Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
I have been keeping a diary ever since I learned how to write. I find power in grounding my lived experiences through writing. In honor of my first month at Dartmouth, I want to provide excerpts from my journal, hopefully lending a condensed understanding of how I am settling into Dartmouth.
August 28-29, 2022
"After an 11-hour flight from Istanbul to Boston, I have finally arrived at Dartmouth. Albeit jetlagged, I am somehow still full of energy. A group of international students welcomed us in front of the bus stop with colorful signs and friendly greetings… Something in me tells me this is home; I certainly feel the love here."
Me and my friend Zeynep: jet-lagged yet full of energy
The sense of belonging I felt the day I arrived on campus turned out to be overarching at Dartmouth, and the love I felt amplified during New Student Orientation.
September 1, 2022
"Today was full of orientation things. We engaged in meaningful conversations with peers around a circle in smaller groups and openly talked about our values, experiences, and aspirations… I thought orientation would be full of surface-level games and icebreakers, but I felt seen today. I felt like my experiences, the experiences I brought with me to Dartmouth, mattered. New Student Orientation was above and beyond what I imagined. I now have cool decorative thread art, plants, and a bunch of stickers I am saving up for family and friends back home!"
A collection of cool Dartmouth stickers and thread art (shaped like Dartmouth's D!!)
After new student orientation came First-Year Trips (affectionately called Trips). "Trips" is a 5-day outdoor experience with a small group of people that aims to foster an accessible and enjoyable orientation experience.
September 7, 2022
"I JUST CAME BACK FROM TRIPS!! I did flatwater canoeing with a group of 10– and it went amazing! Aside from paddling around 15 miles in 2 days, we have really gotten to know each other. I always thought I was not an outdoorsy person, but I might want to explore more outdoor activities at Dartmouth."
Canoeing during First-Year Trips!
The magic of Trips still manifests itself. In fact, I just went out to have dinner with a couple of people from my trip section. We are all still in contact, and I am beyond grateful to have had a wonderful experience with Trips. I also started to explore outdoor activities with the Dartmouth Outing Club, which I enjoy through and through.
Enjoying the views of Ledyard Canoe Club!
As of this past Friday, I finished my second week of classes on top of two weeks of orientation. I can certainly say that time flew by! I have had access to so many exciting opportunities that I was never bored. I am taking intriguing classes from field-leading professors with peers from all walks of life, creating an unmatched sense of community. I am so glad I chose Dartmouth. If there is a better feeling than belonging, it is the feeling of realizing you have made the right choice. I count myself lucky that I feel both at Dartmouth, and I am beyond excited to make the most out of my four years here!
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
