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Congratulations to the new members of the Class of 2016! Duke University is now your university. You have made an excellent choice. I can’t think of a better school to have a binding contract with.

Yesterday was probably a roller coaster ride for all of you. A year ago, I was also accepted Early Decision to Duke. I remember what it was like waiting for the decision to come out. Waiting until 6:00 p.m. was brutal. When the clock finally read 6:00 p.m., I frantically refreshed the decision page, but I ended up waiting an agonizing hour, because the system was so backed up with other Duke hopefuls anxiously awaiting their decision. I hope most of you didn’t have this problem, however, looking back, it just added to the experience.  When the page finally loaded, I anxiously scanned the page, knowing all I’d need was that one word- “Congratulations.” I don’t think I even got through the entire acceptance letter until the next day.

The feeling is indescribable, that elation, the realization that all you have worked for is really worth something. The feeling of anxiety and worry that coursed through your body ever since you poured your hopes and dreams into the Common App is replaced by accomplishment. The top of the world kind of feeling. Don’t worry; it won’t go away anytime soon. I still find myself walking around campus awestruck that I actually received by acceptance letter to this university. Take note: you’ll find yourself thinking about Duke constantly and it will be hard to hide your excessive smiling. Your family is going to be living vicariously through you and will be calling everyone they know to inform them of the good news and how proud of you they are (if they haven’t already). It’s inevitable that everyone who speaks to your parents will know that you got into Duke. There will be an abundance of Duke blue added to their wardrobe and yours- you may or may not receive your fair share of Duke shirts, shorts, hats, coffee mugs, stuffed animals, posters, water bottles, stickers, and key chains this holiday season. Your family and friends will be just as excited as you are, but don’t get disheartened after a while when all you want to do is talk about Duke and all the possibilities and opportunities and they are more than ready to change the subject. Eventually you will find someone that wants to listen.

Now that you have been accepted to your dream school, you can rest easy. Enjoy the rest of your senior year, but don’t slack off too much! Some of you may be ready to leave high school already, however, I advise you to take time to enjoy the little things. You are about to graduate, and even though Duke is now a tangible part of your future, make the time you have left count.

Take time to explore Duke. Come visit campus, talk with professors and current students, and attend the Blue Devil Days in the spring. Join the Duke Class of 2016 Facebook page and get to know your future classmates. Feel free to post comments on this blog with any questions you may have. Congratulations once again! Your acceptance was no small feat, you deserve it. Welcome to the Duke family.