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.

Superbowl Sunday!

Today was Superbowl Sunday-- an occasion that I usually spend with my family back at home.

For the first time, I spent this year's Superbowl amongst my Dartmouth family, in Dartmouth's Jewish Community Center.

As we all sat around the large screen T.V., pigging out on cookie dough and pizza, it was refreshing to know that although I wasn't at home with my family, there was something quite close to it!

What a game it was! The Saints beat the Colts-- I do believe that Peyton Manning even shed a tear?!

Yummy Yogurt!

Just discovered the delicious yogurt at Homeplate this past week.

Mix the plain yogurt with a little bit of Dartmouth Granola, chocolate covered pretzels, dried apricot (if you are daring) and a little brown sugar, and this makes a delicious treat!

French with Fabricant

Bonjour!

I distinctly remember my first day in French class.

I walked into Dartmouth Hall, ready to be dazzled, and sat myself down in a desk in what seemed like a traditional classroom. What I came to learn was that what was taught in this particular classroom wasn't taught in a traditional manner.

I had always had a great desire to learn French-- and had never done so during my high school years, and so I knew with a 100% certainty that I was going to take French in Dartmouth. In my French 1 class, from day one, my professor, Madame Fabricant told us that she would talk only in French during our class. Needless to say, I was a little dumbstruck. Not worried (yet), but I knew that this was something that I had to look forward to.

My first term of French at Dartmouth was difficult, I will not lie. I was the only person in my French class who hadn't taken a single class of French, and that put me at a great disadvantage. But I worked, and I worked, and I worked. And now, my second term into French, I enjoy it greatly. I still have Madame Fabricant, who in her own way, demands only excellence. She is particular about accents, and pronunciation, and randomly calls on students in class.

When I don't understand concepts, I know that I can go to her for extra assistance. With the help of Madame, I look forward to speaking fluent French sometime in the near future.