Hi guys! The name's Tulio (yes, like the guy from Rio) Huggins, and I am a '23! I am from the beautiful state of Pennsylvania, where I have lived for the past couple of years. I am double majoring in History and English with a concentration in Creative Writing. In my free time, I love to hang out with friends at Dartmouth Apologia, my fraternity, and in Aquinas House! Feel free to ask any questions you might have. I hope that you all have a blessed day!
Academic Program
History & English with Concentration in Creative Writing
Favorite Thing Right Now
Hanging out with my fraternity brother and hanging out in Aquinas House!
Waking up at 6 in the morning has been a culture shock. I'm usually the only one up on my floor, and Dartmouth's campus is pretty empty at this time, so biking across the Green in front of Baker Library is usually peaceful.
Is this some sort of weird class that meets at super-early hours in the morning? Is it some sport that requires crazy time commitments?
No and no. What I'm describing is ROTC or Reserve Officers Training Corps.
ROTC is a program created to commission Second Lieutenant Officers into the US Army to serve all over the world. Through Physical Training (PT), Military Lab, and Military Science classes, the Dartmouth ROTC program trains cadets for leadership in every aspect of life.
I have been doing ROTC since the start of the term, so I thought it would be nice to bring you along on my week as an ROTC cadet! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Monday: I wake up at 6 and get on my bike to head out to Leverone Field House, which is where we do PT. Our workout starts at 7, but I like to get their early, especially since it gives me time to do my devotionals. Today's workout was a circuit that included pull-ups, pushups, situps, air squats, and a run. I was worn out by the end!
Tuesday: Tuesdays are the days we do Military Labs, which are times where we work on military skills such as land navigation. Today was a 6-mile ruck, which is pretty much a fast walk with a big backpack on. It was a mental battle, but I am proud that I was able to persevere through that challenge!
After our six mile ruck, we were all happy to take our backpacks off!
Wednesday: Wednesday was another PT day, but afterward was our Military Science class, which is when cadets learn more about what the Army is and its various aspects. Today, we learned about the different ranks of the military. It was an insightful lesson that made me understand more about how each part of the military works together to achieve a common goal.
After our military science class, I was able to get a picture of some of my fellow '23s in ROTC.
Thursday: Off day! I slept in, but I tried to do my homework early so I could go to sleep early for Friday!
Friday: For PT today, we went to Alumni Gym and did some weights. It was a nice change of scenery, and it was a good opportunity to make use of the great facilities at Dartmouth!
All and all, ROTC has been a great opportunity for creating better time management and pushing myself to new limits. I am thankful for the time I have had with Dartmouth ROTC, and I am looking forward to the upcoming terms with the group!
Being in DC this summer and participating in the Rockefeller Center's First Year Fellows program, I've been able to really see just how special the Dartmouth alumni network is.
During a recent conversation with my HS friend who also goes to college in the US, we discussed what it's like experiencing culture shock especially as international students. I'd love to share the tips we developed to combat this feeling.
I can still vividly remember the combination of nervousness and excitement I felt preparing for my first year of college. After an eventful freshman year, here is some advice to '26s as you get ready for your first year:
After our six mile ruck, we were all happy to take our backpacks off!
After our military science class, I was able to get a picture of some of my fellow '23s in ROTC.
