| If you value having friends from diverse backgrounds you will have no problem making that a reality at Duke. The people I know who gripe about "self-segregation" the most decided to stick to their comfort zone and didn't make an effort to branch out. I had tons of friends of different economic and racial backgrounds from me when I graduated. I also was not in a fraternity, though, so I don't know how much that has to do with it. Go to any other school and spend a day or two and you will realize that Duke is not at all unique in that a significant portion of black students like being in the company of other black students/Asian students like being in the company of other Asians/whites in the company of other whites ("self-segregation" does not only apply to minorities, you know). A simple search for "self-segregation" on any major college student newspaper website will reveal this as well. My advice--check out things for yourself. If the organization you are rushing seems to be on the same wavelength as you, go with it. If not, stop rushing it. If frats don't seem to be your thing (they weren't mine), that's okay too. You can have a great time at Duke as an independent. Most of my good friends were in Greek organizations but I stayed friends with them throughout my 4 years at Duke. My friend group involved independents and people in frats and sororities (including "core fore" sororities haha but I have no idea where that comment above came from). Good luck, and I am sure you will find your place.
PS-if you are going to go the frat route you should check out DTD, they sound like a good match to what you are looking for. |