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!