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Sydney's D-Plan
What's a D-Plan?-
FallOn Campus
Favorite Class: Introduction to Education: Learning, Development, and TeachingTaught by Professor Tine, this class focused on many interdisciplinary topics within the field of education. I loved learning about the significance of early pre-K interventions on long-term behaviors, the layered complexities of the American public school system, the neuroscience behind how the brain processes new information, and much more!
WinterOn Campus
Favorite Class: Global Health & SocietyAs someone interested in international studies, this course opened my eyes to the complex world of global health – both the biological and social sides of achieving equity. I found this class especially applicable given the COVID-19 pandemic and often transfer knowledge from Global Health & Society into my everyday life.
SpringOn Campus
Favorite Class: Searching for JusticeSearching for Justice is a perfect blend of studying literature and law. Highlights from this course include an op-ed I produced on anti-Asian hate crimes and a fictional short story adaptation based on Japanese internment camps from Korematsu v. United States. This first year seminar exposed me to many different court cases, and I’m now strongly considering a future career in law!
SummerClaremont, California
I spent my summer back home in Southern California, working at my high school alma mater as a Summer Fellow for their Junior Scholars program. I had a wonderful time designing curriculum for the Journalism program, planning activities for middle schoolers, and providing support in the dorms. I also spent quality time with my cousins and bonded with family by the beach.
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FallOn Campus
Favorite Class: Marine PolicyI am an aquaphile, a lover of all things related to the water. This environmental studies course on Marine Policy was perfect for me because it dove into how humans have impacted the oceans. From coastal development to deep sea mining, we explored how to think like a policymaker and consider the many different stakeholders involved in global marine issues.
WinterOn Campus
Favorite Class: The Practice of Science Policy and DiplomacyWow, the Practice of Science Policy and Diplomacy was a blast! I was eager to get to class early every day for this Public Policy seminar. Professor Burkins introduced me to writing effective policy memos, participating in a Model Arctic Council simulation, and presenting with a state coalition on our recommendations for SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy.
SpringOn Campus
Favorite Class: Energy JusticeEnergy Justice examined issues of culture, power, and inequity in the necessary shift away from fossil fuels. Taught as a Social Impact Practicum, this class deepened my interest in pursuing a career in energy and environmental law. During junior year, I’m excited to continue working with Professor Kelly as a Presidential Scholar researching justice and accountability in corporate energy systems.
SummerOn Campus
Favorite Class: AgroecologyDuring my Sophomore Summer, I really enjoyed studying food systems and accessing Dartmouth’s Organic Farm as our lab for Professor Ong’s Agroecology course. It was an incredible New England summer experience learning to visualize data in R, conducting fieldwork outdoors, and working as a team on scientific research projects. A term highlight was tasting freshly tapped maple syrup from Dartmouth’s very own Sugar Crew!
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FallLondon, England
Favorite Class: Economic HistoryThis term, I was one of six Dartmouth Economics exchange students at University College London. All four of my modules—UCL’s equivalent of classes—provided me with a new perspective on Economics and Geography through a British lens. Economic History was my favorite as we studied industrialization, the demographic transition, and the East Asian economic miracle after World War II. I grew a deep appreciation for how the events of our past can offer important lessons for us today and into the future.
WinterNew York, New York
Since Dartmouth students typically spend their Sophomore Summer on campus, the D-Plan allows us to take a different term off to develop personally and professionally. For my off-term, I am working as a corporate legal assistant intern at a law firm in New York City. It has been such a thrill to live and work in the Big Apple! With many fellow Dartmouth '24s also in the NYC area, life has been exciting—full of yummy food, catching up with old friends, and exploring iconic city sights.
Spring in Seven Photos
Looking back at my fondest memories of the term, here are seven snapshots of my spring term that I am grateful for.
- No. 1
Hood Museum
I visited the Hood Museum for the second time ever during a Writing and Speaking Public Policy class field trip. Marveling at the bright colors and thought-provoking designs on the wall, we reflected on what makes art so persuasive and where specific pieces could be placed to maximize their intended effect.
- No. 2
Doggy Dates
I signed up to walk a Greek house’s dog Malachi, or “Chi” for short, to support the FORT nonprofit that subsidizes mental health care for Dartmouth students. Chi didn’t want to walk very far that day, so instead we played on the lawn with a large stick outside of Novack Café. Chi reminded me of a bigger version of my own dog back home, Kelsey!
- No. 3
Green Key Weekend
The Gold Coast—the lawn between West House and Allen House—transformed into an electrifying music festival for Green Key weekend. The crowd roared with enthusiasm as Dartmouth’s 2023 headliner Neon Trees performed iconic hits like “Everybody Talks” and “Animal.”

