“I am a Colorado Rocky Mountain boy with a hint of Eastern woodsman.” “I am a series of unfortunate events.” “I read my chemistry textbook for fun.” “I have two moms.” “I am proud to say that I spent the last three years flipping burgers.”
These fragments, taken from Class of 2018 admissions essays, were performed by upperclassmen Tuesday as first-year and exchange students were officially welcomed to Dartmouth on the first day of orientation.
College President Phil Hanlon told new students to treat every moment as a learning opportunity and reflect on their experiences. He also urged them to always keep their “Dartmouth family” in mind.
“I ask that you, in every action you take as a Dartmouth student, ask whether you are strengthening the Dartmouth community or diminishing it,” he said.
Interim Dean of the College Inge-Lise Ameer said that orientation is a time for students to decide their roles at the College. She encouraged them to reach out for help and look out for one another.
Jennifer Avellino ’89, Alumni Council President-Elect, told students that Dartmouth belongs just as much to them as it does to anyone else.
“You can reinvent yourself now,” she said. “If you think your interests or your path are pretty much set, they don’t have to be.”
Dean of the Faculty Michael Mastanduno gave students three pieces of advice: choose classes with care, move outside your intellectual comfort zone and seek out professors.
“Don’t cheat yourself,” he said. “Make the most of it.”
Dean of Admissions Maria Laskaris lauded the accomplishments of the Class of 2018 as upperclass students read excerpts from admissions essays.
The performance, titled “Your Class, Your Words,” was compiled and directed by Olivia Scott ’13. Excerpts were taken from essays by members of the Class of 2018 with their permission.
One read: “I realize the remarkable value of independence.”
