Welcome!! My name is Serena and I'm a '28 from New York City. I couldn't be more excited to be here at Dartmouth and share my experiences with all of you! I know I want to explore English Literature alongside a STEM discipline. I love to run, play volleyball, hike, knit, and read books! If you want to hear about a city kid's adventures in rural New Hampshire, follow along as I experience life in the woods!
In this dynamic class, Visiting Professor Vera Kallenberg taught us a survey of Jewish history and culture from the European enlightenment to the establishment of the State of Israel while also sharing her wealth of knowledge with us! Our small, seminar-style class lent itself to profound conversations around the difficult topics that arose during our discussions. From the Haskalah to discourse around the modern-day Israel-Palestine conflict, our class approached these topics with respect and care for one another. We read historical texts and fascinating personal narratives for homework, and then wove our knowledge about the past and present together in class discussions. What an incredible course!
Part 1: The Most Important Lessons I Have Learned as a First-Year at Dartmouth
I feel like it was only yesterday that I was driving up from New York City to Dartmouth for the first time. And though it feels like only moments ago that I was fighting back tears as I hugged my mom goodbye, I've lived a full two terms at Dartmouth.
I wrote about change and new possibilities in this blog post, and I'm excited to revisit this topic at the end of my second term at Dartmouth. Make sure to check out part 2 of this post!
In this blog post, not only do I want to talk about change and new possibilities, but I also want to talk about setbacks, growth, and new memories! Without further ado, here's a list that covers all of those topics!
1. Choosing Classes
I have learned how to pick classes. Our terms are fast-paced, so there isn't a lot of time to shop around for classes. This is still a skill in progress, as most worthwhile skills are, and I learn more each term. My first term I didn't love one of my classes . This led me to switch out of this class into a new one at the end of week 2 of the term, which was the very last day in the add-drop period. This ended up being stressful, as I had already missed so much material covered in the class, but my professor was great at helping me jump right in! My second term, I asked my upperclassmen friends for advice on which classes to take, and that led to me being much happier with my classes.
2. Navigating Friendships at College
One of my favorite things about college is how many amazing, kind, intelligent, and funny people you will meet!! I have made so many friends at Dartmouth. I went to a relatively small highschool, so it has been a new and exciting experience to meet so many new people. I'm constantly making new friends whether it's through a new club, a friend of a friend, or through class. Friendships are not like friendships in high school; friend groups will shift around and you will have different groups of friends that you will hang out with at different times and in different situations. It might seem a little overwhelming at times, but make sure to surround yourself with healthy and happy friendships and you will thrive :) I truly have loved connecting with people and creating new relationships and friendships.
3. Confidence
I wax and wane in my inner and outward confidence—and that's ok. Remember that you are not alone in your struggle! Everyone has felt like how you feel, even the people who seem like they have it all figured out. I like to remind myself that comparison is the thief of joy. Sometimes I feel like one of the smartest students in the room, and other times I feel like one of the least smart people in the room. But, at the end of the day, I've learned that confidence comes from believing in yourself.
A beautiful picture out of the window of the library inspired me to write the following message: Setbacks are only windows to new opportunities. Embrace challenges, as they will help you grow and succeed in life
I hope that in giving you this advice, whether you end up at Dartmouth or another college, you will go "Woah, where did the time go?" after four years and be satisfied with the life you lived!
IT FINALLY FEELS LIKE SPRING! Inspired by "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles, read about my first experience in the Hanover spring sun! From lounging on the Green to playing games with friends, see what Dartmouth students do in the spring!
