Hi everyone! I'm Madison. I grew up in Pasadena, California, but spent eight years living in Manila, Philippines, and one year in Spain. I'm planning to double major in Film and Media Studies and Sociology, with a minor in Human-Centered Design. I love spending quality time with people and having good conversations. I'm so excited to share my college journey with you!
Academic Program
Majors in Film and Media Studies and Sociology, Minor in Human Centered Design
One of the biggest perks of living in "The River" (the French and Judge dorms), my first year? Being absurdly close to the climbing gym.
Less than a five-minute walk away, it was perfect for spontaneous bouldering sessions between classes, late-night climbs with friends, and some seriously enjoyable procrastination. Whether I was trying to shake off a rough day or just needed a quick energy boost, the climbing gym became my go-to recharge zone.
The climbing gym is a super beginner-friendly space. In other words, you really don't need to be a pro to enjoy it. I've dragged plenty of friends there who had never climbed a day in their lives, and every single one of them ended up loving it. The routes are marked by "V-grades"—V-0 is the easiest, and they get harder from there. So whether you're figuring out your first V-1 or throwing yourself at a V-6, there's always something that'll push you just enough.
As soon as you start climbing, you notice it is a full-body puzzle that requires you to slow down and think through every move. You learn to read the wall, trust your grip, shift your weight, and move in ways that aren't always obvious. It's a workout, sure—but it's also a mental game. There's no feeling like getting stuck ten times on the same two-finger hold before reaching it on the eleventh try. And for some reason, you want to do it all over again.
But the best part? Hands down, the community. Even people you had never met would cheer you on when you were struggling through a route, and just like that, you were no longer strangers. Watching someone finally overcome a route they had been battling for weeks always felt like a shared victory. Everyone genuinely wanted to see each other succeed, and that kind of energy made the gym feel like home.
From my own experience, a bunch of us from the River dorms used to head over together at night. We would race on the V-0s, throw out tips, and cheer each other on while we watched someone take on a tough climb.
Next year, I'm planning to keep the momentum going—hitting up our campus gym regularly and exploring the local climbing spot in Lebanon, The Notch. I also want to get more involved with trips through theDartmouth Outing Club. There are so many more routes to climb and people to meet.
In celebration of the new Attitudes of Coexistence exhibit at the Hood Museum of Art, artist Choe U-Ram spoke at two artist talks I attended. Read on for highlights from the experience!
The Fourth of July: a federal holiday usually spent over summer break with family and friends. Not this year, though! As a result of sophomore summer, I spent this holiday with my friends at Dartmouth.
