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
Back home, I used to attend a youth group every Friday night, so I knew finding a space on campus where I could express my faith and form community was going to be an important piece of Dartmouth that I wanted to find. Thankfully there are actually many spaces on campus that give students the chance to connect with their religion.
On Mondays, there are community dinners at the Aquinas House. Father Tim helps form an amazing atmosphere as music is played in the background while students enjoy a home cooked meal. There are various different cuisines offered as I have had Vietnamese soup, Mexican albondigas, Louisiana inspired jumbo, and so much more. During winter term a special holiday is held on January 6th. In Mexican culture the day is often referred to as Dia de los Reyes, the day of the three Kings, with a special tradition of eating a special baked good to represent the birth of Christ. I was grateful to be able to celebrate this with the Aquinas community as we had community dinner and walked over to the Wheelock House to enjoy the baked goods. The Wheelock House is a living community for people from various Christian denominations . I find it very nice that Dartmouth holds spaces for various religions as I was someone who was baptized Catholic but now identifies as a Christian.
I am very blessed to say that I was guided to the Aqunias community by a close friend I made during the First-Year Summer Enrichment Program (FYSEP). Sabrina and I went on a bible study date at Still North, a comfy cafe in town, and I am counting down the days till she returns back to campus so we can go again.
A place that I have started to grow my community this past term has been Agape, one of many Christian clubs on campus. I have to admit I was a little nervous to join at first but was welcomed as soon as I put myself out there. Agape meets every Friday in Collis Center. It begins with an ice breaker usually filled with some laughter and cheer which then leads to worship. Worship has always been my favorite part as we all sing along to songs of prayer and faith. Once worship is completed, we are directed to certain passages of scripture. However, Agape does not stop there!
As seen above, the love of Agape follows you wherever you go! I was blessed to connect with Kate as we noticed we both went to the gym at a crazy hour in the day. I felt extremely welcomed into the Agape community after we spent some time together. Another factor of Agape I really appreciate is the freshman small group. This meeting time allows freshmen to Bible study together with the guidance of an upperclassmen. Although I was only able to attend one, I am super excited to dive deeper into the community this upcoming term!
It's hard to fully express just how meaningful Cabin and Trail (CnT) is to me. Since coming to Dartmouth a year and a half ago, this community has shaped me in ways I never expected. It is a source of hope and a new home.
When I first came to Dartmouth, the last thing I wanted to experience was the infamous, chilling New England winter—but I've discovered that Dartmouth's climate was a blessing in disguise, and even perhaps my favorite thing about campus.
