Olá! I'm Luana from Brasília, the capital of Brazil. A couple of years ago I was, just like you, looking through this blog hoping to get to know Dartmouth. But now, I get to tell you why I love being a Dartmouth student! From the academic opportunities to the community, I'll show you how grateful I am to have chosen the College on the Hill. So, consider this an invitation to accompany me as this blog becomes your looking glass into life in Hanover.
Welcome to the Woods! I traveled 7062 km (4388 mi) to be here. My name is Luana Neves. I'm a Brazilian girl, born and raised in the capital, Brasília (no, it's not Rio.) I left concrete jungles and lifelong friends to venture out into the hills of Hanover, and it's the best decision I have ever made.
Coming from a weather that varies from hot to hotter, these Woods were like a different planet. Now, instead of playing beach volleyball on the weekend, I go skiing; most of the time, I've got a hot caramel cappuccino in hand; I'm rarely tan; I go to Sunday Masses with three layers of clothing on; and instead of skipping out on the gym because I'm lazy, I blame the cold.
So far, my favorite class this term is Humanities 1, a writing course focused on the classics. This is shocking, considering I plan to be an engineering major. It just goes to show how far my range of interests can reach. From cognitive science to classical literature to environmental engineering, I have gotten to scratch my curiosity itch here at Dartmouth.
When I'm not studying, you'll find me on game nights with friends, reading books from all genres, watching a Christopher Nolan movie, listening to Taylor Swift, or at Aquinas—our Catholic student center.
Between academics, social life, and weather struggles, I look forward to sharing this journey with you. As daunting as the changes I've already faced seemed, they opened my eyes to a whole new meaning of home. I expect the next four years to be filled with exciting challenges that will push me to embrace even more pieces of the College on the Hill. Consider this an invitation to accompany me.
My friends and I on a birthday picnic on The Green.
Reflecting on how this school has changed my life for the better during the past year – reconnecting to my reasons behind choosing to call this place home each and every day.