A Day in My Life of Spring Term
Here is what a typical day looks like at Dartmouth—Week 6 of spring term edition!

Why Dartmouth?
With decision day right around the corner, here are some reasons why '24s chose Dartmouth and why you should too.

Spotlight on the Social Sciences: My Junior Spring Classes
This spring term, I am working towards my Economics major and my Public Policy minor. If you are curious about Dartmouth's social sciences or what a typical academic schedule looks like, this post is for you!
Junior Spring Goal Setting
Snow has nearly melted on the Green, birds are chirping songs of glee, and Spring 2023 term, or what we refer to at Dartmouth as "23S," is just starting to bloom! This blog post reflects on my top goals for junior spring at Dartmouth.
- No. 1
Explore weekly Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) trips and spend more time in nature.
After a winter internship in the concrete jungle of New York, I’m ready to embrace spring in the woods. Spring may just be my favorite season at Dartmouth. Hanover is absolutely gorgeous with the weather warming, longer daylight, and trees coming back to life. During my sophomore summer, I got a taste of all that the outdoors of the Upper Valley has to offer and started attending lots of trips—mountain biking, strenuous hiking, paddle board yoga, and pizza making at the Organic Farm, to name a few. An online website called Trailhead allows all undergraduates to sign up for trips as they are posted and request gear as needed for free. I just completed a 1.7-mile sunsike (sunset hike) this past Friday to Wrights Mountain; though there wasn’t much of a sunset (instead lots of snow!), I will always remember my first ever winter hike. Wearing microspikes to prevent slippage on ice, we trekked upwards in the snow until we reached the top, where we had a nice moment of reflection to peer out at the cool blanket of fog. I’m looking forward to partaking in many more trips this spring term!
- No. 2
Always strive for balance.
In college, you can do anything but not everything, so this term is all about prioritizing the activities that I have committed to: blogging for admissions, the Dartmouth Energy Alliance, Presidential Scholars Research, serving on the executive board of my sorority, and my job as an upperclassman undergraduate advisor. As I wrap up junior year, I am also trying to take time to recharge for myself, whether it be waking up on time to eat a hearty breakfast before class, going for scooter rides and walks around Occom Pond (or “Woccoms” for short), visiting Rosie the Goldendoodle in the Student Wellness Center, or reading for fun before bed. There is only so much time during each day and with a renewed focus I plan to make the most out of each passing moment here in Hanover.
- No. 3
Reconnecting with old and making new friends.
I recently found out that I was accepted into an Environmental Studies Foreign Study Program (FSP) to Southern Africa (more details on a future post) during my senior fall, which I’m really excited for! However, attending this program means I won’t return to Hanover after this term until my senior winter. I hope to connect with others, as many ‘24s who were also gone for the fall and winter will be reunited on campus. I am especially excited for Green Key weekend (a music festival in late May), bonding with my floor and mentoring new faces as an undergraduate advisor, and playing Spikeball on the Green. Also, since I’ll have access to my car later this term, I’m excited to explore the local area with friends on weekends and learn more about Dartmouth’s surrounding community.

The Scoop on Dartmouth's Job Opportunities
Join me as I break down my experience with jobs on campus: from admissions blogger to undergraduate advisor, research assistant to tutor.

Deep Dive into Dartmouth's Environmental Studies Major
Considering the Environmental Studies major? You've come to the right place!

Dartmouth's Economics Major Debunked
Ever turn on the news and wonder why inflation can be so persistent? Or perhaps how exactly countries with a comparative advantage benefit from international trade? Here is Dartmouth's popular Economics major—debunked!

Dartmouth's Diverse Study Abroad Opportunities
Did you know Dartmouth offers 76 different study abroad programs across six continents? I interviewed four of my friends who took a term abroad to share their experiences.

Off to London We Go! My Dartmouth-UCL Exchange Experience
This fall, I've had the opportunity to study abroad at University College London (UCL) through an economics exchange program. Soaking up a new culture in the bustling UK capital, I've learned a lot—not only about economics, but also about myself.