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!!
"Which law school do you want to go to?" At first, the question overwhelmed me. The original goal was to simply get to this beautiful place in the woods. However, thanks to clubs such as the Dartmouth Minority Pre Law Association, ten weeks later I'm a bit less nervous to respond to that question.
At Dartmouth, there is no political science major or pre-law track; the flexibility this grants can be frightening to some. Yet, I have enjoyed it as it allows students to explore their passions knowing that they will be prepared with the writing and analytic skills needed to be a competitive law school applicant—no matter what major they choose. Some popular majors that students pursue include government, philosophy, Native American and Indigenous Studies, religion, quantitative social science, engineering and so many others. Yup, you read that right, a STEM major applying to law school is not as unusual as it may sound at Dartmouth!
Personally, the main way I have been able to be exposed to potential law careers has been through the Dartmouth Minority Pre Law Association, commonly known as DMPLA. We host weekly lunches where we invite speakers to describe their field and how they arrived at it. Some previous speakers have worked for non profit organizations in Boston, appellate courts in Afghanistan, and judge advocates for the US Navy. The broad range of experiences we are able to hear from has shown me all the ways that law can be applied in and outside of the courtroom that I previously would have been unaware of. Recently, students have also been fully funded to attend the Boston LSAT Forum and the 20th Annual Black Pre-Law Conference.
I really appreciate the loving and respectful environment that is fostered with DMPLA as we all understand the barriers we face when entering a field that often does not reflect our cultural or racial backgrounds. My favorite event this term has been the Young First Generation Alumni Panel. We got to hear from so many different applications of law and how previous alumni have navigated the field as first generation and how they applied learned lessons into their current jobs. It was so inspiring to see the broad alum network that follows and supports you once you leave campus.
You can always count on some amazing food being at every DMPLA event!
We recently invited a representative from Boston College to walk us through the law school application with some recommendations on how to approach the personal statement in light of all the recent discourse regarding race in an application.
DMPLA is a student run organization and has been one of my main forms of socializing during the end of the term as we start looking ahead into finals season.
Shoutout to Chimee and Julianna, fellow '28s in DMPLA!
As a First Year Executive for DMPLA, it has been lots of fun seeing the behind the scenes of being able to sustain a functional and productive club at Dartmouth. Working with people in other classes and being able to get to know some more freshmen through DMPLA is something I am extremely grateful for.
This fall, Dartmouth provided me with incredible opportunities to get involved in politics. I registered as a New Hampshire voter, joined civic organizations, canvassed, and more! Read on to follow my journey leading up to Election Day!
Dartmouth changed my life. A large part of that change comes from the support I have received from professors. Learn more here about some mentor-mentee relationships I have made!
