When I remember the spring gateway era, I think of:
- A sudden change of plans, adjusting to a new schedule and opportunity
- An introduction to my cohort, quickly engaging in ethical dilemmas
- An awkward but organic start, wanting to get the ball rolling for bonding
- A cold winter season, reminding me of snowstorms from home
- A successful group project, working in a friendly and timely manner
- A realization of privilege and influence, gaining a responsibility to act
- A challenge to dig deeper, expanding beyond my lived experiences
- A preparation period for confusing, challenging, and eye-opening summer research
When mingling with a set of talented, multifaceted, and accomplished individuals, I felt an even greater than average urge to be authentic. I became more aware of the biases I held and the various methods of social change I could employ. Each cohort member was a citizen of Duke, their social spaces, their hometown, their field of study, and more, bringing their perspectives to all. Owning a space to share thoughts with my peers greatly enhanced my first year.
When I remember the research summer era, I think of:
- A new part of the world, showcasing unforeseen customs and characters
- A new lifestyle, forcing me daily to try different transport, food, words, and more
- A new set of duties, gathering individuals to detail their community
- An arbitrary set of citizens, waiting for me to introduce myself
- A robust ethical approval process, accounting for many outcomes and possibilities
- A destination every week, exploring for curiosity and research understanding
- A challenge to stay focused, helping the citizens I came to work with
- A group of friends, welcoming me into their home and agendas
As I brought few credentials and previous experience to the research field, I prioritized balance and poise in my interactions. I examined the cultural and historical differences in the area and adjusted my tone and objectives accordingly. I was a temporary citizen, but looked to give back in every way possible. I learned to be observant and look out for my closest friends and random strangers. Help everyone, but prioritize neglected groups.
When I remember the fall gathering era, I think of:
- An introduction to adulthood, noticing my establishment on campus and in my courses
- A new worldview, understanding the international sphere in a new light
- A set of retreats and discussions, reflecting on my summer takeaways and struggles
- A dinner series, bringing casual yet crucial lessons beyond my typical interest
- A global gathering, celebrating success, challenge, and process
- A cohort without schedule, granting informal opportunities to gather
- A challenge to represent, retelling the stories of summer accurately
- A growing anticipation for another winter and community partner
The enlightened and experienced cohort was back - I felt a need for community and inner harmony. My public policy curriculum seamlessly wove with Laidlaw’s lessons and an understanding of the world around me. I felt more in tune with my purpose. A flip from first to second year led to changes in attitude, friendship, priorities, time, and more. I felt more stressed, but also more capable of rising to the occasion.
When I remember the spring preparation era, I think of:
- An exhilarating basketball season, shining energy back on campus
- A virtual character training, sharpening my leadership and ethical skills
- A batch of incoming scholars, hoping to learn from the returners and curriculum
- A new frame of dinners, joining both cohorts of experience together
- A full academic schedule, learning everything between gratitude and pluralism
- A halfway point, saying goodbye to first-half experiences and abroad relationships
- A challenge to redirect interest, moving to a different summer partner
- A virtual friendship with Urban Rivers staff, sorting summer logistics and tasks
The stress continued as calendars filled; I looked for the grace to embrace growth and determination in the process. The Oxford Character Project provided an outlet to publicize my feelings and resonate with the many scholars undergoing a similar transformation. My Duke citizenship changed as I approached halfway - I’ve become more intentional with my involvement and interactions. How will this expand past year two?
When I remember the Leadership in Practice era, I think of:
- A walkable and friendly city, inviting an eager teenager to roam
- A dormitory and random roommate, providing change and uncertainty to everyday life
- A welcoming supervisor, transforming to a close friend throughout my experience
- A yellow, ugly, cheap bike, opening the roadways to my energy and music
- A team of interns, willing to bond, but waiting for someone to coordinate confidently
- A hands on environmental/enginnering experience, dirtying my hands for eco-good
- A challenge to solve complex, open-ended questions, bearing with the summer heat
- A sense of accomplishment, feeling like a difference was made through my input
Honestly… take me back. I leaned into responsibility and status while in Chicago - Urban Rivers gave big roles to interns, and I seized the moment to make a lasting impact. I suit the city life: quick, accessible, diverse, and never a dull moment. My experience cemented my love for environmental science and collaborative spaces. I felt welcome in the city. I was a citizen beyond work by exploring, meeting new friends, and giving back.
When I dream of the fall farewell era, I hope for:
- A fun conference experience, presenting to peers and meeting new mentors
- A break from some individuals, attracting the company of new faces to my circles
- A Durham retreat, reconnecting with Duke’s home and support system
- A gathering of three Laidlaw generations, exchanging wisdom and excitement
- A presentation period, offering each scholar the opportunity to display their expertise
- A cohort inclined to goof, enjoying dinner, sports, and campus together
- A challenge to summarize my experience, appreciating every step of the way
- A concrete plan for the future, organizing the near future of my journey through Duke
My first semester and only semester without Laidlaw was freshman fall, and it will feel odd to establish the Duke Laidlaw alumni group this spring. I’ve learned so much from the program and made lasting relationships across years, disciplines, hometowns, cultures, and more. As the introductory Duke Laidlaw cohort is on its way out, I look forward to creating more traditions and fun moments that could stick with the program for years to come. Cheers!