College is a transformative journey and as students, it should be enjoyed as much as possible. Embrace this time to engage in new opportunities, meet new people, learn new things, and build upon yourself. During your time in college, be sure to put yourself out there to learn more about others as well as yourself. What do I mean when I say put yourself out there?

• Step out of your comfort zone: During your time a Duke, it is a period where you will challenge yourself and try new things. Push yourself to try new activities or opportunities that may be outside your comfort zone. This can be engaging in public speaking, joining a debate team, or trying out for a theater production. Being able to attempt activities outside of your “normalcy” can lead to increasing personal growth.

• Be open-minded because college is a diverse and inclusive environment, so embrace the opportunity to interact with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. It is shocking the values you witness from other people when you put your world aside and step into someone else’s.

• Attend Social events on campus to make connections with new people. Engage in new conversations and share with others about what makes you who you are. Most of the time you have just as much in common with the person across the room from you as you may think.