Touch the Fire!

I assume that every school has it's on initiation process, and Dartmouth has, in it's own unique way, incorporated a fire into it's initiation process. I remember hearing a lot about the bonfire-- which was to be built in the middle of the Green. Apparently, the tradition is for the incoming class to march around campus-- and eventually reach the Green, where the fire would be lit. Then the frenzy began.

I remember grabbing my floormate's hand and we began running around the fire-- tradition has it that you run round the fire as many times as your class year. We began running-- we wimped out at 13 laps, but I will never forget the frenzy and the intensity of that night.

It was raining and cold, but none of us really cared. The upperclassmen, also by tradition, stood around us-- pushing one of us 'touch the fire'. Of course, none of us were stupid enough to actually touch the fire, which is why we are now called 'the worst-class ever'.

As the fire lightly burnt our cheeks that night, I felt as though it left a permanent imprint in the minds of the '13s.

Yama's and Lexi's Birthday

Lexi's birthday celebration was last week-- and our entire floor, along with two of her friends from home went Yama's to celebrate with her.

It was a group of seven girls (plus Adam, another one of our floormates, always ready to celebrate!), gathered around a small table.

After the meal, the waiter brought out a scoop of pistachio ice cream with a solitary candle and we all began singing (although the singing quality was doubtful)....

Making our way down main street on the way back from the birthday dinner we all huddled together for warmth.

Simple moments like these are responsible for lasting memories.

Vandana's First Performance

I remember distinctly the day that I first performed with Vandana, the Indian dance troupe here at Dartmouth. I was a relatively new member-- my crazy fall schedule hadn't allowed me to show up for all the practices, but nonetheless, I was quickly welcomed into the small group.

It was beautiful fall day, and we all met in front of the Hop, and were picked up by members of the local church (where we were performing that day), and were taken to our location. The car ride to the church was interesting-- a few awkward giggles, mumbling, and pleasant conversation. But nothing seemed extraordinary about that day.

When we reached the church we all scrambled for our costumes and began imagining our steps-- anxious to perform well in front of the group. Perhaps most enjoyable about the entire excursion was the home-cooked Indian dinner we received-- and for some, we hadn't had decent Indian food in a while.

After dinner, the finals preparations for the performance were made.... I hadn't performed in a relatively long time, and the excitement was building up inside of me.

'Jai Ho' began playing and my group began to dance. I remember thinking about how magical it was to see a group of girls dance together. I was a girl who was unused to group dancing, and for me, this was amazing. Vandana truly made an impression on me.

Now, a term later, I still practice frequently with Vandana. In fact, today I had practice with Vandana's competitive dance troupe. With four girls and four guys, we are playing to change the way that the campus looks at Indian dance.

Bright new beginnings!

My Birthday

This past January 9th was my first birthday away from home. Silly as it might seem, I felt emotional throughout the course of the week-- but didn't let anyone know.

It was a Friday night, and my floor was getting ready for a fun night out. The girls on my floor (who have all grown very fond of each other) were playing around with make-up and we were having a blast.

Every time I tried to leave the room, I was urged not to go. In fact, I was forced to stay in my room.

At first I didn't understand, but then my roommate, who wasn't in the room previously knocked on the door and in a panicked voice told me that she was locked out our room. I panicked, knowing that I had left my key inside the room as well. As I ran to my room, she ran up behind me and steered me into the study room at the end of the hallway.

Imagine my surprise, when I found a group of friend standing around a large chocolate cake. Music was playing; I never expected such a great surprise.

It turns out that a lot of my surprise celebration had been orchestrated by my parents, along with the help of one of my newest, and closest friends her at Dartmouth, Krupa. My parents emailed her, asked her to organize everything, and she did so. And my floor amazed me.

My floormates and Krupa, took me out that night-- and I had the time of my life.

Any time I feel the least bit homesick, I go to my Dartmouth family for comfort!