Hi all! Welcome to my very public blogging page! I am Toni Fabian '25, the middle child of my family, from a small town in sunny Southern California. I plan to study economics and human-centered design. I am passionate about culture, educational equity, and social justice. I will be writing about all things Dartmouth, from the infamous FOCO cookies to the resources and opportunities offered here on campus. I am truly so excited to bring you along with me while I navigate my college journey!
Academic Program
Intended majors: Economics and Sociology; Intended minor: Human-Centered Design
Each week I was responsible for completing problem sets, quizzes, classwork, and discussion boards. Every week we related what we learned in class to the real world. For example, we read about food banks and their past struggles with efficiency. As a class, we discussed solutions and delved deeper by asking questions and collaborating with each other. I loved this class a lot because Dr. Petre made learning really fun and is so kind! I learned a lot of information ranging from different elasticities of demand and supply to the indicators of poverty. This class was awesome!
For my FYS (First-Year Seminar), I took a history course called Gender and Urban Transformation (9L slot). Our class discussions drew from primary sources and historical analyses that dabbled on gender and its intersection with race, sexuality, and class in the development of U.S. suburbs and cities. Essentially, we explored urbanization and suburbanization as a multi-gendered process. I developed my research skills as I drafted an annotated bibliography, book review essay, and prospectus on the Chicano Movement's impact in the realm of higher education from the 1960s to the present in California, Texas, and Chicago. I learned a ton, I am so happy that I took Professor Rabig's course!
Sociology 1 is the introductory course for the Sociology major, and I loved this class so much! We had a ton of class discussions and the material was very insightful. We were assigned a term-long discussion group, and my group leader was so kind and knowledgeable. We analyzed and discussed the reasons behind class stratification, power dynamics, and social and economic inequalities in society. This class has truly helped me further develop my sociological imagination and changed my perspective in life. :)
For the entire summer, I interned for Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano (SJC). Breakthrough SJC is a non-profit organization situated in Southern California that aims to close the achievement gap for underrepresented and underserved students. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served as a teaching fellow this summer and for Dartmouth's support in preparing me for this amazing and unforgettable experience!
I am writing this blog post as I enter week 8 of my spring term. I am currently studying for midterms and finishing up papers for my class. Today, as a reward for being productive, I spent a couple of hours on the Green with my friends. It was amazing to cool off from the hot weather and catch up with friends. If you are a prospective student or admitted student and are not familiar with the term "the Green," it is essentially the heart of our campus :). People tend to utilize the space to reconnect with friends, play games such as spikeball, play with their dogs, etc. Most notably, the Green is the location for very important events like the yearly bonfire to welcome the incoming students, and commencement to celebrate the graduates and their Dartmouth journey. It was truly amazing to experience my first bonfire and the warm welcoming (literally and figuratively, haha) into the Dartmouth community.
Now, I am wrapping up my first year at Dartmouth. After reflecting on my experience thus far, I want to offer some advice to prospective and admitted students. Firstly, I want to place emphasis on being yourself. You are transitioning into a new environment, becoming more independent, and taking on new and exciting responsibilities. You are going to meet amazing people; always remember to live in the moment. Over time, you will adjust to this transition, but remember to take care of yourself and put yourself first, always!
Another piece of advice that I offer for incoming college students is to follow consistent sleep and work schedules. For me, creating a daily schedule helps me stay on track every day to ensure that I am finishing up my tasks, but also taking care of myself (go do fun things like have a picnic on the Green or watch a movie at the HOP!). I hope that my advice is helpful as you embark on the beginnings of your college experiences!
Traditionally, Dartmouth students take three courses during a term, but I decided to take four courses this term! Learn about course load and the academic system at Dartmouth.
As I approach the halfway mark of my Dartmouth journey this spring, I find myself reflecting on the significance of distributive and world culture requirements in shaping my academic experience.
Coming back from Spring break usually means coming back to an entirely different campus than the one you left in the Winter – but that was not the case this year! Read on to hear more...
This is my final term before senior year, which is both exciting and terrifying at the same time. One thing I am excited about is the classes I am taking this term, so let me tell you more!
