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!
As I continue on with my Dartmouth journey, I want to discuss the many opportunities for growth offered here at Dartmouth College. I hope that future '26s know about these resources and opportunities and take advantage of them.
I have completed my fall and winter terms of my first-year experience and am now embarking on my spring term. I have been able to take advantage of many resources such as office hours offered by professors, programs in the Center for Social Impact, research with a post-doc fellow, etc.
As I am reflecting on my first two terms, having a detailed schedule for every day really helped me in ensuring that I was successful in my academics and other time commitments. Some advice that I have for future '26s is to take your time and adjust to the College at your own speed. I was very fortunate enough to participate in the FYSEP program before the beginning of my fall term. The program empowers and prepares first-generation students by giving them a foundation for community, even before the beginning of orientation.
Furthermore, there are so many opportunities for Dartmouth students to get involved on campus from joining student clubs to social impact in the greater Upper Valley community. For example, during orientation, all registered student clubs set tables on The Green to promote their clubs to students. In addition, if you choose to work in the Center for Social Impact, you can choose to visit local schools and teach lesson plans to younger students!
I hope that this blog post offers insight into the possibilities here at Dartmouth. Your Dartmouth experience is what you make it, remember to take risks and to always put yourself first. I hope that my experiences and perspectives offer another perspective to your search for your new home for the next four years! Welcome to the College, '26s!
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!
