Hi there! I'm Nathan, a '27 from Lynn, MA (just outside Boston). I'm majoring in Engineering Sciences modified with Studio Art—I like to understand, design, and create things. I also love writing, photography, and being outside (hence this blog). On-campus, I'm involved in the startup scene through the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship, as well as the Triathlon and Cycling Teams. Outside of class, you'll probably catch me drinking coffee somewhere or out on my bike.
My first thought as I finished one haphazard lap in the pool at Dartmouth's Alumni Gym was one of mixed feelings. While I would like to say I'm a proficient swimmer, I've definitely been challenging myself as a new member of the Dartmouth Triathlon Team (Swim, Bike, Run!).
Running and cycling are more my forte, but swimming has been a positive experience despite being humbling. After only two swim practices, I can already feel the momentum building and my skills developing! I have to give credit to Coach Reed, who's guided me on technique. The cues "High elbow!" and "Head down!" are still echoing in my head. Even as I write this post in the Tower room of Baker-Berry Library, I'm imagining the wood-paneled walls filling with water and the confusion of students as the silence is broken by swimming instructions.
In this first sense, I've been literally re-learning how to swim. I would like to, however, shift to how Dartmouth is improving my swimming technique in other ways.
The image says it all—let me explain!
This view is from Gile Firetower, a short drive from campus in Vermont; it's an incredible fall hike and offers unrivaled views during foliage season. It also embodies how it feels once you arrive on campus and begin to consider what you'll pursue.
As I gaze into the endless expanse of forest, I'm struck by a vastness of space that reflects the boundless sense of opportunities at Dartmouth. The forest seems limitless; it's both a symbol of Dartmouth's outdoor culture and the effect of the institution on students' trajectories in life. In other words, Dartmouth makes me see an endless array of possibilities for my future.
In fact, I would say my options are so open I'm relearning to navigate them. I'm relearning how to swim, so to speak. Dartmouth is one big pool, and staying afloat requires dedication to class, time invested in studying, joining new extracurriculars, and getting involved in opportunities for deeper scholarship (internships, research, co-curricular programs, etc.).
Ok, maybe Dartmouth isn't actually teaching me how to "swim" outside of my Triathlon endeavors, but I would like to think it is. After all, it'll mean I can have some fun in the water while I'm at it.
In this blog, I share how joining Ujima, Dartmouth's oldest hip hop dance team, became not just a creative outlet but a family built on collective work, responsibility, and love.
Curious about how declaring a major works at Dartmouth? Concerned about getting trapped studying something you don't like? No need to worry. Come explore with me how majors and minors work at Dartmouth!
To the Class of 2030: Congratulations! For those of you who are still making a decision, this blog is intended to give you some tips from my own experience of being in your fortunate (but difficult) position.
Learn about my first internship at Dartmouth, DSCI's ImpACT Winterim Initiative, and more about internship opportunities, DCSI, and pursuing hands-on experiences at Dartmouth!
