What does "Dartmouth" mean to you? It's a hard question to answer, but it's one I aim to explore in my blog. Whether you're considering Dartmouth or anticipating matriculation, I hope my blog serves as an entryway to learning more about Dartmouth! I like learning new instruments and 3D modeling in my free time. Alongside Hanover, I call Queens, New York, home.
Music is primarily received through the ears, but reading it is even more fulfilling. I took this course with no prior knowledge of any music theory. Now I can read treble and bass clef, transpose pieces across different keys, and play some piano! I highly recommend this course, as it can expose you to the Music Department at Dartmouth and the variety of what you can study here.
On what principles are our societies governed? How do utilitarianism and hedonism converge in creating social harmony? How can we thrive as critical thinkers through the human condition? These are just some questions covered in GOVT 006 that continuously ruminate in my mind after having taken the course. This course introduced me to plenty of political thinkers from Socrates to Friedrich Nietzsche (which, in 10 weeks, is an exciting pace). If you're ever curious about how government constitutions are formed, or which ones are the best ones, take this course to see how your inquiries unfold. Keep an open mind, as Socrates would encourage, and do not interpret the readings as merely archaic. Knowledge is powerful, and GOVT 006 is a reminder of how political philosophy and its principles have truly stood the test of time.
I read a lot of Plato in GOVT 006 and enjoyed it. I enjoyed it so much that I was super excited for this upper-level Philosophy seminar. Many people know Plato's Republic. But what about his Theaetetus? Gorgias? Timaeus? Philebus? Studying these texts and how they overlap was super interesting. Plato's interpretation of physics gives us a peek at how the worlds of philosophy and science merge, which this course helped me explore even more. This course also helped me see Plato's application of metaphysics, particularly in The Republic. Reading Plato in this deep way is integral to my major declaration in Philosophy, and I'm so grateful to have taken it.
Dartmouth undeniably has a unique sense of place. So to get a complete picture of Dartmouth, it can be helpful to visit in person. Dartmouth annually hosts Dartmouth Bound, a fly-in program in which students of underserved backgrounds or communities get to visit Dartmouth for free. Housing, food, and travel expenses are covered, and students learn about what Dartmouth has to offer alongside how the undergraduate admissions process works in general. Check out this video on the Dartmouth Admissions YouTube channel where Aiden '28 talks about the program and his experience in depth.
When I found out that I had enough free time this summer to work as a Dartmouth Bound Leader (DBL), I was excited. DBLs are Dartmouth undergraduates who help direct Dartmouth Bound participants or "Bounders."
I applied to be a DBL for several reasons: (1) As a first-generation, low-income college student, I think it's imperative that students, especially those from underserved communities, get financial assistance to visit campus. (2) DBLs and their Bounders operate on a follow-up system, which extends beyond the program's dates. This means that Leaders and Bounders stay in touch in case Bounders have any questions during the college application process. Being a mentor figure to Bounders is something I find fulfilling. (3) I participated in Dartmouth Bound myself in high school.
High school me in front of the Hanover Inn during Dartmouth Bound!
I never really understood what a "dream school" was until Dartmouth Bound. The fly-in was a turning point for me. When applying, I felt that it was right to put Dartmouth all the way at the top of my list. So two years later, as a leader for the program, it felt like a full circle moment to reflect on the things that Dartmouth Bound taught me, both as a participant and as a leader.
Dartmouth Bound has taught me how authentic Dartmouth is. Specifically, how Dartmouth's history and unique traditions aren't performative marketing gimmicks to illustrate itself as a picture-esque school. Dartmouth's culture is real and genuine.
During Dartmouth Bound programming, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Kathryn Bezella talked about how some traditions in college last a day or two. But campus activities like the Woccom are ongoing traditions that make those 1–2 day traditions feel even stronger with connection. During my Dartmouth Bound attendance, I did my first ever Woccom. A Woccom is a walk around Occom Pond, and you can bring a friend along or do it solo. And two years later, I still do them! Before Dartmouth, I thought the Woccom wasn't something people actually did. But as a student, I find myself doing Woccoms every week and with different friends in different contexts. It has become a big part of my Dartmouth student experience.
My first Woccom in July 2024 (left) vs. my most recent in August 2026 (right)!
Dartmouth Bound also taught me a lot about what it is to find, hold, and maintain community at this school. Dartmouth Bound is set up so that if you do end up applying and committing to Dartmouth after being a Bounder, you will have a high chance of meeting your DBLs on campus (or perhaps go on a Woccom!).
For example, my Dartmouth Bound leaders, Nicky and Lili '26s, knew me from when I was in high school. They got to see me attend Dimensions of Dartmouth, Dartmouth's admitted students programming. And they got to see me experience my first year as a college student. And I got to see them graduate this past spring. So, as you can see, that DBL and student follow-up system from Dartmouth Bound has been integral to my transition at Dartmouth, while helping me feel continuously supported. This sustained Dartmouth connection is what makes me feel, as a Dartmouth student, that Dartmouth is my "home" and not just my college.
I unofficially call this the "Dartmouth Bound Bottle" as it seems that you can only get this by participating in Dartmouth Bound. Seeing this same bottle I received still being distributed to 2026 Bounders made me really happy. It's a small detail but emphasizes Dartmouth's distinct culture.
I was unsure what my Dartmouth Bound experience would be like. And I was even more unsure what my Dartmouth Bound Leader experience would entail. But after being on both sides of Dartmouth Bound, I've learned that Dartmouth is a place of authenticity. Big and small traditions are embraced rather than viewed as archaic, and they're part of the Dartmouth experience that you can partake in. And for Dartmouth Bound to still showcase this authentic culture and community to me two years later, further tells me that Dartmouth is the place for me.
I wrote my "Why Dartmouth?" essay a little under two years ago, and I've had a year in-between to fully experience Dartmouth: how I've grown, changed, and how Dartmouth has been a part of all of it.
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.
