你好！Or Hi! My name is Taylor, and I'm a '27! I'm from Beijing, China. I'm hoping to major in Mathematics Modified with Computer Science and minor in Religion. Outside of the classroom, you can find me going on hikes with the Dartmouth Outing club, drawing or crafting at the jewelry studio, or having fun, philosophical conversations with friends!
Academic Program
(Intended) Mathematics Modified with Computer Science, Religion
Coming to Dartmouth with a solid background in French (Delf B2), I find French 3 a perfect fit for me -- it helps me to consolidate a lot of key grammar and vocabs, and fun weekly cultural activities like coffee hours and french lunch table offers me chances to relax in busy times. While the class is very rigorous and requires a lot of hard work, my professor is so nice and makes the class very fun! I also look forward to going to Dartmouth's Toulouse LSA program after completion of this class!
This course explores how Buddhist concepts of embodiment affect daily life and society in Southeast Asian contexts, and how the intersection of religion, sexuality, and gender impact broader understandings of authority, wisdom, beauty, death, and loyalty. The class takes on many forms beyond mere lectures -- a visit to the Hood Museum of Art, mindfulness practices, and small Buddha-crafting projects. Our professor (the sweetest Prof. MK Long) also invites many of her colleagues at other institutes as guest lecturers to our class so that we can learn from real experts specializing in different countries in Southeast Asia. I have learned a lot from the class and decided to become a religion major after this course!
Having never enjoyed math classes before college, I'm surprised (again) by how I'm becoming a math major and falling in love with math here! My professor (Prof. Shu Longmei, who graduated from the best university in my hometown) is incredibly good at teaching the concepts -- not just explaining things clearly but also showing us the beauty and elegance of calculus. I really look forward to taking more math classes in the future!
SummerVietnam & Beijing, China
I first visited pagodas in Vietnam for a couple of weeks and had days of conversations with monastics! Then, I returned home to savor time spent with my family and old friends, focus on my mental and physical health, and study and work a bit.
Advice for Applicants: Maximizing Your On-Campus Visits
Visiting college campuses can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many schools to consider, it can be challenging to gather all the necessary information and keep track of what to look for during each visit. As an international applicant who applied during the COVID-19 quarantine period and missed out on in-person tours, I realized there are several key aspects I wish I had known. In this post, I'd like to share some advice on how to make the most of your campus tours.
1. Plan and Prepare
Registering for a guided tour in advance helps you to get the full experience. Many schools offer tours paired with informational sessions, which can provide valuable context about the institution's values, resources, and academic offerings. These sessions often answer common questions and set the stage for your visit. Before you step foot on campus, do some research. Understand the school's programs, extracurricular activities, and campus layout. Preparing questions in advance will help you get the most out of your visit.
Comfort is also a key when exploring a campus, so check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking.
2. Engage with the Campus Community
One of the biggest advantages of a campus tour is the ability to interact directly with the students and faculty working there. Don't hesitate to ask tour guides personalized questions about class sizes, faculty accessibility, the party scene & social life, sports culture, and the general vibe of the campus to see if it aligns with your preferences.
If you have specific academic interests, consider emailing faculty members in those fields before your visit. It would be extra helpful if you are able to meet them during your tour to gain deeper insights into academic resources and opportunities.
3. Explore Beyond the Guided Tour
While the official tour will cover many aspects of the campus, taking the time to explore on your own can provide additional valuable insights. It's essential to visit key facilities like libraries, dorms, dining halls, labs, and even art studios, music practice rooms, and sports facilities. These are the places where you will spend most of your time during college, and seeing them firsthand can help you gauge how comfortable you will be living and studying there.
Additionally, take the opportunity to explore the neighborhood around the campus. Assess local stores, restaurants, safety, transportation options, and the overall environment. This is particularly important for schools located in more remote areas, like Dartmouth, where students stay on campus during weekends. Understanding the local amenities and activities available can help you determine how you'll stay entertained and engaged during your time there.
Learn about the different programs Dartmouth offers prospective students to explore campus life, learn about Dartmouth, and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Hanover!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
