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 finish up week 8 of my winter term as a second year. I want to utilize this blog post as a form of reflection and discuss the places I have explored on campus. This week was filled with a ton of nice memories and I got to enjoy spending time with my friends.
This past weekend, I played Mario Kart with my friend, Amara '25 for a couple of hours. It was really fun, I was baby Luigi in the game, lol. Afterward, we played some UNO and talked. Days like these are what I really love, where I can make time for the people that really matter and spending time together. This term I made it a new priority to make time for myself and to take breaks from the rigors of the College.
Later in the week, I wanted to explore the Greenhouse campus, so I went to the Life Sciences Center. It was such a wonderful experience, I got to visit the different rooms that represent varying biomes. The most interesting biomes have to be the tropical rainforest and subtropical rainforest rooms. Also, there is a small koi pond that has a family of orange koi! My personal favorite part of the Greenhouse has to be the brout orchid collection. There were a ton of different colored orchids that really lit up the room. Altogether, this trip to the Greenhouse was very much worth it and I learned a ton regarding the importance of plant biodiversity!
I hope my blog post provided some insight into prospective students and future classes. I look forward to updating you all next week on my life and goals! I can't believe that it is almost the end of my winter term. Nevertheless, until next week! :)
Planning on visiting Dartmouth as a prospective student or an interested person wanting to see our beautiful campus? In this post, I share insider tips to ensure your visit is fulfilled!
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.
Witnessing an eclipse was one of the most exciting days in my life to date, and a solid reminder of our place in this universe. Read on to hear about it!
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!
