Sophomore Summer: Benjamin Aronson of Men's Lightweight Rowing

Throughout the summer, DartmouthSports.com will be focusing on members of the Class of 2024 who are currently in their "Sophomore Summers" presented by the Norwich Inn.

This installment focuses on Benjamin Aronson of lightweight rowing.

DartmouthSports.com: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Benjamin Aronson: This summer, I have divided my time among a few activities. Most importantly, of course, I am taking classes. I am enrolled in an introductory classics course and a course about the history of Haiti. On campus, I am also doing research with the Department of Government, where I am helping design a survey to study the effects of interventions meant to reduce extremist violence. I am also participating in the '82 Upper Valley Community Impact Fellowship, which is run by the Center for Social Impact. As a fellow, I have been working with the Vermont Department of Health in White River Junction to improve rates of childhood vaccination in Windsor County. Finally, I have been training at the boathouse as much as I can, trying to build fitness for the upcoming year.

DS: What are your plans for your upcoming off-term?
BA: The '82 Upper Valley Community Impact Fellowship is a three-term-long fellowship that involves full-time work during an off-term. So, I will be spending my off-term this fall working locally with the Vermont Department of Health. This will be an exciting new experience for me and an opportunity for me to apply my skills in quantitative research to issues of public health.

DS: What are your post-Dartmouth plans?
BA: After Dartmouth, I plan to work in public service in either a nonprofit or government position. I hope to find an organization for which I can do applied research and analysis to solve social problems, especially those related to public health. I also hope to earn a graduate degree in public health or a related field.

DS: What would be your advice to your 15-year-old self?
BA: I would tell my 15-year-old self to start stepping outside of my comfort zone more often. Embrace the discomfort, stop being afraid to fail and chase new experiences. These are important for personal growth and I think I would be a more well-rounded person if I embodied them earlier.

DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
BA: My favorite place on campus is the boathouse dock. Some days are cold, rainy and windy, but during parts of the fall and spring, the weather is beautiful and the water is flat. Those are the best days for rowing and taking in the scenery.

DS: What's the app you use most on your phone?
BA: This might be boring, but my most-used app is probably my calendar. My life revolves around my calendar app, especially during the busy parts of the term. If it's not on my calendar, it doesn't happen.

DS: How is Hanover different or similar to where you grew up.
BA: I grew up in a small town in Florida. The feeling is similar to that of Hanover, but the ethnic and social diversity on campus is much greater here, which I enjoy.

DS: What's your useless/hidden talent?
BA: I can play the didgeridoo, although I'm out of practice now.

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