So You Think You Can Dance?

I'm in a lot of campus organizations, but my favorite activity by far is Sheba Hip-Hop Dance Troupe because I absolutely love to dance!! There's just something about being able to express different kinds of emotions, various levels of energy, and just pure creativity by moving your body. It should come as no surprise that two of my favorite Dartmouth events were incredible dance performances: one by Savion Glover my sophomore winter and the other by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater my sophomore spring. When I saw Savion, "the indisputable tap virtuoso" of our time, I was completely captivated by his style. His steps were so powerful, they gave me chills because it was as if his rhythms were palpable. Likewise, Ailey was simply breathtaking. I was truly inspired by the way in which he used music from the African-American tradition and modern dance to portray everything from passion and joy to struggle and pain. I even got a chance to meet the dancers afterwards, something I will never forget!!! (See top photo)

(Left picture courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/hopkinscenter/3570209063/)

Harry Belafonte

Every January, Dartmouth community members and students have a two-week long program full of different events to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each year there is a different theme that in some way explores the powerful history of the US as well as the relationships within our diverse society.

During my freshman year, Harry Belafonte was the keynote speaker at one of these events. I really admire Belafonte as a singer, actor, and activist, so for him to come here and speak to us was such an exhilarating moment. I was absolutely blown away by how eloquent and inspiring his speech was.

Dartmouth does a really good job of getting influential speakers to come here and I am really looking forward to see who the next one will be.

(Picture courtesy of: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~vox/0607/0108/belafonte.html)

Dancing, Inspirational Speeches, and Singing!

At Dartmouth I have seen so many great shows and heard so many interesting lectures that it's almost hard to pick one. So I've narrowed my choice down to three (lol): one performance, one lecture, and one Dartmouth performance group showcase. I love to dance and one dance company that I've always admired since I was a little girl is the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. During my sophomore year, Dartmouth brought this group to campus and I had the opportunity to see them perform for only $5. If I were at home, in New York, tickets would have cost me a lot more than that. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to see such an amazing group on my college campus...In terms of interesting lectures, last year I had the opportunity to hear Cory Booker, the current mayor of Newark,NJ, speak as part of one of the Rockefeller Center's on going lecture series. He was amazing and truly inspired me as he talked about how he got to where he was today and why he is so passionate about the work that he does. I think it's awesome how Dartmouth always tries to bring such dynamic and diverse speakers to campus...Lastly, I would like to highlight one of Dartmouth's own performance groups, the Gospel Choir. Every term it puts on phenomenal concerts in addition to amazing performances at numerous events. While at the concert, one can't help but to clap and sing along and the Gospel Choir concerts are always packed each term. The great thing about the group is that anyone can join (from students to community members). If I didn't have only 2 1/2 terms left at Dartmouth, I would probably join the Gospel Choir too.

(Picture courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/dartmouthflickr/3947930510/)

Question of the Week: What is your favorite part of Homecoming Weekend?

The posts below are responses to last week's question of the week.

Fun Times!

What I love about Homecoming weekend is how campus comes to life in a way that is unique from any other time of year at Dartmouth. As everyone already mentioned, there is so much to do on campus. Whether you enjoy a good sports event (football, rugby, soccer, etc.), enjoy meeting and talking to alumni, or just want to go to a fun party, Homecoming weekend has it all. In some ways I think Homecoming weekend truly embodies the spirit of Dartmouth in general. Traditions like the bonfire bring everyone together but there is also always something else occuring that allows people to engage in and explore their own individual interest.

*FOOTBALL GAME*

The homecoming football game is definitely the best part of our fall celebration! I love it because it really brings the Dartmouth community together... students, parents, alumni, administrators, everyone wears green and cheers for the team. Students especially go crazy! Class shirts, face paint, interesting attire, sideline chants, you name it, we got it! We even have an unofficial tradition of freshmen rushing the field during halftime just to show that they're not the "worst class ever". This year, we defeated Columbia 28-6 at Memorial Field and President Kim proudly supported the team with the entire Dartmouth community by cheering from the sidelines. GO BIG GREEN!!!!



