Hello, 你好, and Bonjour! My name is Tao; I'm from New York City, and I'm a proud first-generation student. I'm currently interested in studying applied math and learning a new language (French, with the intent of studying abroad using my D-Plan!) at Dartmouth. I love being immersed at campus–especially aesthetic Woccoms, fookie grubs at FOCO, and Baker-Berry Tower Room study sessions. Come one, come all: let me take you along!
Academic Program
Mathematics and Quantitative Social Science with a minor in French
Dear stranger (or soon-to-be friends), welcome to my blog! My name is Tao (as in "towel" without the "el") and I am a baker, adventurer, exclamation-mark enthusiast, and a first-generation Dartmouth student!
Let's start with the adventurer part—I'm quite nomadic. From the rural village of Fuzhou, China to the bustling city of New York City to the New-England-esque Hanover, I have been moving around places; on that note, I love taking photos everywhere I go, and I'm excited to share them with you throughout my Dartmouth experience! Fun fact: I am also a first-generation student and a QuestBridge Scholar. So, I'll be the first ever person to attend college in my family!!!
My QuestBridge Match Poster Photoshoot!
Throughout high school, I spent a lot of my time as a baker; I worked in a bakery and ran my bake sales. I'm constantly looking for new recipes (my last being gochujang caramel cookies, which I definitely recommend). In my free time, I also enjoy running—I look forward to the morning runs at Dartmouth since I'll finally be one with nature, which is very different from urban New York City.
Matcha-cheese tarts from the bakery I worked at, one of my all time favorites. I'm dusting matcha-heart-shape on top of them for a Valentine event!
Dartmouth has been magical. As a first-generation college student, one of the most inspiring experiences has been finding communities on campus! Over the summer, I was in the FYSEP program (First Year Summer Enrichment Program), a three-week program designed for both domestic and international first-generation, low-income students to transition into college. Outside of FYSEP, during this Fall term, I've also found communities of all sorts of extracurriculars: hiking and canoeing through the Dartmouth Outdoor Club, career exploration at Dartmouth Consulting Group, and now blogging at People, Places, and Pines!
I "am" a lot of nouns, and the list is inexhaustive. I look forward to updating the lists of "I am" as I venture into the woods of Dartmouth—whether "I am" canoeing with my friends or "I am" debriefing from studying abroad or "I am" taking new bizarre classes for the first time. Until then, as I've alluded to earlier, don't be a stranger. Welcome, again, to my blog and tidbits of Dartmouth
What a wonderful summer! From joining a summer dance ensemble to regularly canoeing along the Connecticut River, I reflect on the aspects that made Sophomore Summer one of the most memorable Dartmouth traditions I've taken part in.
Hola chicos! Do not worry I know I might be making you a little hungry but I promise it'll be worth it! Come and take a seat with me at the cookout table:)
I'm starting my sophomore year feeling more grounded and clear about my academic and personal goals after a whirlwind first year of exploration. This fall, I'm excited for new experiences!
Dr. Seuss, Class of 1925, once said, "Oh, the places you'll go!"
I trekked up up above and stared down down below.
What does Dartmouth behold?
Callooh, Callay! It's a hike, a moderate hike. Welcome to my First-Year Trip!
Welcome to my blog! Here you'll find snapshots of my life and explorations at Dartmouth, ruminations on life, outdoor adventures, process of finding my major and more. I can't wait to show you around!
