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 week 3 of the winter term as a sophomore. I would say that this week went by very quickly! I would say that time goes by so quickly at Dartmouth compared to my life back home. It is really imperative to not get lost in time and to appreciate the moment. I would say at times, it can be difficult to live in the moment. What really helps me is taking a moment to relax, go outside, and play in the snow (or meditate for a couple of minutes).
I would say that the most important thing is to always put yourself first and to take care of yourself. As I continue my journey in life, I like to think that everything happens for a reason. You will end up where you are supposed to be. You will become the person that you are. You will make mistakes, but always make sure to get back up. I am still learning so much in my time at Dartmouth and am very grateful for the opportunity to continue to challenge myself and become a better version of myself.
This week was rough, I learned that I got COVID. However, I am going to get back up. I am grateful for the people in my life that support me and care about me. I hope that prospective students or anyone reading this knows that if you get down you need to get back up.
Personally, each day, I am grateful for the life that I have and continue to work towards my goals and dreams. I remember the people that care about me and want me to succeed. I remember the reason why I am here and my desire to continue on my journey in academia. A goal I set for myself this term was to put myself first and to live in the moment. Thank you for reading my blog post for this week! I will make sure to update you all as I continue on my journey in life! Until next week! :)
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.
