Profiles in Student Leadership
We asked four student leaders from the Class of 2025 to share what their Dartmouth experience has meant to them and the importance that financial aid has played in their lives. Here is what they told us.

Mar 6, 2025
5 minute read
Zee LaFon
5 minute read

Chase Bailey
Government Modified with Economics, Minor in English
Senior Class Gift Co-Chair
When I got to Dartmouth I had no creative background. I needed an art credit, though, and I always liked to read. So, I took a creative writing class with Professor Katie Crouch. I fell in love with the craft, having since taken enough classes to complete an English minor. I’m not sure yet to what capacity I will pursue writing, but I do know that I have found a special passion that I will incorporate into the rest of my life.
Financial aid was the biggest factor for my college decision. I knew early on that my parents would not be able to help much paying for school, so until I received my offer from Dartmouth, I was considering not going to college at all. The offer was more generous than public schools offering in-state rates. Dartmouth was an easy choice.
I expect Dartmouth will always be a part of my life. I don’t know quite how often my journey will lead me back to Hanover, but I know that my friends, colleagues, and mentors will continue to impact me forever. For that, I expect Dartmouth will always have my love and support.

Samantha (Sammy) Wang
Triple Major: Cognitive Science, Asian Studies, Italian Language & Literature
Rufus Choate Scholar
Some of my favorite experiences at Dartmouth include participating in Dartmouth exchange programs to Japan and Italy, exploring the outdoors through the Dartmouth Outing Club, and taking part in small seminar-style classes where discussions were deeply engaging. These experiences sparked my interest in interdisciplinary fields like Cognitive Science, Italian, and Asian Studies. I believe no other college would allow me to find passion in such a diverse range of majors and encourage me to pursue them. Dartmouth’s emphasis on experiential learning and close faculty-student relationships has been critical in shaping my goals and passions.
Financial aid is essential for Dartmouth to maintain its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It brings together students from different socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds, which enhances the academic and social environment. This diversity creates a richer, more dynamic learning atmosphere that prepares students for an interconnected world.
I fully expect to maintain a connection with Dartmouth. The sense of community among Dartmouth graduates is incredibly strong, and I look forward to staying involved through alumni events, mentoring current students, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the college’s growth. Dartmouth has given me so much, and I want to give back by fostering the same opportunities for future generations.

Kourtney Bobb
African and African-American Studies, Minor in Chemistry
Dartmouth Cancer Scholar
As a pre-med student with a passion for advocacy, I was able to focus my interests and chart a path toward a career in public health. This field allows me to combine my scientific background with my deep commitment to social justice and advocacy work. As I delved further into my interests, I became increasingly excited to contribute to the field through research, culminating in my honors thesis.
I think my most impactful experience at Dartmouth was embracing everything around me, which helped me discover the things I care about most. I didn’t shy away from anything that sparked my curiosity—whether it was a class, a club, or an opportunity to try something new. I truly embraced the idea that college is a place to explore and grow.
Financial aid plays a critical role in helping Dartmouth provide a more diverse and enriching college experience. It is a powerful tool for fostering equity in education, creating pathways for students from all financial backgrounds to access the transformative opportunities that higher education offers.
By supporting students with financial need, institutions like Dartmouth empower individuals to not only engage fully in academics but also to access networks, extracurricular opportunities, and experiences that shape their ability to contribute meaningfully to the world.
The result is a community that is vibrant and multidimensional—where students are exposed to perspectives beyond their own lived experiences. This exposure nurtures a culture of inclusivity, broadens understanding, and prepares all of us to create a more equitable and connected society. Financial aid doesn’t just benefit those who receive it—it enriches the entire Dartmouth community by fostering an environment where diversity and equity are celebrated and embraced.
Upon graduation, I look forward to continuing my public health education at Geisel, where I’ll deepen my understanding of the field while advancing my skills. Simultaneously, I’ll gain invaluable real-world experience as a finance and operations management associate at a hospital. This role will allow me to bridge the gap between healthcare operations and community impact, providing the practical foundation to turn my passion for public health into actionable change.
I am confident that I will maintain a connection with Dartmouth as an alumna. During my time here, I have built lifelong friendships that feel like family, connected with faculty and staff who have inspired and supported me, and shared unforgettable moments of joy and growth that are unique to Hanover. Dartmouth has been a space where I’ve deepened my passions, discovered my strengths, and identified areas for continued growth.
This experience has given me so much, and I hope to always give back—whether by supporting future students, staying engaged with the Dartmouth community, or carrying forward the values and lessons I’ve learned here. Dartmouth will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to maintaining a lifelong bond with our beautiful community.

Alejandra Carrasco
Sociology and Latin American and Caribbean studies
King Scholars Student Director
Financial aid was the only way I could attend Dartmouth. When I received the news that I had been selected as a King Scholar coming from Peru, my dream of becoming a Dartmouth student was made possible thanks to the financial support from the King family and Dartmouth's connections. Now that I’ve received this support, I am motivated to give back to Dartmouth in ways I never imagined before.
I have been fortunate to be part of the First-Generation Office, King Scholars community, and First-Year Summer Enrichment Program, all of which have deeply impacted me. My involvement in these communities, along with my affiliation with a Greek house and my internship at the Dickey Center, has helped me shape my passion for education and technology, particularly in the context of improving schools in Peru. These experiences have clarified my professional interests and strengthened my commitment to making a difference in education.
I hope to serve as an alumni chair in the future and encourage my peers to continue supporting Dartmouth. While the institution is not perfect, I believe we can all work together to make it better, and I look forward to staying involved in any way I can.
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