Hi everyone! I'm Madison. I'm originally from Pasadena, California, but I also spent eight years living in Manila, Philippines, and one year in Gibraltar. At Dartmouth, I plan to double major in Film & Media Studies and ASCL (Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages). Dartmouth has already opened up so many doors for me and truly changed my life for the better, so I'm really excited to share my college journey and experiences with you all!
Academic Program
Majors in Film and Media Studies and Asian Societies, Languages, and Cultures
I was having dinner with my friend when my face lit up with excitement.
"Ethan, can you believe it?" I exclaimed. "Tonight's the night of our first snowball fight!"
Every year, during the first snowfall, students receive an email inviting everyone to gather on the Green—the heart of campus—for a massive snowball fight. As a first-year, I had heard stories about how epic the event was. But experiencing it in person exceeded all my expectations.
I'm not going to lie; the snowball fight is now officially the highlight of my Dartmouth experience so far. Growing up, I had heard all about snowball fights and how much fun they were. However, coming from the Philippines and California, I'd never gotten the chance to experience one. That night, the snowball fight brought out my inner child.
A few minutes before, a couple of friends and I had met up to form a team. One of them didn't have gloves, which I thought was crazy, but he ended up sharing a pair with one of my other friends, and it worked out. We then headed over to the Green, where we could feel the excitement in the air.
My friends and I on the Green before the snowball fight started.
Even though my friends and I had come there as a team and had planned to stick together, as soon as the snowball fight started, we all suddenly dispersed. Around me, I heard screams and people bursting into fits of laughter. I saw people sprinting across the Green, trying to avoid getting hit by their provoked rival. I saw people vigorously tackled onto the ground as they plummeted into the heap of snowfall below them.
WOOSH. All of a sudden, a cold snowball hit my ear.
"Who was that?" I yelled, laughing as I brushed off the snow from my cheek. I couldn't see people all too clearly because it was dark outside; however, I recognized the face of one of my friends. Forming a snowball in hand, I got up and chased her through the middle of the Green.
During the snowball fight, I ran into many people I've met throughout the school year—classmates, friends, and upperclassmen. I had some intense battles and even had to call a truce with a few opponents because we were so exhausted. At one point, my friend, who was trying to escape a snowball attack, shoved me to the ground and used me as a human shield to protect herself, which I honestly found quite hilarious. Snowballs were flying everywhere, and the energy levels were high all around. At one point, a group of my close friends at Dartmouth found me and ambushed me as I cartwheeled across the Green, doing my best to dodge their hits.
A candid photo my friend took of me after I got completely destroyed in a snowball showdown by one of my friends.
After the fight ended, we all headed to Foco Late Night, the campus dining spot open from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every night. I couldn't help but feel bad entering the building—everyone trudged in, covered head to toe in snow, and it was packed inside. My friends and I stopped by the bathroom to check our reflections, and we couldn't believe how wrecked we looked after the fight. My hair was icy, and mascara ran down my face. We ended the night very wholesomely, eating food and chatting about all the fun we had.
A mirror selfie photo my friends and I took while in the bathroom at FOCO late night.
Going into the snowball fight, I had no idea what to expect. I honestly didn't think it would be super fun or special in any sense, but I was mistaken! It sure was a night to remember, and I am so happy I got to experience it!
Since 1911, Dartmouth has hosted the annual Winter Carnival. This year, we celebrated the 116th Winter Carnival, The Blizzard of Oz, filled with winter-themed activities and campus wide fun!
Winters at Dartmouth are beautiful, but if you're coming from a warmer climate, winter can also feel a little intimidating. Know that you're not alone! This guide covers how to best prepare for the season.
