Blog

Zoila Airall, Ph.D., is Assistant Vice President of Campus Life for Student Affairs. She gave these remarks during an evening session for parents of arriving first-year Duke students.

As many of you may be aware, we sent every member of this year’s incoming first-year class two on-line trainings--Alcohol Edu and Haven. Haven is higher education’s first compliance-based program for primary sexual assault prevention. We carefully monitored student participation this summer because it is important to us that each member of this class understand definitions of sexual misconduct, the effects of alcohol on relationships and the ethics of relationships.

Most people do not like talking about their problems, whether they are academic, financial or emotional – especially at a place like Duke. The stigma attached to mental health issues do not mix well with the Duke community. Things become a lot more daunting when there are unrelenting expectations to be the perfect student with an immaculate academic record; this quickly tears away at one’s self-esteem and life.

I don’t know where to start. I was asked to write about my experience with an eating disorder, but it’s complicated. I’m anorexic, and I have been for exactly half of my life—thirteen years. To me, there’s not much to tell. I’ve known this world so intimately for so long that I simply see it as my state of being. It’s difficult to distinguish where the eating disorder stops and I begin. So, I guess I should start at the beginning…

Greetings, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Duke Class of 2017! How are you feeling—nervous, hopeful, invigorated? Breathe it all in! Let me introduce myself:

My name is Nancy Su, and I will be a junior this coming fall. I am pursuing a major in psychology, minor in biology, with an interest in health care.

Hello! My name is Grace Befort and I am sophomore, tentatively majoring in Public Policy with an Education minor and Children in Contemporary Society certificate. This summer I was lucky enough to participate in a domestic DukeEngage program in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I worked as a Freedom Schools Intern, teaching a group of ten 5-9 year-olds literacy. I loved my time in the program, but I cannot wait to return to Duke for another year.

As I just finished my freshman year, the wide array of feelings about starting college are still fresh in my mind. I was definitely excited to get to Duke, but also overwhelmed, nervous, lonely, and confused. We at True Blue want to help make your transition to Duke as easy as possible, and help you find balance during your first year.

Hello fellow Blue Devils! My name is Gabrielle Sawyer and I am a rising sophomore from Washington, D.C. Congratulations on your acceptance into Duke! If you’re on the pre-med track like me, get ready for a whirlwind of a semester. Don’t be surprised if you end up changing your career plans every day like I did. It’s a totally normal occurrence among freshmen. Use this year to explore the many opportunities and classes that Duke has to offer. And in the meantime, also remember to have fun!