(Left picture courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/dartmouthflickr/4039711667/)

(Right picture courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/dartmouthflickr/4040463726/)

Homecoming!

Besides the huge bonfire event, this weekend I am really looking forward to seeing the recent alums. A lot of the people that just graduated from Dartmouth come back to campus to enjoy the weekend festivities. It is wonderful to reconnect with those that I have not seen in awhile and to learn more about their life post-Dartmouth.

I am also excited about the many events that will be occurring this weekend. For instance, one of the fraternities, BETA, is having a tailgating party before the football game. The entire campus is welcome to enjoy great food, great music, and great people.

Dartmouth Alumni!

In my opinion, Dartmouth's alumni are hands down her greatest asset. They do so much to provide opportunities and guidance to current and former students, and there are way more of them then there are current students. Moreover, they are crazy about Dartmouth. I have been hugged by complete strangers in foreign countries simply because we share the Dartmouth Experience. For all of these reasons, the returning alumni are my favorite part of Homecoming. You can see them flooding the Green and common student spaces, eyes practically filling with tears as they remember their time here on the Hill.

I still remember my second Homecoming, sophomore year, I ran into a couple with their young son standing outside of my dorm. I asked if they needed directions, and it turned out that the father had been a student here and had actually lived in my dorm. When I asked which room, you can imagine my surprise to find out that he had lived in my room 16 years earlier. I ended up opening my room up to the family and the father spent a good 20 minutes telling us about how he had arranged the furniture, and the time when his roommate had gotten lost and climbed in through the window. Needless to say, Dartmouth alums certainly bring a lot of colorful stories back to campus every fall!

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/molumus/3405440341/in/photostream/

To learn more about Dartmouth Alumni click here:

The Bonfire

Homecoming Weekend is the big "party" weekend of the fall quarter at Dartmouth and is probably my favorite big weekend of all four (the other three being Winter Carnival, Green Key Weekend (during the spring), and Fieldstock (during the summer)). My favorite part of the festivities is the bonfire, which, traditionally, is the focus of the weekend. Freshman spend the week preceding the event building a huge bonfire with their class number at the top and then on the night of the bonfire (the Friday of Homecoming) all of the freshman are rounded up in a parade around campus to the freshman dorms that ends at the bonfire. Freshman are then challenged to run around the bonfire, now ablaze, 100 times plus their year (this year the freshman, members of the class of 2013, are supposed to run around the bonfire 113 times). The rest of the student body, Dartmouth staff, and Hanover residents come and support and cheer for the freshman as they attempt to complete this task. It is one of the few times that the entire Dartmouth community is together during the year.

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Picture courtesy of Vox at Dartmouth: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~vox/0405/1025/homecoming.html

Question of the Week: What is the most interesting thing that you have done with a Dartmouth professor?

The posts below are responses to last week's question of the week.

Faculty-Student mixers

Here at Dartmouth there are lots of opportunities to get to know professors outside of the classroom. Many organizations hold faculty-student mixer events each term. One of my favorite spring term events is the annual block party that an organization called Africaso hosts. At this event there is always tons of good food, student performances and great discussion. Last year, at the event, I had the opportunity to reconnect with some of my former professors. We talked about current vs. old school music and my college life in general while eating barbeque and hanging out outside. It was an all around good time and it was a lot of fun to having the opportunity to talk with my professor in a non-academic environment.

Studying Abroad

I would have also said something about Professor Jennifer Sargent since Harmony and I were in the same seminar class with her, but Harmony already took her! However, I have had many amazing experiences with professors at Dartmouth. One of my most fond professor/student relationships was developed with Professor Kilbane who lead my French Language Study Abroad in Lyon, France. While most of the classes on an Language Study Abroad program are taught by professors from that particular country at the university you are studying at, one of the classes is taught by the Dartmouth professor that is in charge of the trip. We were not only able to have class with her but travel around France, go wine tasting, and visit cafes in Lyon! It was a great, informal way to get to know her.

