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To the incoming class of 2016:

First of all – congratulations on getting into Duke, a school that is in extreme demand among all you bright folks. Over 31,000 high achievers–high grades, high SAT scores, high altitude mountaineers, &c. – applied, and, what, 11% of are in. Cheers.

Secondly, you make me feel very old.

I am a senior here, enjoying the first weeks of consistent spring weather in Durham and the last weeks of Duke Life. I received my Duke acceptance in a Chicago hotel room four years ago—it was North Pole cold, I was visiting a couple of unhappy-seeming schools and I promptly got food poisoning from some tacos of unknown origin.

Suffice it to say I was eager to accept the offer.

In the weeks after, two emotions ran rampant: elation and relief. It had been a testing journey to that letter. I applied early decision, was deferred, and worked like a man possessed to prove to Duke that I belonged in the flock. Your journeys to this decision have all been similarly textured, I’m sure. But now you’re in, and by God you should celebrate.

As you come down from that cloud in a few weeks, though, heed a few points of counsel from a seasoned senior.

1. Don’t stop being the kind of person that Duke thought was worthy. Keep excelling in your classes. Slay the AP or IB exams (they might get you some course credit). Maintain the valuable relationships with friends, teachers and family that supported you on the inevitably bumpy road to college. Figure out something productive and fun to do this summer. Just keep going.
2. Do some research. Some of you may be picking between Duke and other schools. If you haven’t visited already, do so for Blue Devil Days in April.  Look at the course catalogue, investigate some of the departments you might want to study in, figure out what Duke feels like. (Watching this video might help.) This kind of research probably comes naturally to you—“detail-obsessed” is the unremembered apocryphal word in the Duke motto after Eruditio et Religio.
3. At the same time, embrace the unknown. This school has infinite opportunities, a rich and diverse population and a beautiful campus to house it all. There’s no way to know exactly who you will become here. I can guarantee that you’ll change a great deal over your four years. Get ready to immerse yourself.

I am a little shaken at the thought of leaving this place, but Duke has prepared me thoroughly for the next step. I’m excited you’ll all be here soon to take the reins.

Again, congratulations. You will all do great things.