你好! Or Hi! My name is Taylor, and I'm a '27 from Beijing, China. I'm hoping to major in Mathematics 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!
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.
This is a really fun and engaging class taught by an award-winning professor. The mini-ethnography assignments provide a lot of hands-on experience in conducting fieldwork, making the methods we study feel real and applicable. From participant observation to interviews and field note coding, this course offers an immersive introduction to ethnographic research on religion. Plus, the discussions on research ethics and methodology are both thought-provoking and relevant, making this an incredibly useful class for anyone interested in studying contemporary religious communities through direct engagement.
This class is incredibly interesting because it feels like traveling through time—from the philosophical foundations of Laozi and Zhuangzi to medieval Daoist traditions and contemporary practices in northern and southern China and Taiwan. Even as a Chinese student, I’m realizing how much there is to learn, not just about Daoism but also about the broader religious landscape and practices in China.
An International Student's Journey Through Dartmouth Sorority Rush (Part 3)
After receiving a bid, potential new members (PNMs) enter the pledging process, which plays a vital role in integrating them into the sorority community. During this time, "bigs" are assigned to new members, often referred to as "littles" or "cubs." The bigs give their littles various tasks to complete throughout the week, accompanied by thoughtful gifts and clues that hint at their identities. The culmination of this process is the "big-little reveal" event, an exciting ceremony where bigs and littles, dressed in themed pairs, line up to meet in the sorority living room. This moment not only marks the beginning of their relationship but also encourages bonding through shared experiences.
I was absolutely thrilled to be paired with a big who I'm already close to, as this dynamic has offered us the opportunity to deepen our bond through the big-little experience. It feels like a natural extension of our friendship—one that adds new layers of support and understanding. I'm genuinely excited about the unique opportunities for growth and connection that this relationship affords as we navigate our college journeys together. Beyond just our one-on-one time, I've also had the pleasure of meeting other bigs and littles through a variety of activities outside of the sorority house. Whether we're sharing meals at our dining hall, studying together during finals week, or attending the formal at the Chinese Language House, each of these experiences has enriched my social life in unexpected ways. I truly appreciate how my involvement in the sorority has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals across different class years, helping me forge friendships that extend beyond our sorority walls. These connections have been invaluable in fostering a sense of community and belonging on campus. It's reassuring to know that I have a network of strong, supportive women to turn to, whether we're tackling academics or simply enjoying each other's company. Overall, this big-little experience has not only strengthened my existing relationships but has also opened the door to new friendships that will enhance my college experience.
Following this event, the littles proceed to the initiation ceremony, where they become official members of the sorority. The initiation solidifies their membership and often includes various "rituals" and oaths that truly make Greek life almost a campus religion.
When I look back on my time at Dartmouth, and it is hard to believe I will be graduating in just two weeks, I know that Africa Week will always stand out as one of the moments when this campus felt most alive, most joyful, and most like home.
