Originally Posted by
Stray Gator
I likewise believe that the value of my Duke experience -- lessons learned both inside and outside the classroom, from fellow students and faculty members, by reading classic books in the library and comic books at Bat's -- was incalculable. It altered the entire trajectory of my life, and that of my family for generations to come. As the first to attend college from a relatively poor family in a small tobacco market town, I was only able to achieve that goal with the help of grants-in-aid from Duke, and student loans, and multiple jobs during every summer and Christmas break, and substantial personal sacrifices by members of my family. But thanks to the education I received, my life was not only enriched in countless ways, but I was able to repay those debts and, best of all, was fortunate enough to provide both of our children the priceless gift of a Duke experience, the shared benefits of which we all continue to enjoy and appreciate with each passing day.
Over the years, many friends -- usually with children in high school who are trying to choose between a large state school and selective admission private school like Duke -- have asked me whether a Duke degree is really worth the difference in cost. I always tell them that a motivated student can get a good education at any college; but to reap the benefits of a truly enriching college experience, they have to work at it, meaning that they need to actively seek out the best teachers, and reach out beyond their familiar circle of friends from "back home" to interact with peers who can introduce them to different backgrounds and cultural influences. At a school like Duke, a student can obtain a great education almost by osmosis; and unless the student deliberately avoids it, exposure to a diversity of people who bring different experiences to the table -- which not only helps to expand your immediate horizons, but stimulates an interest in continuing to learn that lasts throughout a lifetime -- is a regular feature of daily life on campus. That said, it's clear that even for those young people who might benefit most from a small college environment, Duke is not for everyone.
Originally Posted by
1991 duke law
Wonderfully said.
Go to a really good school with outstanding faculty and, almost as important -- smart, ambitious and nice fellow students. Live in a campus environment, which, while hard to believe, really is an education in itself -- different people, diverse backgrounds, and unusual ideas about the world. Most importantly, it will not be a continuation of family dinners and high schools friends. It is also important to keep in touch with graduates and faculty after high school, which will be good both personally and professionally. Sometimes we have to recycle our professional path, and it is rewarding to have friends to rely on for support and ideas.
Sage Grouse
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'When I got on the bus for my first road game at Duke, I saw that every player was carrying textbooks or laptops. I coached in the SEC for 25 years, and I had never seen that before, not even once.' - David Cutcliffe to Duke alumni in Washington, DC, June 2013