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!
Firstly, congratulations on your admission to the Class of 2026! As many of you consider Dartmouth as a possible home for the next four years of your college career; I wanted to offer some insight on my decision to ultimately attend Dartmouth (essentially answering: Why Dartmouth?).
I chose Dartmouth for its close-knit community; I know that this might come across as a "common" response to this question. However, I genuinely mean it by choosing to write about Dartmouth's close-knit community. Dartmouth's small class size makes it possible for students to interact with one another more often and leaves a ton of room for students to interact and cultivate close relationships with their professors. For example, during my fall term, I took Economics 1, and am still in touch with my professor. I love telling her about my life updates, future goals, and my journey navigating the Economics major. Please know that professors are here for you, they want you to succeed and will support you.
Furthermore, another reason why I chose Dartmouth is because of its rural setting and seasons. I wanted to experience a new life where I could explore the woods and experience the different seasons. I am originally from Southern California, so the thought of experiencing snow truly excited me. Also, I want to offer another dimension of the Dartmouth experience to future '26s, as you transition into the College, you will be in an entirely different landscape. You will be independent and in control of your decisions. You have the freedom to explore different passions and experience adulting. You will meet people from all over the world, you will learn about their life experiences and perspectives. For me, I knew that I had to go to a college that would make me my happiest and support me, and that college was Dartmouth. Dartmouth is diverse and you will constantly be challenged and grow into a future with a past.
At Dartmouth, there is an undergraduate requirement for language; after all, it is the liberal arts! Fulfilling this requirement looks different for various people and I will focus on my experience.
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.
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!
