Freshman Fall is a frantic term, and things may feel like they're flying by so quickly you don't have even a minute to stop and reflect by yourself. It's like this story I heard once about a guy who fell off a skyscraper. On his way down past each floor, he kept saying to reassure himself: so far so good so far so good so far so good. But how you fall doesn't matter. It's how you land.
Unfortunately, Dartmouth won't wait around for you to gather yourself after a fall like that. So, what should you know to start the year off right?
Most importantly, remember: it is okay to be unhappy at Dartmouth. It is okay to love this place, it is okay to hate it and it is okay to land somewhere in the middle. Just don't fall down the rabbit hole of denial and convince yourself of things you don't believe.
Starting with Trips, freshman Fall may seem like a crash course in the world of "Camp Dartmouth," with its own rules and norms for social interaction. (For the record, not everyone went on Trips, and if you didn't go, you really didn't miss anything.) Engage in Dartmouth "facetime" at your own risk. It's easy to fall into the trap of shallow, superficial conversation, but be as real as possible. That means saying "Hey!" to people you see on the sidewalk or the street, especially if you met them drunk and forgot their name. Social interaction is only as awkward as you make it, and yes, that person does remember your pretty little face.
College is an unhealthy environment; prepare wisely, as your body is soon to become an abused temple. People might tell you that Dartmouth Dining Services is "delicious," "dank" and etc. Think what you will, but let me point out: it's pretty hard to get anything that's not fried, slammed between two slabs of bread, smothered in some crude pasta sauce or absurdly overpriced. Opt to find food outside of DDS whenever possible. It may require a car, but it's worth it. Also, remember your Dartmouth Card is not fake money.
As far as drinking goes, you do NOT need to black out every night to enjoy yourself. In fact, you'll probably be happier here if you never do. Keystone Light is not God's gift to beer, and there's no reason to consume it constantly, except that it's free. Expand your palette, live the High Life.
If and when you do drink, don't use drunkenness as an excuse for your own actions. Why am I telling you this? Talk, communicate, ask permission, but most importantly, always respect people's desires and wishes; alcohol will not absolve you from the mess you'll find in the morning.
In all aspects of life here, you, and only you, are the change. Every incoming class shapes this place, and you have the ability to challenge the status quo. But be aware, Dartmouth is rife with endless bureaucracy, inflated administration and excessive overhead, all of which are unconcerned with you and your ideas. This is probably not native to Dartmouth; it is most likely rooted in the American system of higher education itself. Regardless, don't blindly trust the administration or the student government. It's the third arm of our administration, and tends to reflect the general attitude of many students: apathy towards putting actual effort into our problems, and disbelief in the ability to accomplish any real change. Place nothing above common sense, rational thought and a healthy dose of skepticism. Question the administration at every turn every statement, every policy, every thing.
Lastly, I would be out of line if I didn't extend a proper greeting. Welcome to the machine. You have officially entered a society founded upon systems and structures, layered upon more systems and structures. Your task is to negotiate them with tact, poise and skill.
Now, think what you will about my message. I'll be happy, as long as you just think, for five seconds, on your own. Don't listen to what everyone tells you (myself included). Remember, college is a new place. Learn to navigate this space while still being you nothing more, nothing less. Form your own opinions, make your own choices; reject your role as a cog in the machine. Please, please, please bring new life and style to this old, antiquated community. Hanover has been waiting.
