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.
One of the most common questions I receive from prospective students is: What can I do around Hanover?To answer this, I thought I'd blog about a lunch cruise I did through my residential community, West House, and some other fun spring activities from this past weekend.
Before matriculating as a first-year, all Dartmouth students are randomly sorted into one of six house communities. These houses offer various events throughout the term, including wellness chair massage sessions, community dinners, day trips to Six Flags, weekend trips to New York City, wine and cheese night, and yoga. A couple of weekends ago, I even savored an original four-course dinner at a pop-up restaurant event in a West House common room prepared by a talented group of Westians. The menu featured freshly baked bruschetta, mandu (Korean dumplings), a hearty Mississippi beef pot roast, and homemade apple pie with a Cabot cheddar crust!
This past Saturday, three friends and I signed up for a West House lunch cruise to Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, just a half-hour drive from campus. Like all house events, this trip was completely free for all West House residents!
About to board the boat, Diana is all smiles!
As we set sail, we enjoyed a yummy buffet dining experience with grilled chicken, salad, mac and cheese, and sliced potatoes, all while soaking in the stunning views of Lake Sunapee. The captain narrated the history of Lake Sunapee over the speakerphone, and the smooth ride made for a great setting to bond with fellow Westians and meet new faces within our house community.
After lunch, we explored the boat's top deck and enjoyed the fresh breeze.
This event was made possible thanks to the wonderful West House leadership team. Our house professor, Naaborko Sackeyfio-Lenoch, is an Associate Professor of African History. Jodi Blackburn, the West House Assistant Director, is incredibly supportive, welcoming, and engaging. As my undergraduate advisor supervisor last year, she regularly invited us for coffee to check in and discuss the best ways to support our residents. We also were supported by the lovely West House PhD student resident fellows and house administrator Pamela Duffy.
Two of the parts of Dartmouth I'll miss most after graduation are the easy access to nature and the tight-knit community our campus fosters. Besides the West House lunch cruise, this weekend was filled with volunteering at the Hōkūpaʻa lūʻau, making dog toys for local animal shelters with the Rotaract Club, watching Challengers at the Nugget Theaters on Hanover's Main Street, playing pickleball, and going on an evening "Woccom" (walk around Occom Pond) with a friend. I am excited to make the last few weeks of my college experience count!
On a non-West House related note, here's a photo of some of the performers during the Hōkūpaʻa lūʻau celebration.
Some of my rising senior friends from New York have been in contact with me since graduation, and I've compiled a list of FAQs that might help you better understand life at Dartmouth!
Dartmouth changed my life. A large part of that change comes from the support I have received from professors. Learn more here about some mentor-mentee relationships I have made!
Unlimited buffets, flavorful drinks, an assortment of breakfast pastries—Dartmouth has so many great food and drink options to choose from! Join me as I rank my favorite ones.
