Julia Shayna Snodgrass '21

When my Mexican Catholic grandmother found out that her son was marrying a rabbi’s daughter, she simply replied: “I don’t care with what religion you raise your kids, just as long as they have one.” Growing up, my family has consistently emphasized the value of having a spiritual outlet in life. I ended up being raised Jewish, but both my parents have consistent mindfulness practices and joke that we are ‘Catholi-Bu-Jews’. I began to explore Buddhist philosophies throughout high school and attended multiple Metta meditation retreats. When I left home to come to Dartmouth, my parents gifted me The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. They encouraged me to use the text as a handbook of sorts—to annotate, skip around, and refer back to certain pages when needed.  

As busy Dartmouth students, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with obligations, fixate on future plans, and not feel grounded in the present. Although I’m certainly not the most consistent meditator, the lessons in this book have been a helpful anchor in moments of distress or uncertainty. I hope this book can be a source of inspiration for future students, encouraging them to lead with a giving heart, embrace the potential of their surroundings, and set bold intentions—without attachment to outcomes.

It’s difficult to express my gratitude to the Dartmouth community, including the dedicated faculty and staff with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work. After graduation, I’ll be moving to Chicago for a software engineering job, while continuing to do pro bono work for a DC-based non-profit. Despite an unconventional ending to my college experience, I know that Dartmouth is far more than a four-year engagement. I look forward to staying connected to the College, and the special people that comprise this community, well into the future.