¡Hola! My name is Ben and I'm a '25 from sunny Barcelona, Spain. I like way too many things, but I'm especially interested in biology and health policy! On campus, you can find me at the new sustainability center, FOCO, and the Green. I'm currently involved with the Global Health community, Class Council, and Dartmouth Dining. Outside these cool spaces, I'm also a big fan of the Outing Club's sunrikes. I can't wait to give you an insider's look into my exciting college life!
Coming from a heavy bio and chem background in high school, this class was clearly outside my comfort zone, but I loved it from the start. We covered a lot of ground in 10 weeks, stretching from political theories and nationalist movements to warfare and global poverty. We also had in-class debates and simulations, so I got to know my classmates really well and refine my public speaking!
My first formal introduction to CS was a lot smoother than I anticipated. While I'm not planning to take more CS courses anytime soon, I thought the class did a great job at providing a fun format to students (like me!) who typically think CS is too tough to tackle.
My writing seminar, capped at 16 people, was the perfect transition to a liberal arts-styled education. This class gave me really solid training for future writing-heavy classes. Plus, our professor always encouraged us to bring our own perspectives and ideas to the table. As a published author, he shared with us priceless writing tips that I still use to this day!
I loved reconnecting with my core academic interest: Biology! I took a year-long break from it in freshman year because I really wanted to explore other departments. However, this class confirmed to me that Biology should still be at the center of my college trajectory. The 4-hour lab sessions and Teaching Assistants really helped me keep up to speed with the fast-paced nature of Dartmouth's STEM classes.
Wow, this professor really knew his stuff! By far, one of the best classes I've ever taken at Dartmouth. The lectures were so interesting..., we dove into the world of urbanization, hydropower dams, ecotourism, and other really cool topics like advocacy for indigenous groups, always looking at real case studies and applying theory to practice.
Showing prospies around campus in recent weeks has made me realize that I should switch up my study spots more often. While I typically spend lots of time in Blobby, the Irving Institute, and Novack Café, here are some other places you should definitely learn about before coming here.
At the top of the list is the Rauner Special Collections Library. My friends usually stick around Baker Berry, which is home to Dartmouth's main library complex, but I cannot think of a better spot to romanticize academics and crank out an essay than Rauner. It's honestly so underrated! With its huge windows, Rauner has plenty of natural light. Plus, it's filled with an extensive collection of rare books, old medieval manuscripts, and super unique artifacts, including Shakeaspeare's first folios and a lock of George Washington's hair! What's even cooler is that both students and visitors alike can explore AND touch all sorts of obscure items.
This place really doesn't disappoint. I mean... just see for yourself!
Another all-time favorite of mine has to be Sanborn Library. It can get a little stuffy in there during the warmer months of the year, but it's the perfect nook to sit on a comfy leather armchair and take in the scent of old books and dusty bookshelves. Sanborn is my go-to library for any long reading session, whether it's for class or just for pleasure. Fun fact—tea and cookies are served every afternoon at 4pm. Keep this a secret, but it's never too crowded, even at tea time!
Sanborn Library at the peak of foliage! It's my go-to spot when it gets chillier outside.
Although a very mainstream and popular choice, I don't think I could exclude the Tower Room from my post. Located on the second floor of Berry Library, this is the quintessential hard-at-work study area, ideal for some real crunch time. I'm usually very productive in this room because it's dead silent. While I sometimes just prefer to study with friends in more group-friendly and talkative settings, it's really nice to have access to the Tower Room whenever I have an important deadline coming up and want zero distractions. Even when my productivity drops, this dimly lit, studious atmosphere really helps me push through and get into a serious grind mode.
Fairchild deserves an honorable mention! Home to Dartmouth's Physical Sciences departments, Fairchild Tower is a great option for a quiet study space and impressive views.
I could go on and on about all my favorite study spaces on campus. As a Bio major, I don't just hide away in modern lab facilities all day. I love changing things up and studying in Dartmouth's centuries-old libraries. In my eyes, this is yet another opportunity to branch out and explore my interests outside STEM.
This fall, Dartmouth provided me with incredible opportunities to get involved in politics. I registered as a New Hampshire voter, joined civic organizations, canvassed, and more! Read on to follow my journey leading up to Election Day!
