Hello there! My name is Joanna Jou, a '26 from El Paso, TX. I love Hanover sunsets, relaxing out on The Green, and Still North Matcha w/ honey + almond milk. I'm beyond stoked to have y'all follow along as I create my own version of Dartmouth!
A discussion-based class co-taught by two notable professors in the Russian and German translation/scholar community. We read a series of poems and short stories written by poets who lived under totalitarian regimes (specifically in Germany and the Soviet Union) while examining the role poetry played in communicating trauma and the living of life.
Coming in with no economics background, ECON 1 is an introductory class that explores how individuals and firms make independent choices, how it is reflected in the market place while analyzing it through consumer and producer perspectives, and exploring the theories involved in resource allocation and output determination. Taught by the amazing Dr. Ha Yan Lee, her dedication to the class and her students made me excited to come to her lectures, office hours, and to continue taking classes in the economics department.
As a freshman, we are required to complete a seminar course as part of our first-year writing sequence. With a variety of departments to choose from, I elected a course on the Green New Deal with the history department since I wanted to explore the department a little more. As a discussion-based class, the way Professor Link structured his course and how he led discussions undoubtedly became the highlight of my spring term; not only did I learn some history and improved my writing along the way, but it also encouraged me to pursue the history major (and more classes with him).
SummerEl Paso, TX
Back home for the summer in Texas as I spend time with my family, focus on my mental and physical well-being, and start a new role with the Admissions Office as an Admissions Communications Intern!
Initially taking this course to fulfill my distributive requirement, I ended up really enjoying ANTH 50.49. Although I am a self-proclaimed museum enthusiast, I didn't think to inquire about the development or evolution of museums, which is why I thought this course would also be interesting to take. Nevertheless, Professor Meredith Ferguson '08 did a lovely job in shedding light on various angles in the museum world such as its natural history, curating/conserving, "heritage", repatriation and restitution, and public trust. In addition, we wrapped up the course by finally thinking about the future of museums, and their representation in society today.
I initially took this course purely out of interest as I didn't have any prior experience with the government department. Nevertheless, Politics of the World is the reason why I've decided to pursue a government minor. Taught through a comparative lens, I quickly realized that much of my academics interests lie at the intersection between comparative politics and international relations; thus, this course served as an intellectually stimulating and enriching experience, which made it a highlight of my winter term.
I was immediately drawn to this course just by the title. To put it simply—wow, just wow. Through studying two centuries of wars, reforms, and revolutions, I've gained a deep understanding of Chinese nationalism, not just as part of national history, but also how it was carried overseas by an array of influential characters. Professor Yi Lu is one of the kindest, most genuine, accommodating, and thought-provoking professors I've had a pleasure to know and learn from at Dartmouth!
SummerThe Baltic countries: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
Studied abroad in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with the government department! As post-Soviet countries, the Baltic states have become democratic success stories after major political and social transformations. This government seminar—taught by the program director—featured a variety of guest lecturers and excursions exploring the concept of democracy, its pathway and development in the Baltics, and the region's future given its geopolitical significance at the forefront of potential global conflict.
During the summer before moving into Dartmouth, I received an email that encouraged us (as incoming students) to register for First-Year Trips, an element of the orientation program where we spend a few days outdoors that marks the transition into Dartmouth. On the Trips registration form, we preference which Trip type we want to do given the multitude of options that ranged from hiking (less strenuous, moderately strenuous, and strenuous) to cabin camping (a great amount of variety: cooking, meditation, lake, nature photography, jamming — just to name a few) to canoeing and kayaking to fly fishing to exploring the Upper Valley; I really loved how many options we are given as it attempts to suit every individual's comfort, interest, and abilities.
My Trip was mountain biking, which was not my first choice but was an option I had listed as my 2nd preferred choice given that I had biking experience, just not mountain biking specifically. I remember feeling shocked that I didn't get my first choice of hiking, but I was also reminded of the importance of keeping an open mind because it's not the Trip type that matters, but the people you meet and the friends you make along the way.
With Trips being a student-led transition, each Trip type is further split into smaller groups and is led by two current Dartmouth students that we call "Trip leaders"; my Trip leaders were Maia (a '25) and Jimmy (a '24). Aside from the two Trip leaders, my group had six other fellow first-years that we call "Trippees": Corey, Evan, Lucinda, Lucy, Joaquin, and Saad. As I look back on Trips, I reflect on how thankful I am for my wonderful Trippees; it's crazy to think about how a few days spent together has led them to becoming some of my closest friends. After Trips ended, we had Trip reunion dinners every few weeks throughout fall term, which turned into weekly dinners of winter term — a highlight each week as we all continue to strengthen our relationships with one another and our Trippee bond.
Thinking back on my transition into Dartmouth, I realize how influential and fundamental First-Year Trips was for me and how it's brought so many great individuals into my life. Fun Fact: Trips is also how I met Diana and Gavin (fellow bloggers and both trip co-leaders) as I recognized them from this blog! Nevertheless, as Dartmouth begins to roll out admissions soon, I hope you all get to experience the beauty of Trips and this dimension of the Dartmouth experience. And maybe I'll get to meet some of y'all on First-Year Trips!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
