Mucho gusto! Let's get to the fun stuff first. I love journaling, dancing in the gym, and being outside in some sunshine. I am from Tucson, Arizona and a '28. I am a proud first generation and low-income student who comes from a loving Mexican and Native American family. Aspiring law student, an early riser, and bubbly personality are all some ways to describe me. So before you leave, welcome to Dartmouth! I am Dezstany and I hope you join me on this journey into the woods!
Academic Program
Government or Native American and Indigenous Studies
This course was one of the reasons I chose to apply early decision to Dartmouth! I know, how could one course even influence such a big decision? Hearing Professor Duthu describe cases regarding the dispossession of Native tribes, the cultural tensions that many Native youth experience because of the effects of the Doctrine of Discovery, and economic development issues amongst many Native reservations made me edge out of my seat with excitement. The description did not disappoint because although it is one of my earliest classes, I always find myself running to class to learn something new. Professor Duthu presents in a way that wakes you up, makes you laugh, and encourages you to ask some pretty tough questions about tribal regulations. It has been extremely interesting how "bullets of the past are hitting present targets", meaning that many federal policies that happened decades ago still have very noticeable impacts in Indian Country (land in which tribal members own or previously occupied). I love being able to schedule office hours for any leftover questions. Would definitely recommend it!!
Ever wonder how that 60 feet bonfire appears in the middle of the green for Homecoming?
60 feet?!? Yup, it really is that tall.
1. The first step we had to do was check in with one of the Bonfire Chairs to get our equipment.
Check in with Ivy! One of the Bonfire Chairs for the Class of 2028!
All members of the first year class have the opportunity to run to be a Bonfire Chair, who are responsible for the logistics behind the bonfire. They put in lots of hours to ensure that their class has a safe and fun bonfire! In addition, the Bonfire Chairs also get to light the bonfire on Homecoming night.
2. After checking in, the fun begins!
My friends and I had the amazing opportunity to be one of the very firsts to build the bonfire.
Alexa, a close friend of mine and amazing '28 posing in front of the pieces of wood that set up the foundation for the bonfire!
We had to move the pieces of wood to the center of the green so that they could be stacked onto the correct places that were previously set. It was almost like a puzzle. Each piece of wood had to be on the same plane as the one below it.
After setting a piece of wood down we had to check the stability.
Ale, an amazing friend of mine and fellow '28, checking the balance of the pieces of wood.
Once we made sure the wood was in the right place, we could continue and set more pieces on top of it. I won't lie, these pieces of wood could get pretty heavy. It sometimes took three people to carry one, but we definitely got the hang of it after a little bit!
Alexa and I moving over the pieces of wood to the bonfire!
Our shift ended after an hour. While walking away, it was cool to see the small yet mighty difference we made. We almost completed four levels!
3. Boards on the Bonfire
My friends and I adding our names to the "NAD" board. NAD stands for Natives at Dartmouth!
Organizations on campus have the opportunity to purchase a board to be showcased on the bonfire! This year the bonfire was built over the period of three days, meaning that many students were able to help build.
4. Morning of Bonfire!
View of the Bonfire walking towards the Green!
The hard work of all the 28's paid off as the bonfire was looking ready to go for Friday evening.
5. Bonfire Prep
Housing communities get together before walking over to the green so first years can complete their lap around the bonfire! As a member of the First Year Class Council, I was able to distribute bonfire tattoos to all of the South House members to encourage some class spirit. We all gathered in the Onion and showed off our Dartmouth love through some face painting and tattoos!
Gathering at the Onion
6. Bonfire Lap!
Once it was time to walk to the green, all South House members exited from the Onion and traveled up Wheelock Street! It was exciting to see the previous classes carry their flags as they walked up the street before us. I saw flags representing classes starting from the Class of 1966!
It was super special walking with classmates and running into friends as we walked around the bonfire. Residents of Hanover came and cheered us on. Upperclassmen yelled "touch the fire!", referencing an old tradition where first-year students were supposed to run around and eventually touch the bonfire—don't worry that no longer exists and Dartmouth does a great job to make sure that this tradition is extremely safe!
Walking away from the bonfire you could not only feel the heat from the bonfire but the energy coming from the entire Dartmouth community!
Most students have to go back to college after Thanksgiving to take their finals, but not at Dartmouth! We have a six-week winter break, known as "winterim!" Let me tell you how I spent my winterim!
As a second-year at Dartmouth, I've embraced leadership roles that foster community, creativity, and support! Here's a look at how each role has shaped my journey.
