Dear Prospies

Congratulations to those of you who were accepted!!

As you consider which school you will be attending next year, I hope that you keep Dartmouth close to the top of your list.

Dartmouth can do a lot for you-- I know that I have changed for the better since I arrived in late September, and I want you to seize the opportunity that is available here for you.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask-- I would love to assuage your concerns!

My Final Schedule for the Spring Term

After careful deliberation, I have decided to stick to a three-course workload.

I will be taking: Math 8, French 3, and Psychology.

I have already taken math and french courses here at Dartmouth, and look forward to furthering my knowledge in both fields this term.

Psychology, however, is a class completely new to me. Yesterday, as I opened my Psychology textbook for the first time, my heart jumped a little-- I was so excited!

The professors (there are multiple professors who I will be learning Psychology 1 from), seem really approachable and have a wonderful sense of humor. I can't wait to continue learning more about the mind-brain-behavior connection on Friday!

Four Courses

I also decided over break, in addition to deciding what career path I would like to pursue, that I would challenge myself with four courses. Now, you might think that a four course load is low, but consider the fact that each grading period is only ten weeks, and you might just change your mind.

The typical Dartmouth student will tell you that a three course workload is sufficient. But sometimes there are just so many interesting courses offered, that it's hard to resist!

So, as I continue studying for the rest of the week, I look forward to evaluating my situation.... do I want to take four courses, or focus down on three?

Currently I'm signed up for French 3 (Intermediate French), Math 8 (Calculus), Government 4 (Comparative Politics), and Psychology 1 (Introduction to Psychology).

Today, from 10-1:35 I had the chance to go to French, Math, and Psychology; and I think that I will really enjoy those classes.

Tomorrow, I get to have a little taste of Comparative Politics-- I can't wait!!

Back at Dartmouth!

I arrived on campus this past Saturday, and I have to say, with complete honesty, that I was looking forward to the moment.

Over break, I began to reconsider what path I wanted to take academically. I had always considered a future in the the workforce-- perhaps as an investment banker. But over break, I seriously began to wonder whether that was truly the path for me.

I decided, nerd that I am, to go to a few of my mother's classes (she's a marketing professor at the University of Texas), just to see what it would be like to become a professor; and what a shock I had.

Never before had a truly considered a career as an academic. And the teaching component is only one small part of the job requirement. The truly fun in becoming an academic is the research.

There are so many opportunities to do research. Furthermore, the kinds of problems that professors consider are truly remarkable. Academia offers a way to really make an impact.

So, with all of this knowledge, I decided to change my plan for the next three years here at Dartmouth. I will still remain an economics major, but I am seriously considering a minor in either math or psychology.

I look forward to working with some professors while I'm here at Dartmouth. Where else can I learn better? After all, I am going to the school ranked number one for undergraduate teaching!

Away from Home

After two terms of living on the Dartmouth Campus, I have come to affectionately call it my home.

It's a place where I feel comfortable-- confidant about who I am and where I want to go.

So, when I go home (my other home in Austin) for break, it's hard not to constantly think about Dartmouth.

My new Dartmouth thought for today? I'm going to embrace all that Dartmouth has to offer, and I am going to attempt taking: Psychology 1, Math 8, French 3, and Government 4 next term.

Typically the course load per term is three courses, but there are an array of interesting courses; and I am honestly looking forward to challenging myself. After all, when there are so many resources, why not use them?

Reassurance While Traveling

I always find that the trip home from Dartmouth is full of surprises.

On my journey back home (which officially began yesterday), I have already encountered my fair share of surprises.

This morning, after boarding my flight, I was informed that there was a mechanical failure, and all the passengers had to de-board. We were told that at 12 we would find out the status of the flight-- whether we would be able to fly or not due to the inclement weather.

Luckily for me, I had company. Amidst the crowd of strangers on the flight was a solitary Dartmouth student, dressed in forest green. Welcome to the Dartmouth community.

As my journey continues, I know that I won't be alone. Krista (the other '13) and I are keeping tabs on each other, making sure that the other one is on the appropriate flight, etc.

