Hey all! So excited to see you here. My name is Sydney and I'm a '24 passionate about energy, education, the environment, and economic policy. I grew up in Southern California, but have also lived abroad in Gibraltar, Spain, and the Philippines. When not blogging or working at McNutt as a Senior Admissions Fellow, you can catch me involved in the Dartmouth Energy Alliance, Energy Justice Clinic, and Greek Life. I hope my blog can give you a window into Dartmouth from a student's perspective.
Academic Program
Majors in Economics and Environmental Studies, Minor in International Studies
Taught 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!
As 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.
Searching 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.
I 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.
Wow, 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 our SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy recommendations with a state coalition.
Energy 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.
During 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!
I was one of six Dartmouth Economics exchange students at University College London this term. All four of my modules—UCL’s equivalent of classes—gave me 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. I spent my off-term working as a corporate legal assistant intern at a law firm in New York City. It was such a thrill to live and work in the Big Apple! With many fellow Dartmouth '24s also in the NYC area, my days out of the office were full of yummy food, catching up with old friends, and exploring iconic city sights.
Drawing upon disciplines like law, psychology, and popular culture, Writing and Speaking Public Policy was all about becoming more persuasive communicators. Professor Kalish provided us with such thoughtful, detailed feedback on our assignments and arranged for class field trips to the Jones Media Center and Hood Museum of Art. I especially enjoyed the flexibility offered for our small group media campaign project, where I created a children’s book on the benefits of bringing universal pre-K to New Hampshire.
SummerMystic, Connecticut
During my junior summer, I interned as a Yale Conservation Scholar at Mystic Aquarium. Working in the Education & Conservation department, I mentored high school interns about marine science communication and public engagement. Besides attending weekly professional development workshops with the Yale School of the Environment, I also helped out with summer camps, traveling classroom programs, and citizen science projects.
I traveled to Southern Africa for the first time with Dartmouth’s Environmental Studies FSP. From conducting research on invertebrate diversity in the Namib Desert to speaking with community members at Uibasen-Twyfelfontein Conservancy, we studied Namibia's socio-ecological systems. Highlights from this incredible trip include experiencing game drives at Etosha National Park, discussing ecotourism at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and learning about Namibia’s integrated coastal zone management approach with government officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Econometrics was a pleasant surprise! While I came into this statistics-heavy course without a Stata coding background, Professor Fetter’s amazing explanations helped me feel confident about the new material. I learned so much about the assumptions required for causality and now feel equipped with the analytical tools to evaluate Economic research papers in an entirely different light.
For this Q&A, I talked to Molly Rouzi, a sophomore transfer student from Middlebury College, where she was a DIII swimmer. She is a Studio Art major and Italian minor who is involved in Greek life, women's club water polo, the Hood Museum's museum club, and the Italian department where she works as a Drill instructor.
Sydney: What activities are you involved in on campus?
Molly: Since transferring to Dartmouth, it has been a big change from being a student-athlete to having time to pursue other activities. While I am still trying to find what I am interested in on campus, I am extremely happy with the activities I have gotten involved with thus far. One of the best activities that has helped me find a community on campus is Greek life. It has been an amazing opportunity to meet new people and be involved in the wider campus community. The women's club water polo team has allowed me to try something new athletically and meet a group of supportive, competitive, and athletic women. The Hood Museum hosts a museum club that allows students to be a bridge between the art museum on campus and the greater student body. We host events and overall try to increase campus engagement with the museum. Additionally, the club gets an inside look at the museum's collections, new exhibits, and visiting artists. Finally, I started as a drill instructor this term for Italian 1 students.
Sydney: How has your experience at Dartmouth been so far?
Molly: My experience so far has made me confident that I made the best choice to transfer here. Honestly, the first few weeks after transferring to a new school can be challenging, yet with time it transforms into an incredible experience. The adjustment to the academically demanding quarter system has been different from the demands of a semester system. I have loved experiencing college life with less COVID restrictions.
Sydney: What drew you to Dartmouth?
Molly: Transferring from Middlebury to Dartmouth may seem like a similar transition, but many aspects of Dartmouth distinguished it. Coming into college, I thought I would outgrow my passion for art and find a new passion to pursue as a major in the liberal arts environment. My classes actually strengthened my love for art and I decided to major in the subject. Dartmouth's art department, located in a liberal arts environment, was the ideal choice for me. The facilities and expertise at the Black Family Arts Center offer so many opportunities for a large variety of classes in different disciplines. The department has many opportunities from a new in-residence artist every term to individual studio space for senior thesis. The proximity to the Hood Museum provides chances to see art from collections or view new exhibitions, help curate shows, and understand the museum side of art. Dartmouth's language program is also world-class and allows for Dartmouth-sponsored study abroad programs. I wanted to remain in the Northeast as I loved the lifestyle that comes from a rural location. The term system at Dartmouth, while challenging, presents opportunities to study abroad for ten weeks, participate in sophomore summer, apply for internships at different times of year, and many other advantages. Dartmouth's larger size compared to Middlebury with an undergraduate focus is the perfect fit for my goals. This size still has small, discussion-based class sizes, but offers the opportunities of larger institutions. Finally, Dartmouth's culture was the deciding factor. There are so many people coming from so many different experiences prior to Dartmouth that make everyone's experience unique.
Sydney: What credits have transferred to Dartmouth?
Molly: Since Dartmouth's transfer community is much smaller than other schools I applied to, the credit transfer process was a bit more challenging. However, I ended up receiving credit for eight out of my nine credits, so I will graduate on time without having to take an additional term! Initially, I only received credit for five of my nine credits — Introductory Earth Science, Introductory Drawing, Advanced Figure Painting, Introduction to Education, and Northern Renaissance Art History because it is not common to receive credit for introductory language courses here. However, I worked with professors in the Italian department to appeal for credit for the equivalent of Italian 1, 2, and 3 and by the end of fall term after submitting syllabi, placement test, and numerous conversations, my appeal was granted. Finally, my first-year seminar writing course appeal was not accepted, as well as many of my transfer friends' writing course credits, so as a result, many of us are taking Writing 5 this winter term. I'm taking "The Pursuit of Happiness" with Professor Deanne Harper. The material is very engaging. We're reading and writing about both the philosophy of happiness and the scientific aspects. It's a little frustrating that after taking the equivalent of this class at Middlebury, most of the transfers have to take it again. But, I guess you can never get too good at writing so it's a good class!
Sydney: Describe Dartmouth's community.
Molly: Dartmouth's community is incredibly interwoven. There are so many different networks to get to know people that lead to a super connected community.
Sydney: What is your best piece of advice for students at approaching the transfer application?
Molly: Be explicit with yourself about the reasons why you want to transfer and then consider if transferring will solve those issues. In your application, make sure your reasons for transferring are clear and discuss what Dartmouth will offer that is missing at your current institution.
Sydney: What's your favorite part of Dartmouth thus far?
Molly: The people are undoubtedly what makes Dartmouth special. Everyone has such diverse interests and passions that make a strong community. When I stepped on campus in the fall, everyone was extremely welcoming and willing to get to know me.
Molly and some girls on the water polo team use their late-night meal swipes at the Hop after practice!
At Dartmouth, there is an undergraduate requirement for language; after all, it is the liberal arts! Fulfilling this requirement looks different for various people and I will focus on my experience.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a phenomenal total solar eclipse occurred — and we happened to be within the path of totality. As a result, Dartmouth hosted a variety of eclipse-related events on- and off-campus. Find out how I spent the eclipse!
Traditionally, Dartmouth students take three courses during a term, but I decided to take four courses this term! Learn about course load and the academic system at Dartmouth.
