We've Decided on Duke

Maximus001
Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:28:01 +0000

Below is a slightly modified version of a PM I recently shared with a Duke student that helped us with this most difficult decision.

It’s a done deal, Duke it is. I really needed to be sure that my son was fully informed and realistic re: this decision and not overwhelmed by a romantic notion of country club life and elite social identification. He convinced me last night during a long and emotional exploration of the issues.

S is a goofy, fun kid with unbelievable academic talents and a passion for running. He visited Duke during the UP CLOSE DAYS and felt that particular emotional connection that informed his decision. Any of the other schools would have left him feeling profoundly disappointed. He felt that he belonged at Duke and could make it his home.

My brother who recently retired from the business world also convinced me that this was an opportunity of a lifetime that would shape the future of his career. He offered to help make this dream come true but I’m reluctant to accept his generous offer. Nevertheless, the strength of his argument pierced the bubble of anxiety and a soothing feeling of relief that “we can do this” warmed my soul.

Our S has a younger sister who is off to France next year for a semester abroad and will also be college bound in two years. She has her sights on Stanford, Yale or Penn. Hopefully, she will now also consider Duke. Her educational opportunities are equally important to me. I know much of my fear was rooted in the possibility that her dreams might go unrealized if we incurred too much debt. Our S heard this concern and, interestingly, promised to work upon graduation to help us make her dreams come true.

You write so beautifully about your experiences at Duke. You, too, have helped a great deal in this process. Not only do you represented Duke in a great light but your warmth and intelligence speak to the product of a Duke education convincingly. Please accept my warmest and most sincere appreciation for the thoughtfullness of your replies. I wish you the greatest success in the future.

Max