Class Discussion + Road Trip + Dinner?

So probably the most interesting thing I have done with a professor happened this past spring in my English 8: Journalism class with Professor Alexis Jetter. Throughout the class, we had a number of writing assignments from an observation piece to an in depth, feature length article. As a way to wrap up the term, Prof. Jetter canceled our last class session, and instead emailed out directions to her home for a potluck dinner. We spent a few hours exploring her gorgeous rural home, playing with her two children, eating good food, and sitting around a campfire reading excerpts from our own writing. It was just a great, low-stress way to end the term and was probably the coolest thing I have ever done with a professor, or a class for that matter.

For more information on the English Department click here.

Having fun with a Prof

The most interesting thing that I have done with a prof would have to be during my off campus experience. Every off-campus program at Dartmouth always has a Dartmouth Professor that goes with the group. When I studied abroad in Rome, Professor Viazmenski (or Julia since she wanted to be on an informal basis) not only taught our literature class, but took us to plays, restaurants, and even the beach. She also brought her children with her, who were about 5 and 1, so we really got to know her outside her teaching role. I had a great time learning in the classroom with my prof as well as going on mini 'vacations' with her.

Hip Hop Booty and Abs

At Dartmouth, freshmen are required to take a first-year seminar. My first-year seminar professor also taught a physical education class I took called Hip Hop Booty and Abs. The class was absolutely ridiculous!! It was a mixture of cardio, kick-boxing, aerobics, and hip-hop dancing... after 10 minutes I could barely breath haha. But it was fantastic because she had so much energy and such a great attitude. It was also cool because she's a local judge and she taught my first-year seminar on Criminal Law. Having a professor who could easily transition from a formal setting like the courtroom to hardcore hip hop booty and abs really inspired me to stay true to myself during my time at Dartmouth and beyond. Thanks Professor Sargent!

Question of the week: What is your favorite study spot on campus and why?

The posts below answer this past week's question of the week: What is your favorite study spot on campus and why?

The 1902 Room

So I don't study here often, but if I ever need to work into the wee hours of the morning, or just need devastating silence while working, I head to the 1902 Room, off the main hall of Baker Library. As one of the only major study space open 24 hours a day, the 1902 Room has become the the hub for late night extreme studying or paper writing. Everyone in the 1902 knows it's taboo to speak too loud, or answer their cell phone. Even better, it is a gorgeous room. Everyone at Dartmouth has had to spend at least a handful of night in the 1902 before they graduate. Like I said before, I am lucky that I haven't had to spend too much time there, but the 1902 room is a pretty great study spot if you are really looking to get things done.

For more information on the Dartmouth Library System click here.

Picture credit: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3367994869_9c41050c3e.jpg

Orozco Room in Baker Library

The Orozco Room in Baker Library is simply incredible. Its beauty comes from The Epic of American Civilization, an impressive mural painted by renowned Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco. The mural covers about three thousand square feet and offers a fascinating narrative about the development of our beautiful country through trial and triumph. Every time I study in the Orozco Room, I’m reminded of all the people who struggled so that I would have the opportunities I’ve been given today, and that motivates me to work really hard because I feel grateful. It’s also very convenient because it’s on the lower level of Baker Library and so there is very little traffic, which makes it an ideal place to read books and write papers. Plus, the Reserve Room is located on this floor, so anytime I need a book for class that a professor has made available through the library, I can just pick it right up.

