Welcome, Dartmouth Class of 2005!
You've made it through the college application process and gotten to Dartmouth. You're about to embark on an amazing four years.
You have all had some incredible experiences, that's why you're here. But a new journey has just begun; the beginning of the rest of your life. You're beginning that journey at a wonderful place.
First, congratulations on being here. Getting into Dartmouth is not easy: you've proven yourself exceptional to arrive at where you are now.
As a group you represent myriad views, ideas, nationalities, interests, beliefs and goals, but above all you represent the best in scholarship, the arts, athletics, you name it. Dartmouth is lucky to have you.
At Dartmouth, we speak often of the "Dartmouth community," and it's more than just a phrase here -- there really is something about Dartmouth that makes it special. People aren't just numbers; they are individuals who give meaning to Dartmouth and shape what it is today. You were chosen because you have something unique to contribute to this community. As you begin getting ready for the fall, ask yourself these questions: What do I want to contribute? How will I shape this Dartmouth community?
I think of Mike Foote '01, who started DREAM, a mentorship program for kids in a lower-income housing development just a few miles away from Dartmouth in White River Junction, Vt. I think of Tony Luckett '01, who starred in Sheba (Dartmouth's renowned hip-hop dance troupe), writes poetry, performs in his band the Green Room and served as class orator last year at the Class of 2001 Class Day ceremonies. I think of Sarah Tueting '98, who took her senior year off to serve as goalie for the U.S. Women's Olympic Hockey team when they won the gold. I think of the people I know in Student Assembly, our student body's representative organization, who spend countless hours every week meeting with Trustees, administrators, faculty and other students to best serve our student body.
All these individuals impacted Dartmouth in their own way, and have shaped their Dartmouth -- as well as the future of Dartmouth -- through their actions.
I remember back to the summer before my freshman year, when I received all the mailings from the College with so much information to piece together and digest.
I remember receiving my copy of The Dartmouth's Freshman Issue. Back then I would have never imagined that I would be student body president or that I would preside over the Student Assembly. I had hardly even been involved with student government during high school.
I imagine many of you will find yourselves in the same position a few years from now, thinking back to how much you've learned, changed, grown.
Could I have imagined then that I would be part of a group of students working to incorporate student voice and student involvement into the College decision-making process? Would I have had any idea about the role I could play in developing a student response to the Student Life Initiative? Could I have conceived then of helping to improve the College's fitness center, dining services, new library? I imagine that in a few years from now you will think back to this time and marvel at how things have changed. Right now your future abounds with opportunities. What will you do with them?
Almost all of the upperclassmen I know remark on what a journey they've gone through at Dartmouth, at how much they've grown and experienced and learned. Dartmouth is like a crucible -- a container filled with dynamic forces heated up all together leaving everything inside forever changed. You will leave Dartmouth changed from the person you are now. Which is a wonderful thing. The college experience, the Dartmouth experience, is nothing if not growth.
This is your time to discover what's important to you, to find out what you're passionate about, to find friends you will have for life. Dartmouth will have been a good experience if it makes you question yourself, if it makes you wonder who you are or what you believe. You'll find yourself surrounded by incredible people, awesome professors, and amazing opportunities here: there are few things you can't do. Don't limit yourself.
You determine your Dartmouth future. You have the power to shape it. When you look back four years from now, what do you want to have done with this opportunity called Dartmouth? For it is an incredible opportunity -- few people are so fortunate to come here.
If you have any questions at all about Dartmouth, Student Assembly, anything, please contact me at Molly.Stutzman@Dartmouth.edu. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming year.
Again, congratulations! You have an exciting four years ahead of you. I'm glad I'll get to share one of them with you.
