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
As the name describes, this class taught me all about food! While the class is centered on teaching academic writing skills, I have definitely learned a lot about fun topics like food diversity, ethical farming, and culinary significances. For my final project, I got to write about how sauces relates to our society!
Until recently, I had never played pickleball. I had heard the sports tossed around in conversation, but I never expected to find myself holding a paddle on a Dartmouth court, playing in the rain, trying to learn the rules mid-game…
How did this all happen?
My friend, Joanna '28, who got into pickleball last summer, discovered that there are pickleball courtsright behind the tennis courts at Dartmouth—in fact, it was right down the street from my dorm. But I had never explored it! Joanna had invited me, Dezstany '28 (another fellow blogger), and her friends to play in a 4-team pickleball tournament. I was hesitant at first. While I'm not an active athlete at Dartmouth, I did play table tennis in high school. Joanna described pickleball as a sport that's bigger than table tennis but smaller than a tennis court. I was intrigued! I bought my trippee, Liam '28, from mylast break trip to Joshua Tree (note: "trippee" is a term Dartmouth used to describe friends they've made on outdoor trips!). Liam told me that he had also never played pickleball before.
In New York, where I call home, there's not much opportunity to play pickleball: it can be challenging to find spaces and the equipment to do so, and it can get a bit expensive. Luckily, Dartmouth students get access to tons of free sports equipment in Hanover. Checking out the equipment was super easy—we just went up to the front desk of the gym and exchanged our student IDs for free paddles and balls.
Joanna quickly taught us the basics: how to serve diagonally, what "the kitchen" meant, and when to rotate positions. It didn't take long for me to realize that knowing the rules and playing the game were two very different things. Our first practice round was humbling. We missed serves, let balls sail past us, and often forgot to switch sides. But it was so much fun! Halfway through the game, it began to rain. Not a light sprinkle, but a steady, soaking downpour. Other people on the court started packing up and heading home, but we looked at each other, shrugged, and kept playing!
Ultimately, we lost in the semifinals. But winning or losing didn't matter because we had so much fun—quite frankly, it felt quite aesthetic to have a rainy pickleball lesson. Since that rainy afternoon, I've returned to the courts two more times. I've realized how many pockets of campus life exist outside of classrooms. Fun fact: they even have an actual pickleball class that you can take at Dartmouth for PE credits! And this is just one of the many sports you can try out here.
Once you are here, Dartmouth ensures that you have the tools you need to thrive, regardless of where you start. Read on to discover some of Dartmouth's lesser-known resources!
I can't wait to celebrate Winter, so I just had to write a blog post all about it. Read on to hear about all the fun (and affordable) Winter activities at Dartmouth!
Dartmouth is special because it offers abundant resources with little risk or cost. This environment allows passions to flourish, as students have the time, resources, and security to take the necessary risks and grow in their chosen fields.
Last Friday, I met with my undergraduate dean to learn a little more about undergraduate deans and the academic and social support they provide for students!
To all prospective students who may be reading this, deciding on where to apply to college and where to commit is one of the most difficult decisions. I highly recommend you to take a step back to look at the amenities your university would provide.