When traveling, there is no doubt that there is some comfort in numbers. I remember returning to campus after winter break. There were a bunch of Dartmouth students sitting at the Dallas airport, as well as a bunch of Harvard students. One Dartmouth student, as he passed by me in the plane, whispered, " I almost feel like we should be snapping, like the Sharks and the Jets!"

Makes me laugh every time.

The End of Winter Term

It's the end of winter term and finals are over and done with!

I have to honestly say that this was a bit of a relief-- I was beginning to think of my library as my second home...

I'm currently in Boston awaiting a flight back to the great state of Texas tomorrow morning.

As excited as I am about finishing this short term (which is shorter than the rest), I'm also eagerly anticipating Spring term and all that Dartmouth has to offer me in the future. My plans for the upcoming term? Math 8, Government 4, and French 3!

But for now, I think I'll just focusing on relaxing!

Reading Period

It's that dreaded time of the term again. Classes are over and there is a tense atmosphere as the library fills up as early as 8:30 in the morning.

Reading period is the period between the end of classes and the beginning of the examination period.

All around campus, students can be found either frantically looking for a proper place to study or are already well into the fifth chapter of neuroscience.

However, although the intensity of the reading period can often be too much to bear, Dartmouth organizations and members of the local community have found a way to bring a little bit of cheer into what otherwise might be considered a stressful period.

Today, as I was studying, I was greeted by a enormous (yet approachable) gingerbread man (courtesy of Agape, a Christian fellowship of campus) and was offered a Pavillion cookie.

Only a few hours later, I was greeted by an even friendlier community member who was walking around handing out candy to everyone. When I asked what this was for, she simply replied, "Nothing. Just wanted to wish you good luck for finals!"

Same gestures of kindness make a difference. Only at Dartmouth.

Finals Week!

This is week is finals week-- and I can hardly believe it.

The weeks here pass by quickly, which is both a blessing and a curse. (Frankly, I really enjoy the speed at which everything is accomplished here.)

This coming Sunday I have my French 2 final, my Math 3 final and my Government 5 paper due, so there is no doubt that I am going to have a busy week ahead of me!

If I plan things well, however, everything will be completely manageable.

I'm counting the days until I get to see my family again in Austin!

Spice Night 2010

Spice Night 2010 was the day that Vandana's Competitive dance group had its first performance.

Our group, which consists of eight members, had worked really really hard for this performance-- and hoped that it would go well.

As we stood backstage, dressed in our traditional outfits, we all glanced at each other with a slightly apprehensive look. However, once on stage, to the rhythm of the music, everything changed completely.

My partner, Maan and I, were completely swept up by the music. The music, which related the story of two lovers who repeatedly reject each other, became subconscious; and the audience absolutely loved our performance.

Amidst the cheers and hollering, it was truly satisfying to see the payoffs of lots of hard work and dedication.

There is no doubt that the competitive team, which formed just this term, will be quickly making a name for itself on campus.

Vandana Goes to Middlebury

Yesterday Vandana went to Middlebury.

Unaccustomed to traveling for performances, this was an exciting experience, not only for me but for the group as well.

The five of us (all freshmen), Tanay, Krupa, Aarti, Maan and I, boarded a green Toyota Sienna (obtaining this car itself was an adventure) and made our way to Middlebury. Driving on bumpy curved roads, we lost our way multiple times-- only to arrive at Middlebury an hour late.

Upon our arrival, we got to see the other groups performing. Groups from Middlebury, the University of Rochester and Binghamton University. What a sight to see. Students from around the area exactly like us!

Even more exciting was the fact that this was the competitive group's first off-campus trip; and we were quite well prepared.

Mid-afternoon, we realized that the sixth member of our group (and one of our dancer's partners) wasn't going to be able to make it to the performance. We scrambled to find a replacement.

You would not believe what happened. Members from the other group offered to learn the dance. Within a span of two hours, we taught our five minute dance to some of the students from Binghamton University. It truly was a powerful moment.

Our first off-campus trip was certainly an adventure. An unforgettable journey. So unforgettable, that we have a list of over fifteen things on Maan's phone that we vow never to forget.

How many Dartmouth students does it take to rock Middlebury? Five.