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 final week of my first year at Dartmouth. My Dartmouth experience began when I received an email from the First-Year Student Enrichment Program (FYSEP) informing me that a spot opened up in the program two days before it began. Immediately after I received the news, I booked my flight and headed to Dartmouth with my dad. I am never going to forget my dad's smile once we arrived at the College, he couldn't stop smiling. Suddenly, I realized that my Dartmouth acceptance was a reality and that I earned my spot to be here. Growing up I didn't have much, and I had to work really hard for every opportunity that I received. I remember watching my parents sacrifice everything for my siblings and me to be healthy, safe, and happy. Now, I am the first person in my family to attend college, let alone a place like Dartmouth.
After we passed through The Green, it served as an indication of the beginning of a new chapter in my life. A new chapter where I didn't know I would meet some of the kindest and warmhearted people in my life, push myself past my limits in academia, become more independent and certain of my capabilities, and become obsessed with Novack hot chocolate.
I realized the privilege of going to a place like Dartmouth and took advantage of the many resources and opportunities offered on campus to grow and flourish. Altogether, I am extremely grateful for the support system that I cultivated throughout my entire first year at the College. I learned so much and took risks in my classes and life in general. I had the opportunity to take small classes and get to learn about my professors' passions and interests outside of the classroom. I won't ever forget the times I spent sitting on The Green with my friends and talking about life. This new chapter in my life has progressed and will continue as I enter my second year in the fall term. Thank you all for reading about my Dartmouth journey thus far, and I will see you all after summer. :)
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!
This is part two of me "nerding out" about my honors thesis! If you want to learn more about independent projects, theses, or the humanities at Dartmouth, check it out!
Many small classes at Dartmouth are seminar-style and are the cornerstone of the intellectual exploration and intentionality that define the learning experience at Dartmouth.
When I was in high school, applying to college seemed to be the hardest and scariest thing. I had no clue what to expect at all. So, I decided to share my thought-process regarding choosing to go to Dartmouth!
I've officially completed all of my English major requirements for Dartmouth. Since I'm now a veteran English student, I'll walk you all through one of Dartmouth's coolest departments!
