Hi, and welcome to my corner of the woods! I'm Lauren, a '27 from Munger, Michigan. My favorite places on campus include Sanborn (for writing), the river (for paddling), and the Green (for everything else). I'm excited to share a bit about my favorite place with all of you!
I took this class as part of Dartmouth's first year writing requirement. We read a pro cyclist's life narrative, discussed research papers on controversial topics in sports, and wrote our own papers on a contentious sports technology of our choice. I really enjoyed this course's emphasis on discussion, and the small class size!
This was my first class in the classics department, which was super exciting as a classical studies major! We learned about the ancient Olympics and the connections between athletics and other aspects of ancient Greek society. I loved the final project in this class, which involved creating an argument about how the ancient pentathlon was scored!
To conclude my language requirement, I took Latin 3! This class was super exciting because we began to read ancient texts and poetry. We also took a class trip to the Rauner Special Collections library so we could physically handle and read some manuscripts. And as an added bonus, Latin counts as a prerequisite for my classical studies major!
As a part of my language study abroad in Italy, I also took a class on Italian history and culture! We went on field trips to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, participated in walking tours of Rome, and watched a lot of great cinema in this class! I loved it so much that I decided to minor in Italian.
This class, in addition to being a pre-requisite for my major, was super interesting! I loved learning about archaeology through hands-on projects and lectures that felt like TED Talks.
My favorite course on my Italian LSA+ in Rome is focused on Italian literature, which we are studying in a reverse-chronological order! It has been incredibly fun to see different topics and styles evolve over time and to learn from the works of the best writers.
I’m absolutely loving this hands-on introduction to paleography, and the fact that my class meets at Rauner every day! I can’t wait to hear from our guest lecturers, too, and I’ll be sure to share those experiences on the blog. All in all, Latin 10 was a great way to get back into the language after a term away in Rome.
Something that really surprised me during my first couple of terms was the role that music plays on campus. In social settings, as a part of Dartmouth traditions, and even just while walking around, I am constantly hearing music.
So, whether you're an older student looking for a compilation of the classics or a younger student looking forward to your future, here's a mix of songs that remind me of Dartmouth.
"Home" - Phillip Phillips
If I had to define my Dartmouth experience with one song, it would be this one. Something about blasting it during car rides, while swimming in the Connecticut, and on the Dartmouth Coach just feels right.
Unsurprisingly, I heard "Home" a lot during my first Homecoming weekend!
"You're Gonna Go Far" - Noah Kahan
I hear a lot of Noah Kahan on campus, and this song was definitely on repeat during my first year in Hanover. It reminds me of all the opportunities I've had to "go far" at Dartmouth.
"The Spins" - Mac Miller
This upbeat classic always seems to make its way into my friends' playlists, especially during spring. It's the perfect background track for a game of Spikeball on the Green or a bike ride around Occom Pond.
"Upside Down" - Jack Johnson
Another song perfect for sunny days and outdoor adventures! I love adding "Upside Down" to my study playlists for a quick boost of energy and good vibes. It's lighthearted—just like a lot of my favorite Dartmouth moments.
"Lovely Day" - Bill Withers
This song perfectly encapsulates spring term. It's simple and joyful, and reminds me of long afternoons spent on the Collis Porch with friends. "Lovely Day" is also a great hype-up song on the way to your first class of the day!
"Rivers and Roads" - The Head And The Heart
Something I never really thought about until I got to Dartmouth was that now, I have friends from all over the world. Inevitably, it's difficult to gather everyone together—this song reminds me of see-you-laters.
"Make Your Own Kind Of Music" - Cass Elliot
Everyone I've met on campus is incredibly unique, with their own passions and goals. Dartmouth encourages you to follow your own path, and "Make Your Own Kind Of Music" captures that!
"The View Between Villages" - Noah Kahan
Come on, did you really think I was only going to put one Noah Kahan song on my Dartmouth playlist? This song reminds me of coming home, and it's great for driving around the Upper Valley.
"Dog Days Are Over" - Florence + The Machine
To be blasted immediately after your last final. Or during Green Key. Or both! This super upbeat song sounds like a celebration—after a tough week, at a friend's birthday party, or just because.
I remember listening to "Dog Days Are Over" while sitting on the Green and taking photos of the sky last spring!
"Put Your Records On" - Corinne Bailey Rae
This one reminds me of lazy weekend mornings, whether I'm hanging out with my friends at a cafe downtown or cleaning my dorm with help from my roommate!
"Lean on Me" - Bill Withers
Dartmouth wouldn't be the same without my friends, and this song reminds me of them. I feel constantly surrounded by love here, and this song reminds me of that steady kind of friendship.
This playlist is a work-in-progress, and definitely far from complete. But it reminds me of Hanover, a place I love, and that has to mean something.
One of my greatest privileges at Dartmouth has been learning from Professor Ed. Miller of the History and Asian Studies departments. Read on to learn more about why he is my favorite professor!
The Sri Lankan New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April, a time for plenty of celebrations and family time. At Dartmouth, I keep these traditions with my friends and celebrate a part of home every year!
Dartmouth offers students incredible opportunities during breaks through the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) trips. Options vary widely, from cozy cabin retreats with friends to adventurous climbing expeditions under starry skies.
During winter term, I participated in the inaugural program, Tuck Pathfinders, which connected first-year students with Dartmouth alums and provided us with career advice!
