<p>Hey guys, it's basically what the title says. I feel like the CC bunch is different from the stereotypical Dukie (<em>coughRollingStonecough</em>) so it'd be nice to know what there is to love about being at Duke besides the drunken debauchery and basketball (not to knock either of those). Any advice for someone who isn't having such a great time, freshman or otherwise?</p>
<p>And no this totally isn't a last-ditch effort by someone who's been miserable here to make things work before transfer applications need to be started...heh.</p>
<p>hmm...I'm only a freshman, but...so far my favorite thing about Duke is...everything. Okay, not everything...but I love just moseying through the campus watching the leaves change colors (and now falling off...), dropping by to see my friends whenever I want to, meeting such a wide array of different personalities, 9th street (especially Elmo's), the fact that it truly has humbled my sense of intelligence, constantly being amazed by how smart everyone is, having the opportunity to let loose on thursday, friday, saturday, monday, tuesday..., our horrific football team (longest loosing streak in the acc!), our amazing basketball team (the games really are incredible to go to). I also LOVE having a single room lol.</p>
<p>I could go on, but it's 12:30, and I should probably start studying for my math test now.</p>
<p>
[quote]
our horrific football team (longest loosing streak in the acc!)
[/quote]
My high school, with 107 straight wins, will be going for its 7th state championship at Wallace Wade on Saturday at 8 pm. Come watch a REAL football team. ;)</p>
<p>I've actually been having a much better time at Duke than I did last year. Maybe it's because I'm more settled in, or maybe it's just because I've been too busy to feel lonely. Anyway, this semester I said to heck with my major plans, and I chose classes that sounded really interesting. As a result, I completely turned my academic plans around, and this year has been sooooo much more fun. I'm taking a 200-level class and a class at UNC next semester (:eek:), and I'm trying to get a funded research project approved for the summer. </p>
<p>warblersrule86's things to love:
-The new Marketplace (ate there tonight...I was impressed)
-Student/faculty interaction
-Ability to just drop in and talk to professors
-Campus
-Interinstitutional agreement
-School spirit
-Range of clubs and student groups
-Warmth of student body
-Lemur Center, Marine Lab, and other unique resources
-Renovation (Bostock, French Sci, Plaza, Nasher)
-Advising
-A lot more I can't think of</p>
<p>To</a> Stay or Not to Stay? A Sophomore Considers Transferring</p>
<p>wannabazn - LOL, as a DC area native, the football team is one of the few things that feels like home. ;)</p>
<p>warblers - See, I'm fine with the academics. In fact, giving up my current GPA is one reason I <em>wouldn't</em> want to transfer. I agree with a lot of what's on your list except for the warmth of the student body, but I won't get into that. Thanks for the link. You're seriously the master at digging up relevant Chronicle articles. ;) The author definitely hit on a lot of what my concerns were. Would've been nice to know what they eventually decided. :)</p>
<p>really bananainpyjamas, you don't think the student body is warm?</p>
<p>Quick note on Jesse Marmon (in the above transfer article) - if I remember correctly, she did end up deciding to go to Brown.</p>
<p>Hmm interesting, that's one of my top choices. Thanks. :)</p>
<p>twinkletoes - It's not that I don't think people here are nice. It's just that most people here seem to view any kind of friendship with me as disposable (unless we're in a class together and they need some homework help - then it's "Hey, how you've been, long time no see!! What did you get for 3b?"). I tried my best to make a few friends out of my many acquaintances but finally gave up. If I stay at Duke and manage to make it through the remaining 2.5 years without dropping out or, well, doing something worse, I honestly think I will graduate with absolutely no real friends, with the possible exception of my current roommate.</p>
<p>bananainpyjamas, I can't let your suggestion that you might consider suicide (do something worse) in this thread pass with no remark although I don't tend to post on Duke pages. The idea that you will graduate "with absolutely no real friends" is an intrusive, depressive ideation which is not reality. You need to address the depression and embrace your unique gifts, vulnerabilities and life. You are a charming, intelligent, keenly observant, fair, friendly and talented young person (i have seen your posts since you were in high school) and depressive thinking truly can be greatly improved. The key is to mature and age up enough to get into counseling, consider some short term meds and feel true respect for yourself and for the people who love you and for the people you haven't even met yet who will also love you. Some of my dearest dearest friends and teachers and colleagues in this world have had bouts of depression. I had a bout of depressive thinking in my early 20s and after much resistance and intellectualizing and excuses finally signed on for a year of talk counseling. I felt worse before I felt better but talk counseliing did me a world of good..not nirvanna but insight and an altered view of my life challenges emerged. Much of the great art in the world was by people who understood what depressive experiences were like. You want what everyone your age wants, and that includes meaningful friendships. Please address these depressive thoughts with a professional and then your decisions will be more lucid. Truly interested in your well being. a Duke Mom</p>
<p>Hey Faline, you can PM me if you'd like to talk more about this but I haven't heard good things about Duke's counseling services so I'm not really inclined to go there. Thank you for the concern though, your posts are always appreciated. :)</p>