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 the second week of my time at Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano. I want to reflect on my experience thus far. It has been amazing seeing my students grow in their mathematics and serving as a facet of support as they navigate their academic journey. We have reviewed linear equations and are now moving on to the graphing of lines, parabolas, and cubic functions. Right now, I am very busy grading their homework assignments and providing them with feedback on their responses, but so worth it!
On another note, this week I reconnected with Dr. Jeneen Graham '96, my AP Psychology teacher. She played a pivotal role in introducing me to Dartmouth and encouraged me to apply. We talked about my first year at Dartmouth and I updated her on my life and future career aspirations. In addition, she provided me with vivid insight about her experiences at Dartmouth and we reflected on the culture and landscape at the College. We also talked about our future aspirations and plans.
Moreover, I recently connected with my Dartmouth mentor, Melissa Trumbull Mitchell '95. She is a Dartmouth connection that was made possible due to support from the Center for Social Impact. We talked about my experiences at Breakthrough SJC and areas of improvement. I loved talking to her about my progression and areas of growth. Furthermore, she provided me with vital information about her journey in education and her work in policy-making after Dartmouth. I loved learning about her story, feedback, and advice for me as I continue to learn through this internship! Altogether, I am learning so much and growing a ton. I am very grateful and appreciative for the lessons learned at Breakthrough and will carry them with me as I return to Dartmouth and well after graduation.
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.
