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!!
It's weird to comprehend that my Dimensions experience was already a year ago. I remember being so excited during this special phase of my Dartmouth journey. I was not even on campus yet and was already being invited to become a member of the Big Green family.
I remember I had some flight complications flying over from Arizona causing me to get into the Boston Logan Airport a lot later than scheduled. I was nervous as the Dartmouth Coach– which connects the airport to campus–was going to stop running before I landed. Thanks to the generous financial aid commitment that Dartmouth has towards their students, my travels were provided and planned by Dartmouth. I notified the admissions officers that were expecting me at the airport that I would be arriving a little later than planned. As I rolled my suitcase out of the airport, the admission officers themselves brought me dinner and transported me to Dartmouth to ensure that I would not have to stay the night at the airport alone. I don't know about you but I think this says a lot about the genuine care that is fostered in the Dartmouth community. These admissions officers had been at the airport from sunrise to sundown welcoming and directing students. The officers went completely out of their way to make sure I had a safe and comfortable trip to campus. As we drove into the woods we cracked some jokes and got to know each other a little bit more.
Upon arriving on campus, I met with someone from the Native American community. My host was a little busy studying in the library so another upperclassman directed me to where I was staying. I appreciate how tight knit our Native American community is and the commitment we all have to each other for support as we go through this challenging and rewarding journey of pursuing an education at a place like Dartmouth.
Dimensions officially started the next day and was filled with so many fun events. I met students from all over the United States and the world! Funny enough, I actually ran into my roommate on the Green. Little did we know at the time that we would soon be rooming together in our first year! I loved having the chance to explore Dartmouth with other students who were just as excited as I was to call this special place our new home.
Thanks to Dimensions I was able to learn a little bit more about the resources offered at Dartmouth, especially to first generation students. I also was able to experience some special traditions; sorry I can't get too much into the details because it's a secret (but let's just say stolen bikes, water guns, and some singing was involved). I guess you will just have to come and experience it for yourself!
Before heading out to Dimensions, I was very fortunate to meet with other students from my city that were also accepted into Dartmouth. An alum who was based in Tucson at the time treated us all out to dinner. It was a special time as we got to hear about his time on campus and connect with future classmates. I actually went to high school with two of the other students out of the four that planned to attend Dartmouth.
On the left is Jude, an amazing musician and mathematician who applied Regular Decision. I'm in the middle wearing one of my favorite pieces of Dartmouth swag, a t-shirt I got from the Indigenous Fly In Program, and I applied early decision. On the right is one of my caring and joyful friends Iman who applied through Questbridge. So as you can see, there are definitely multiple different paths to Dartmouth.
If you could not attend Dimensions, no need to feel left out! Students on the blog and in general at Dartmouth are super excited to welcome the '29s and are more than likely willing to chat if you have any questions.
Flying back home from Dartmouth, I left with a smile and a solid sense of comfort as I knew I was guided to the right choice of choosing the woods as my new home!
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.
I sat down with Aarushi Jain '25, a coxswain on the women's rowing team, to learn more about the opportunities to study abroad as an athlete at Dartmouth!
