JJ Dega ’26
JJ Dega ’26 has explored the intersection of law, policy, and public service throughout his time at Dartmouth. A history major, he has developed strong research skills and a deeper understanding of how legal systems shape people’s lives, an interest that traces back to an early visit to a courthouse in his youth.
Last spring, JJ presented research on federal diversion programs at the Law and Society Association conference in Chicago and visited the same courthouse he had seen as a child, this time meeting the two judges who would mentor him during his summer fellowship—both Dartmouth alumni. Reflecting on that experience, JJ said, “That moment embodied what Dartmouth means to me… It’s a community that prepares its members for lives of consequence. The Dartmouth network is about connecting with alumni who are meaningfully shaping society for the better, and after graduating, being welcomed into that tradition of service.”
JJ’s summer fellowship solidified his interest in a legal career, though he plans to develop a diverse professional background before applying to law school. “My Hanlon Scholars research revealed how criminal justice reform requires understanding not just legal doctrine, but the policy incentives, economic constraints, and institutional dynamics that shape how courts actually function,” he shared. He hopes to work in policy research, government, or a related field before taking the next step.
It’s astounding how much we have in common from our shared time at Dartmouth, no matter where in the world we end up.
Grace Caldwell ’26
The first class Grace Caldwell ’26 ever took at Dartmouth was Intro to Education with Professor Michele Tine, which was all she needed to fall in love with her future minor. “I started teaching that first summer and never stopped,” Grace said. Since then, she has worked with a wide range of learners, from early childhood and secondary education to adult learners and incarcerated youth.
An anthropology major, Grace’s interest in how the role of a teacher extends beyond grades and classrooms has taken her far from campus. In Washington, D.C., she worked in reentry programs for incarcerated children and adults; and in Cape Town, South Africa, she served as a librarian in middle schools. “I am also researching finding joy in reading as well as translanguage studies for multilingual students,” Grace said. “Both experiences have given me a stronger understanding of education and have kept me motivated in both school and my career goals.”
After Dartmouth, Grace plans to continue teaching while exploring innovation and technology in education. She is particularly interested in how alternative models of learning can impact what pedagogy looks like in public K-12 education. She is also considering further study, both domestically and abroad, as she develops her career.
I cannot imagine my life without Dartmouth. From the friends I’ve met, the internships I’ve had, to the classes I have taken, it has reimagined my life in a way that makes me excited.