Hi all! Welcome to my blog! My name is Robin. I am a freshman studying Economics and Human-Centered Design. Outside of class I'm a guitarist, amateur rock climber, and seasoned billiard player–if you're on campus, there's a good chance you can find me in the basement of Collis playing pool with friends. I'm still new around here and have lots to learn and will share my journey in this blog. So if you're a prospie, parent, or Dartmouth enthusiast, you've come to the right place!
A First-Generation Student's First Term of College
Coming to Dartmouth was a big step in my life.
My father, a farmer, only studied up to middle school before having to work to support his siblings. My mom finished high school, but was not able to pursue a college degree. Thanks to their support, I am the first in my family to attend college.
No one before me had even thought of applying to an elite institution. As you can imagine, I was intimidated by the idea of attending college. During high school, I did my best in class and was heavily involved in extracurricular activities. Still, I didn't think I had much of a chance of getting into my dream school once application season rolled around. Then, it happened — I was admitted to Dartmouth.
Now that I was in, I had lots of new questions. What classes do I take? What major should I pick? Does my major matter? How do I get my stuff to Dartmouth? And so many more! Fortunately, the First Year Student Enrichment Program (FYSEP) came to my rescue.
FYSEP is a program to help first-generation students thrive in college. In early September, they help a week-long pre-orientation where we received information about academic, financial, and health resources at Dartmouth. Moreover, we attended short lectures on Calculus, English, and Psychology to give us an idea about what college classes are like; there are many staff members throughout campus who support FYSEP, including professors and Undergraduate Deans.
FYSEP does not stop after pre-orientation. Part of the program's goal is to create a community for first-generation students to support one another and forge meaningful relationships. We have upperclassmen mentors, bi-weekly dinners and fun events like apple picking, pumpkin carving, and talent shows. I have met my best friends in college through FYSEP, and I continue to be involved in the program whenever possible because, frankly, I love the people.
FYSEP Community Dinner
Thanks to FYSEP, I had an easy, smooth transition to college. I learned to find and take advantage of the resources offered at Dartmouth, and found a community — before classes started! In the future, I hope to be involved as a mentor and help incoming students find their path. I'll be honest, being a college student is not easy, and it's always nice to have someone who has through it to guide and support you. Thus far, my experience as a first-generation college student at Dartmouth has been nothing short of amazing, and I am grateful for FYSEP's support — I've only gone through one term at Dartmouth but I am happy to call this place home, and cannot wait for what the next four years have in store.
Don't get me wrong, I've loved making my own lunch salad and hosting dinner parties with my friends during the break, but with classes starting again and the snow building, I definitely need a warm meal I can just sit down for.
Coming from a boarding school, I didn't get to work during the weekends. Coming into Dartmouth, I was excited at the prospect of being able to finally get into the workforce. There are many reasons why you would want to work.
My faith is a very important part of my identity. Starting in the fall, I decided to join two Christian groups: Christian Union and Apologia, the Christian thought magazine on campus.
Long time no see, Hanover. How long has it been? Six months and three days? Not that I've been counting, of course. Oh, who am I kidding? I couldn't wait to see you again! How have you been?
The reason I tell this story is to pretty much show that Dartmouth is somewhat of a "nerd sanctuary" — a place where people can do whatever and explore whatever passion they want.
My friends and I had a board games brunch at the dining hall, with many of the games rented from Jones Media Center. It was a highlight of the term — when else can you play Cards Against Humanity with nine friends while enjoying brunch?
With the decade (and year) coming to an end, I thought I would do something fun and look back on everything that has happened this year for me at Dartmouth!
Sometimes I crave homemade Chinese food, which was part of my daily life for 18 years. Luckily, the Dartmouth Chinese Culture Society and the Office of Pluralism and Leadership Asian American Mentoring Program organized a dumpling making event!
This is a post for my blog but also a letter to my future self so that I can remember the strategies I used to make my first term at Dartmouth a successful one.
FYSEP Community Dinner
