Hi everyone! I'm Madison. I'm originally from Pasadena, California, but I also spent eight years living in Manila, Philippines, and one year in Gibraltar. At Dartmouth, I plan to double major in Film & Media Studies and ASCL (Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages). Dartmouth has already opened up so many doors for me and truly changed my life for the better, so I'm really excited to share my college journey and experiences with you all!
Academic Program
Majors in Film and Media Studies and Asian Societies, Languages, and Cultures
For me, blogging has become a fun form of therapy, allowing me to authentically capture my college experience as it unfolds. Writing consistently over the past two years has allowed me to visibly see my growth in confidence, perspective, and identity.
It's also been incredibly rewarding knowing that something I wrote might help someone feel a little less nervous or a little more excited about coming to college. Every now and then, I'll meet a student who tells me they've read one of my blog posts, and that always makes me smile.
One of the coolest things about media, especially as someone who genuinely loves different forms of storytelling, is its reach. You never really know who your work might resonate with or how it may impact someone. Blogging has also given me a creative outlet outside of academics where I can write honestly, reflect on experiences, and document college life in my own way.
Pausing for a second to appreciate this place.
Looking back at old posts almost feels like flipping through a time capsule of different versions of myself. From studying abroad in Beijing to experiencing Winter Carnivaland so much more, I've loved revisiting these moments documented since my first year and seeing not only how much I've grown, but also the different phases of Dartmouth that have shaped my personal development along the way.
Ready for one of our favorite social events of the term!
Blogging has also made me more reflective and intentional about how I spend my time at Dartmouth. Life moves so quickly in college, and I think people often take the simple act of being present for granted. The terms pass by before you even realize it, but blogging has helped me slow down and appreciate moments I might otherwise have rushed past. I actually made a short film recently for one of my classes exploring the contrast between routine and aliveness, which further explores this idea. In the middle of busy schedules, deadlines, and constantly thinking about the future, it's important to still make time for the things that genuinely feed your soul.
I think every once in a while, it's important to pause, reflect, and appreciate how far you've come, while also being grateful for where you are right now. One of the sweetest parts of blogging is knowing that these memories are preserved in a tangible form. Long after I graduate, I know I'll be able to look back on these posts and reminisce about the different versions of myself that existed throughout my time at Dartmouth, and I think there's something incredibly invaluable about that.
Writing my last blog post of the term right now… aka this one :)
Three years ago today, I received an email that would shape my entire Dartmouth experience in a way I never could have predicted. It's funny to think that it all started because I was a prospective student obsessively reading this very blog.
There was never a single "aha!" moment of clarity when I knew that Dartmouth was right for me, yet now, it is impossible for me to imagine having chosen anywhere else.
Curious about the requirements needed to complete your plan of study at Dartmouth? Come explore with me what each distributive requirement means at Dartmouth!
