wentworth Mansion!
Beyond formal performances, we were able to explore the city together and take in everything Charleston had to offer. One especially memorable moment was when we sang at a tree lighting for a local park. The event was festive and full of energy, and to everyone's delight, there were llamas dressed up in Christmas attire. It was one of those unexpected moments that perfectly captured the joy and fun of tour.
The Decis + Llamas!
After Charleston, we piled into the car and drove six hours to Atlanta. While a long drive might sound tiring, it ended up being a highlight of the trip. The drive was filled with laughter, long conversations, music, and of course lots of singing. Spending that uninterrupted time together made the group feel even closer. Atlanta was just as exciting as Charleston, but in a completely different way. We had the opportunity to sing "O Holy Night" at a beautiful church service, which was such a wonderful experience. We also hosted an a cappella workshop at the elementary school that one of our members attended growing up. Being able to share our love of music with younger students and give back to a community connected to one of our own was incredibly special.
Acapella Workshop!
Another standout performance was at the Dartmouth Club of Georgia's winter party, which was hosted at the house of a member from the class of 1978. It was amazing to see Dartmouth alumni and current students come together, connect, and bond over a shared love for the college. Performing for such an engaged and welcoming audience reminded me how strong and far-reaching the Dartmouth community is.
Besties!
We finished off our tour with some classic Atlanta sightseeing, including a visit to the Coke Museum. It was a fun and lighthearted way to end a trip that had been packed with music, travel, and connection. Overall, this tour was such a meaningful experience for me. I loved exploring new cities, performing in unique spaces, and spending so much quality time with the Decibelles. Tours like these are something so many student groups at Dartmouth get to experience, and they are a powerful way for students to build friendships, strengthen communities, and create memories that last far beyond college.
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!
If you're a prospective geology, mining, or resources student, this post is for you. "The Stretch" is Dartmouth's field geology program, and it covers exactly those areas!
