Youmi Ji

System.out.println("Hello :-) from Youmi");

Hi, I'm Youmi! I was born in Shanghai, China and raised in Tokyo, Japan. I intend to double major in Computer Science and Philosophy, but I'm also planning to explore courses in Studio Art. I love photography, cats, critiquing food, rooftops, K-R&B, tennis, traveling, etc. etc. 

April 2024, my cat "Natto" sleeping on my bed.

For as long as I can remember, my life has been about finding parallels between these interests—whether that be my hobbies or my sense of belonging. My given name "Youmi" encompasses the prayer to the Buddha for protection and blessing. My parents did not realize, when they named me, that this was also a name that could be used in East Asian languages. So, having an easily pronounceable name conveniently allowed me to bond with my community quickly after relocating to Japan. 

June 2024, taken by my friend in Kyoto.

In my application for Dartmouth, I wrote that "I'm ready to dive into a community of diversity and be mind blown by unique stories of wonderful individuals." In fact, this is exactly why I chose Dartmouth: talking with people from this community was what convinced me to spend the next four years of my life here. 

I still remember vividly how my interviewer told me about how Dartmouth's supportive community has helped him feel "more at home than ever before." This comforted me greatly as a worried international student who will be living on the other side of the planet. 

At the Presidential Welcome Tour in Tokyo, people from classes of '9X and even '8X spoke fondly of their time at this school, recalling how they "met their best friend during the first year trips" or "had a great time as a part of the DOC" as if it had just happened yesterday. Not only did this make me learn that Dartmouth is the right school for me, I also realized that there's no one-sentence answer to the question "what's it like to be at Dartmouth." The definition of the Dartmouth experience exists in the countless unique anecdotes told by people who have experienced being a part of this wonderful community—which is also why I wanted to join "People Places Pines" in order to share my story.

September 2024, Me and my friend cloud-watching on the Green.

At Dartmouth, you'll often catch me hanging out with friends in the Hood Museum, cloud-watching on the Green, or editing pictures/videos in the Baker Library. I'm beyond excited to share all of Dartmouth's "people," "places," and "pines" with you through my blogs and photos!