Hey! I'm excited to welcome you to my blog page! I'm Andrea Agola, a '26 born in Kenya and raised just outside of D.C. As the eldest child of three, I'm the first to go off to college! I'm glad Dartmouth will enable me to explore both the sciences and humanities. Don't even get me started on the numerous extracurriculars that pique my interest, like the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact, research projects and dance groups. Follow along as I navigate this unique college experience!
Academic Program
Sociology major, International Studies Minor, Pre-Med
Favorite Thing Right Now
Studying abroad on the French LSA+ in Toulouse, France!
When I began my first term at Dartmouth, I knew I wanted to explore the French language and culture more after having been a French music and film fan for as long as I can remember. This was an accelerated course that covered French 1 and 2 in one term and offered an exciting and fast-paced atmosphere. The small nature of our class allowed us all to have more speaking time in class from partner activities to performing creative skits. One of the best assignments was a scavenger hunt! I was also able to learn and make a presentation about francophone countries. This class really prompted me to apply for the ‘24 Winter–Toulouse, France Study Abroad which I got accepted into!
This course considers the discipline and political happenings of Black Feminist Thought by highlighting interlocking issues related to gender, sexuality, race, and economics. The professor was amazing! I was always genuinely excited to do her assigned readings/viewings and remember being sad when she canceled class one day (imagine!). I reveled in the thought-provoking, warm, restorative (the list goes on & on) ambience that she fostered. I even took advantage of a cool opportunity that Dartmouth offers, the “Take a Faculty Member out To Lunch” program at Pine Restaurant across from campus. I enjoyed the lovely conversation we had over delicious food. Her class was such a great source of empowerment!
This course examines the epidemiology and social impact of past and present infectious disease epidemics. It was a great and insightful class to take for the Global Health Minor! I had the chance of hearing from many influential guest lecturers like the Former Minister of Health of Rwanda and a key member of the U.S Covid Task Force.
This course explores causes and patterns of global poverty and links this with the urgent need for care and care ethics in our lives and in society broadly. Not only did the class feel like such a caring environment but it was especially interesting because it had a Social Impact Practicum (SIP) component. A SIP is a project-based experiential learning opportunity connecting undergraduate courses at Dartmouth with community needs identified by nonprofit organizations. In other words, a SIP is a real-world project with real-world impact. My SIP was my care work as a UGA within Dartmouth's Residential Life.
When I'm on campus at Dartmouth I usually love visiting the Botanical Greenhouse in the Life Sciences building and you can actually check out my former blog on that and other things that give me peace on campus here. So, I had been really yearning to check out Wellesley's Global Flora Conservatory since the start of the semester. I finally made my way over as we've now hit the mid-semester mark here at Wellesley. I took the first photo above as I was entering the Dry Biome which includes plants adapted to desert and dry climates around the world. Then I took the photo below as I was walking up the ramp into the wet biome. I loved the wall of assorted succulents and potted plants that trails up with you.
This wall is gorgeous!
Global Flora includes three sections - the Camellia Pavilion, which houses the Durant Camellia tree, a living link to the founders of the College who cultivated this specimen; the Dry Biome, and the Wet Biome, for plants from subtropical humid regions. The Mezzanine holds a seating area with a piano, and the Link is an art exhibit area that connects the Visitor Center and Global Flora. Several aquatic features within the greenhouse provide unique habitats. There are also so many unique seating areas whether they are benches right next to different flora or tables on the Mezzanine floor. While I was sitting up there admiring the view, another student was studying across from me so I'll definitely come back to study there since it's such a calm atmosphere.
You might almost think you're in a rainforest!
Beyond its educational value, the Global Flora is a calming space that offers a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I found it so peaceful and relaxing being among the vibrant greenery. Whether you're a plant enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a break, visiting a botanical garden can offer a refreshing and enlightening experience that connects us to the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
I was sitting here at the top and admiring the view!
The Global Flora is home to plants from around the world, showcasing diverse ecosystems, unique flora, and, in many cases, rare and endangered species. It was clear that it has been thoughtfully arranged to provide students and public visitors with an educational experience, offering insights into the plant kingdom, conservation efforts, and the importance of biodiversity.
When I get back to Dartmouth in the Spring, I can't wait to make time for more visits to the greenhouse on the top floor of the Life Sciences building!
I can't wait to celebrate Winter, so I just had to write a blog post all about it. Read on to hear about all the fun (and affordable) Winter activities at Dartmouth!
After experiencing this Dartmouth winter term, I am ready to write an ode to this cold weather! Here is what a weekend in the Hanover winter feels like.
My first week back on campus– full of lots of hugs and an extensive amount of time spent making my Google calendar! Cold days and walking to classes after six weeks at home can be an adjustment, but my friends at Dartmouth make it all the more fun!
Let's Get Lost in the Library! A deep dive into the known, unusual, and hidden study spots all around Dartmouth's campus! Up first, the Berry Library—the iconic modern half of the central Baker-Berry Library!
