Hello hello! I'm Sarah, a '29 from Burnsville, North Carolina (about an hour outside of Asheville, NC). I'm a Questbridge National Match Scholar here at Dartmouth passionate about global affairs, public policy, disaster relief, and anything in-between. On campus, I'm involved with the DOC (VHOC!!!), MUN, World Outlook Journal, World Affairs Council, and more. Reach out with any questions!
I was drawn to INTS80.06 as it was taught by Ambassador Jeffery Delaurentis, a career ambassador to Cuba and to the UN Security Council. Throughout the course, we explored the history of the international liberal order that the US created after WWII and where that same international sphere is going today---and if US leadership is necessary or guaranteed.
Grab your parka, a good pair of mittens, and your bathing suit—it's Winter Carnival Weekend! The classic Dartmouth tradition rolls around for a few short days each winter term. With its signature Winter Carnival poster, coordinated to the theme (this year, it's the Blizzard of Oz), and a weekend filled with wintery events, Winter Carnival truly is the light in the dark and snowy New Hampshire winter.
Each year Winter Carnival is hosted by the Collis Student Center and meticulously planned by the Winter Carnival Council; the Council selects the theme, chooses a poster and t-shirt design, and runs the many events throughout the weekend.
THE POLAR BEAR SWIM
The polar bear swim! You can't exactly tell, but there's a rope tied around my waist (for safety, duh) and dozens of people in line around the ice! (It's a bad photo, I'm sorry)
The Polar Bear Swim was what I knew of the Winter Carnival before coming to Dartmouth, the first-year tradition of your first (only?) Polar Bear Swim. A 15' block of ice is cut from Occom Pond, weather permitting. Together with Safety and Security, Dartmouth EMS, Hanover Fire Dept., and volunteers, students line up to bravely take the plunge. A rope is tied around your waist to ensure you make it across safely—because it will include a short swim. With a handful of friends, I decided to take the swim. It was about as cold as you'd expect—but also strangely refreshing! Afterwards, we ran down the road to The Roth Center for Jewish life, where hot chocolate and cookies were served.
ICE SCULPTURE CONTEST
The Ice Sculpture Contest took place across Collis Porch and Robo lawn, where this professional sculpture is featured!
Every year, Dartmouth hosts a professional ice sculpture as well as a student ice sculpture contest. Although I didn't get around to signing up this year, the sculptures were incredibly impressive. I loved getting to watch various sculptures pop up across Collis Porch, vaguely themed and representing dozens of student organizations, and remain awestruck by the Wicked-themed ice sculpture that adorns Robo lawn.
ICE SKATING AND SLEDDING
Charlotte and Remi (dog) preparing for yet another awesome sled run in Pine Park.
This year brought us lots of snow and cold weather. Occom Pond hosts free ice skating and sledding every Saturday, sponsored by The Outdoor Programming Office (OPO). Throughout the week, you can freely rent ice skates and gear from Dartmouth Outdoor Rentals (DOR) and skate across the pond. Just on the other end of the pond is Pine Park, a prime sledding location. This Winter Carnival, my friend and I (plus my dog, Remi) went sledding. I've never sledded in so much snow! It was so much fun to enjoy the cold and watch troves of college students and local folks launching themselves down hills.
STUDENT PERFORMANCES
Street Soul performs at the Ozdust ball (Top of Hop)!
Winter Carnival is also an amazing opportunity to showcase student talent! The Ozdust Ball, held at Top of the Hop, hosted three different student dance groups. I went to support my friends in Street Soul, though the many performances and dance groups were amazing! Between performances, a student DJ played songs, at one point we all ended up performing Medleys (Dartmouth dances!). It was so fun!
Ice skating at Occom Pond!
Winter term is not like other terms—obviously. With more snow and colder temperatures, you won't be attending football games or playing spikeball on the Green. However, there are tradeoffs. Many students plan their schedules around skiing at Dartmouth Skiway, pick up intramural hockey, and find new ways to get engaged in more indoor-centric ways to stay involved across campus.
