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 my second week of the fall term. Firstly, I wanted to dedicate this blog post to the courses that I am taking this term.
I am currently taking ENGS 12: Design Thinking. This course is fantastic, we work on term-long projects that challenge us to critically develop comprehensive solutions and utilize a lateral thinking mindset. Furthermore, this past week we were split into groups and developed a roller coaster. Our theme was centered aroundTop-Gun: Maverick and we incorporated scenes from the movie into the overall experience of the ride. This class is a lot of work, but I have learned so much from my team, TAs, and professor! I am so excited to continue on this journey for the rest of the term.
Moreover, another class that I am taking is titled ECON22: Macroeconomics. This class is so interesting and insightful! We spent the past two weeks learning about the different measures of inflation, and the variables that go into the real GDP (gross domestic product). This class is challenging me a ton, but I am so happy to be learning so much about the workings of the aggregate economy from a macroeconomic perspective.
Lastly, I am taking RUSS13: Slavic Folklore, this class is probably my most eye-opening class ever. We are learning about fairytales, witches, and rituals. This class has provided me with insight into the inner workings of folklore and the many different variations that arise from storytelling. I am currently working on a collections project with two other Dartmouth students to examine the different types of folklore in South Asian culture. We are currently in the process of interviewing other Dartmouth students and documenting their own experiences with folklore through a South Asian lens.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my fall term schedule for the term! I am so excited about all of my classes and I will make sure to update you on other facets of my life 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!
Coming back from Spring break usually means coming back to an entirely different campus than the one you left in the Winter – but that was not the case this year! Read on to hear more...
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!