(Picture courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/dartmouthflickr/3846230512/)

Rauner Special Collections Library

The Rauner Special Collections Library is one of a number of libraries at Dartmouth College and it is my favorite one, hands down. The building houses valuable archives, manuscripts, and rare books including works by Faulkner, Hemingway, Daniel Webster (Class of 1801), Robert Frost (Class of 1896), early drawings by Theodor Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss, Class of 1925), and one of Shakespeare's folios. The building itself has won architectural awards. I love the space because it is beautiful and has large windows facing out towards "the beach" or the area between the main entrance to Baker Library and the Green. It also has the most comfortable couches on campus on the mezzanine!

Sanborn Library

Have you ever wanted to study in one of those libraries that look old but it is gorgeous on the inside? Where you are surrounded by books so once you get in you feel like you could write a 5 page paper in 30 minutes? Okay, maybe that was a little extreme, however Sanborn Library is really one of those places. I love studying in Sanborn because of the mood of the room. I can go in and sit there and write a paper and literally lose track of time. The unfortunate part about Sanborn is that A LOT of students discover that studying in Sanborn is awesome and so it can get a little crowded around mid-term and exam time. However, if you can get a spot in Sanborn, it is definitely one of those places where you can just sit and get all your work done with very few to no distractions.

(Picture courtesy of http://www.kensjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dartmouth-02.jpg)

My cozy abode : )

Despite what all the academic advisers say, my favorite place to study is in my room. I have to be really comfortable and free from all distractions if I want to get my work done. I usually like to lie in my bed when I read because it is very comfortable and relaxing. I also like to get up every now and then to stretch, walk around or grab snacks and I think people would look at me weird if I started wondering aimlessly around the library.

Also, so many people study in the library and I've tried to do the same, but I always get distracted. Whether it's from people talking or just walking around, I cannot focus. Even if there is not a single person around me, I still find myself being distracted by every single creak and crack. It eventually starting taking me more time to find a good place to study, then the time I was actually using to study. So, I gave up my search and started studying in my room, which really worked for me over the years.

NEW Question of the Week!

What is your favorite study spot on campus and why? Picture must be included...













Picture credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smiling-gardener/3840101430/

Question fo the week: What is one thing you are looking forward to this term?

The posts below answer this past week's question of the week: What is one thing you are looking forward to this term?

Foliage and Freshmen

Alright, I know it makes me sound like a member of the older generation, but Hanover is gorgeous in fall. The trees are just about at peak for colors and the "leaf-peepers" (bus loads of tourists to New England just to witness the Fall foliage) are everywhere. On almost a daily basis, I can see crowds of people, armed with digital cameras and pack lunches, all milling about the Green. Its a gorgeous, festive season to experience.

On top of the trees and tourists, I am looking forward to continuing to meet the new first-year students ('13s) via my different activities. The newest members of our a cappella group are amazingly talented and the freshmen always seem to bring a new enthusiasm to clubs, meetings, classes, the gym; everywhere.

So that's what I am looking forward to. The continued bursting of the fall foliage here in New England and the enthusiasm that new students always seem to bring with them.

Picture credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/20724871@N00/269846140/

Performance Groups

Every fall term, each performance group on campus (meaning, acapella, dance, and improv comedy groups) hosts auditions and selects new members from the incoming Freshman class. Most of the groups have a first show of the term where they feature their new members in various ways. I am a member of the Dartmouth Dodecaphonics, Dartmouth College's oldest co-ed acapella group. We took four new members and during their first show of the term they have to put on a skit explaining who they are and how they ended up singing with the Dodecs. The skit is usually hilarious and showcases the talents of the new members. I am looking forward to seeing the new talent in all of the groups in their respective first shows of the term.

*CONCERTS*

When prospective students visit Dartmouth's campus, the one question they always ask is "What is there do to in Hanover?" Well just last weekend, one of our student organizations called Programming Board planned a concert with incredible acts such as Gym Class Heroes and Wale! This weekend, a fraternity on campus is bringing up an artist called Maino! In terms of planning social activities, Dartmouth students are really lucky because we have tons of resources available to support ideas we may have or events we want to coordinate. I'm so excited to see what else Dartmouth students have planned for the term!