Hello, 你好, and Bonjour! My name is Tao; I'm from New York City, and I'm a proud first-generation student. I'm currently interested in studying applied math and learning a new language (French, with the intent of studying abroad using my D-Plan!) at Dartmouth. I love being immersed at campus–especially aesthetic Woccoms, fookie grubs at FOCO, and Baker-Berry Tower Room study sessions. Come one, come all: let me take you along!
Academic Program
Mathematics and Quantitative Social Science with a minor in French
Hello friends! I am so excited to kick off 2025 with People, Places, Pines. I have been away with the Dartmouth Winterim break trip. After five hours of a long coach bus ride this Saturday, January 4th, I arrived in front of the Berry Library with a heart full of excitement for the new term!
So What's New?
The first thing that immediately hit me with the giant Dartmouth Christmas tree, a highlight of my initial view of Dartmouth. Besides the campus, this term I'm also taking free skiing classes, with ski gears provided by Dartmouth thanks to Dartmouth's P.E curriculum! Academics wise, I am taking a heavier course load (no Dartmouth course is easy, but relative to my course load during last fall term) like CS10 and ECON 1. For ECON1, this is an introductory course, and will be the first time I ever get to explore topics in economics so I'm super excited. And as for CS10, I decided to take this course after the end of my last semester CS1, Introduction to Computer Science; I was inspired to continue coding and learn a new programming language this term, Java! I have never taken a computer science course nor economics during high school, and I'm so excited that I get the opportunity to explore disciplines across the curriculum at Dartmouth.
Weekend Kickoffs
To start things nice and sweet, I spent the weekend reuniting with my friends! After waking up from an exhausting travel day on Saturday, I woke up the next morning to rejuvenate myself with a quick gym session followed by a long-waited meal at FOCO, our flagship dining hall. After a warm, hearty omelet with a cup of hot chocolate, I visited my friend who also arrived on campus the same day—we decided to go sledding at the golf course on campus! The weather was absolutely beautiful. Although it was freezing, the flurries of snow accompanied by the faint-sunlight made sledding ten times more aesthetic.
Closing Thoughts Before Starting Class
This is my second term before Dartmouth. I've gotten a taste of what a Dartmouth experience can be like. This term, I'm looking forward to exploring more academic disciplines, going on even more outdoor trips with the Dartmouth Outing Club, and reviewing more restaurants around the Upper Valley!
An international student's perspective on Dartmouth's unique and inclusive Greek life culture, exploring the diverse motivations, experiences, and social dynamics behind joining a sorority.
Winterim well spent: from dog walks to nearly skiing in Norway (emphasis on nearly), I've collected my stamps and stories—ready to trade them for textbooks back at Dartmouth.
Starting college in a new country is a big leap, but with orientation programs, cultural connections, and helpful resources, Dartmouth quickly became more than just a campus—it became home.
