Hi! My name is Arianna, and I'm a '27 from Georgia. On campus, I am involved with the Cheerleading Team, Dartmouth Caribbean Connections, First-Gen Office, and more! I aim to double major in History and English (potentially) with a minor in Public Policy. I enjoy reading, painting, listening to music, and meeting new people. Follow along through this blog as I traverse my wonderful experiences!
Given my intrigue in pursuing a major in Government, I adored my Politics and AI class. I had zero background in computer science, yet Professor Breuer cohesively connected politics with principles of algorithms and artificial intelligence in a way that I could understand. We finalized the course by doing a cool research project of our own liking.
I am interested in pursuing a minor in Public Policy, which was my reason for taking this class initially. As the term progressed, I was able to learn most of the introductory principles of Public Policy and the framework for policymaking in democratic governance. The readings were interesting, and the discussion-based lectures kept me engaged.
Wow...what an amazing class! This has been one of my favorite classes that I have taken the entire year. Professor Chaney encouraged us to expand our writing through a multitude of methods of analysis, allowing students to look beyond the details of a photograph. Our ideas were not discouraged or disproved, leaving room for proper evaluative learning and prompting discussions about interesting moments in black art history.
SummerWoodstock, GA
I spent this summer at home, but I stayed busy through continuing to blog for the Admissions Office, working a part-time restaurant job, and completing a Market Research and Consulting Internship with a women's health care nonprofit organization, HappySneeze.
This class is a gem for those interested in learning more about the development of the healthcare system from the pre-colonial period into its contemporary form. Initially, I took this class because I am interested in becoming a healthcare lawyer and wanted to explore the foundation of one of the biggest systems in America. While the content is still fairly fresh, and it is the beginning of the term, I already know that this will be one of my favorite classes this fall! Despite the vast influx of information that we go over each class, Professor Koop writes all the topics we will discuss that day on the board sequentially. Not only does this keep me engaged and willing to participate, but it also encourages me to stay organized and on track!
I absolutely loved this class because it gave me the tools to understand policy through a deeply personal and justice-oriented framework. Professor Mahoney created an engaging, discussion-driven environment where students were encouraged to bring their own perspectives into the conversation. I appreciated how the course blended theory and practice—learning about political institutions while also reflecting on how I want to lead and advocate for change, especially in spaces that haven't always welcomed marginalized voices.
Winter term at Dartmouth typically flies by, and as someone from the South, indulging in fun activities made the cold enjoyable. One of my favorite memories was ice skating at Occom Pond for the first time in years. I was nervous at first, but once I got onto the ice, I felt so accomplished. The pond was surrounded by trees dusted with snow, and there was this sense of quiet magic in the air. It felt like I had stepped into a winter postcard, or a cheesy holiday movie, in the best way possible. I didn't do any fancy spins, but I stayed upright, and that was a win in my book.
Trying new things became a theme of the term. I went alpine and Nordic skiing for the first time ever. Being from Jamaica, snow sports weren't exactly on my childhood bucket list, but Dartmouth has a way of turning the unfamiliar into something exciting. There was something grounding about gliding through the trails with friends, laughing and falling (a lot), but also feeling this incredible sense of accomplishment every time I got a little better.
One of the most unexpected highlights was watching my friend perform in Sheba Bowl, a dance showcase held in Common Ground at the Collis Center. The energy in that room was electric—it honestly felt like a scene from a dance movie. The choreography, the lighting, the crowd cheering like crazy; it was creative, passionate, and pure fun. Seeing my friend light up the stage made me so proud, and it reminded me of how much talent lives on this campus.
Cheering for Dartmouth's basketball team this term was another unforgettable experience. The games were always high-energy, with fans packing the stands and the cheer team (me included!) hyping up the crowd. But the biggest moment came when the men's team made it further in Ivy Madness, and we got the chance to travel to Providence, Rhode Island, to cheer at Brown University. That trip was such a bonding moment; between bus rides, pre-game rituals, and supporting the team on a bigger stage, it made me realize how special it is to be part of a welcoming community.
Looking back, this winter term was packed with firsts, fun, and so many moments that made me feel fully present. It reminded me that even when it's cold outside, Dartmouth has a way of keeping things warm.
