My first year at Dartmouth College brought as much growth as it did adversity. My freshman fall term was on-campus and remote; my freshman winter term was off-campus and remote (inspiring an exciting cross-country trip with new friends); my freshman spring term was on-campus and remote; my sophomore fall was on-campus and in-person(!); and finally, my upcoming sophomore winter term will be on-campus with a hybrid format. My peers and I reconciled with sudden and distressing changes as we not only faced a global health pandemic, but also a localized mental health epidemic that took the lives of several of my classmates. The year undoubtedly brought a lot of hardship. On a positive note, however, it offered me learning far beyond my academics, as I find myself far more compassionate and empathetic than ever before.
As my academic path solidifies, I am on track to graduate with a double major in Government and Geography and a minor in Hispanic Studies. To supplement my learning this fall, I also received a microcredential from the Matariki Global Citizenship Programme, I participated in the Rockefeller Global Leadership Program, and I moved residences to La Casa LLC (a Spanish-speaking housing community celebrating Hispanic cultural heritage). I also became a sister of Sigma Delta sorority, Dartmouth’s oldest local sorority. Between these many activities–and stimulating in-person coursework–I found community at my school. I am more excited than ever to return to Hanover, New Hampshire for the coming winter, where I plan to ski, play hockey, and work in my free time. I also look forward to an exciting spring term, where I plan to study abroad in Buenos Aires before returning to campus for a fun-filled sophomore summer term!
MVYouth’s investment in me, my peers, and my island has continued to offer me inspiration amid all of life’s chaos. My freshman year taught me a great deal about gratitude and selflessness, and my appreciation for MVYouth only deepens with time. Thank you. Enjoy the new year and stay healthy!