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.
As a Dartmouth student, the academic calendar is often guided by a typical course load of three classes each term and three terms each year. With only 35 credits needed to graduate, one is able to take a two course term without the need to take a four course term to fulfill graduation requirements. This winter, I've chosen to take only two classes, and I'd like to share my rationale behind this decision.
The primary reason for my reduced course load is my intention to prioritize aspects of my life beyond academics this winter term. The sophomore winter is a crucial time for career recruiting. The process is busy and demanding, filled with applications, networking events, and interviews. I recognize that in order to navigate this busy season successfully, I need to conserve my energy and mental clarity, which is best achieved by taking fewer courses this term.
Reflecting on my first year, I've gained valuable insights into my own capabilities and limitations. I often found myself juggling numerous activities, and the pressure to excel in every commitment generated unnecessary anxiety and guilt—I often felt that I was stretched too thin, and had to unwillingly sacrifice the quality of my work in pursuit of breadth. This realization has prompted me to focus on fewer commitments that matter most. This winter, my objective is to ensure I have the mental and physical space to engage meaningfully in every endeavor – be it my classes, recruiting, or personal well-being. By simplifying my schedule, I'm prioritizing a more holistic balance during an extra demanding time.
While my primary focus this term isn't entirely on academics, my passion for learning remains and I look forward to returning to a more rigorous academic environment in the coming terms. After the recruiting season concludes, I plan to enroll in four courses in the spring, which will help me explore my academic interests and fulfill my major requirements. This approach allows me to not only meet graduation criteria but also engage more deeply with subjects that genuinely interest me. I believe this balance will enrich my Dartmouth experience and enable me to contribute more meaningfully in the classroom and in my future endeavors. I look forward to returning to my studies with a renewed sense of purpose after this important winter season.
A statement I never thought I would make. Being completely honest, during my first term I was counting down the days to go back to Arizona. However, being away from Dartmouth made me realize how lucky I am to be here.
Dartmouth's Chinese New Year celebrations brought a sense of home through themed dining, student-led events, and cultural gatherings, fostering community and appreciation for the holiday.
A history class that starts with music, brings the past to life through debates and museum visits, and just might make me a history minor—welcome to History of China Since the 1800s.
All three of my classes this term visited the Hood Museum of Art for curated art study sessions related to class content. I have had these sessions in prior terms too, and I really enjoy these experiences.
Valentine's Day at Dartmouth is an exciting day to spread love and appreciation for the people around you! On campus, a myriad of programs are hosted for all students to enjoy.
