The Beginning of a New Term!

Winter term has just begun-- and things are in full swing!

I'm currently taking three classes--- NAS 34 (Native American Oral Traditions), Math 13, and WGST 10 (Sex, Gender, and Society).

NAS 34 and WGST 10 are discussion-based classes; in NAS 34, we've talked about the written versus spoken word, and in WGST 10, we've discussed the importance of princesses on the development of young girls and children. How does Snow White's portrayal in the film affect young girls-- does is espouse the idea that girls should wait for their Prince Charming, and that they'll live happily ever after?

As an economics major here at Dartmouth, taking discussion-based classes is surprisingly refreshing. I love being able to talk about issues I wouldn't otherwise have gotten the opportunity to talk about-- and always find that I walk out of each class energized and even more curious about either human nature or oral tradition.

I'm definitely excited to learn more-- because expanding your horizons sometimes means stepping out of your comfort zone; and I've definitely done that this term!

Homecoming

Homecoming this year was a blast!!

It was an incredible experience-- being an upperclassman, getting to see the freshmen enjoy the bonfire initiation and their own excitement; and to see the alums from '69 or '78 come back to relive Homecoming. I remember being in the same position as the freshmen, a year ago.

This is when things will start to become exciting-- as the freshmen begin to acclimate to Dartmouth, their new home for the next four years.

I ran to the bonfire with three of my closest friends, and we huddled together in the cold, watching the freshmen run in circles.... I even caught a glimpse of a few seniors running beside the freshmen. As some enter, others leave.

It made me think that our time at Dartmouth is short, but should be well-lived.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday Classes

So this term I signed up for Economics 10 (statistics), Economics 22 (macroeconomics), and a Marketing class offered by Tuck, the graduate school of business.

I guess one could say that I lucked out-- my professors are absolutely amazing!

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I have two classes-- Econ 10 and Econ 22.

My Economics 10 professor is Ms. Maura Doyle. Energetic and patient, I find that she really tries hard to keep her students engaged and learning. She brings the class chocolate coffee beans every morning!

My Economics 22 professor is also amazing. Her name is Ms. Marjorie Rose. She reminds me a lot of my mother-- who also happens to be a professor (at UT). She's funny, and actually makes economics interesting! She comes up with silly chants to remember formulas, and is always entertaining!

I guess I really lucked out this term!

Back at Dartmouth!

I just got back to Dartmouth a few days ago-- and moved into my new dorm. Compared to McLane, the Fayerweathers aren't that great, but they do have a touch of Dartmouth's history! On the back of my dorm room door there's a sign that gives instructions in case of an air raid!

I LOVE my roommates this year-- Annie Chen and Roanna Wang. Our room is a two room double with a relatively spacious living room and a slightly more cramped inside sleeping room. Regardless, I know that this year is going to be A LOT of fun!

Classes start on Wednesday. I am so excited!

President Obama's Talk-- Pictures

President Obama addresses the UT student body about the importance of receiving a higher education and the failure of our generation in doing so. He stressed the importance of not only seeking, but completing education. 1/3 of college students in the United States does not graduate; 1/2 of minority students don't. President Obama called education an economic issue-- something that was essential-- if the United States wanted to compete successfully in the global economy.

Protestors stood outside Gregory Gym, where President Obama spoke.

Although they hoped to make an impact, they were probably not very successful. President Obama entered the gym through the back entrance.

Spain

The last part of my European trip was Madrid.

Our family rented an apartment in the heart of city-- right as the World Cup Finals were in session.

It was amazing to be in a city so involved in a national sport. I couldn't help but wish that United States had a national sport!!

We didn't actually spend much time exploring Madrid itself-- although we walked around some of the streets near our apartment in search of food (my mom's a vegetarian... and we actually found that getting vegetarian food was quite difficult).

The most interesting part of our journey? Seeing a group of Hari Krishna fans dancing through the streets of Madrid!

While in Spain, we took a trip to Segovia-- the place where Isabella and Ferdinand first met each other. Their palace was a sight to see!! Interestingly enough, it was much smaller than I expected.

The town of Segovia was beautiful and quaint.

Spain certainly was an experience!

President Obama's Talk

Yesterday I had the great honor of getting to hear President Obama speak at the the Gregory Gym at the University of Texas.

He talked to the audience about the importance of higher education-- stressing that "education is an economic issue". He quoted some statistics that are particularly frightening: 1/3 of college students don't graduate, and 1/2 of minorities don't. In one generation alone, he said, the United States has fallen from 1st to 12th place in its ability to produce graduates. In our current economic state, and with the growth of the world economy, education is necessary.

To be able to hear President Obama speak, live, was surreal. His charisma resonated through the auditorium. But perhaps stronger than his presence was his message-- the importance of education.

I'll post pictures from the talk later tonight!