Duke Wants You Here

Hello Duke Class of 2017! You're probably all used to being told how incredible you are -- you're brilliant, talented, the top of your class, and everyone gives you that bright-eyed ''WOW'' when you tell them you'e going to Duke. 

But I'd like to start with a personal story. So coming to Duke brought with it, at least for me, a heavy dose of intimidation. I had this nagging feeling that I didn't belong, that I didn't measure up to my peers.

I left my freshman convocation feeling like a fraud. Why on earth did they choose me as a part of this class? I've never written a book, or started an NGO, or done anything to find a cure for breast cancer. It probably didn't help that I was sitting next to Kyrie Irving.  And to add to my inferiority complex, I felt like I was harboring a deep secret: I got into Duke off the waitlist. I was doomed to be a dull light in a class of shining stars -- after all, I was among the last to be selected.

I spent a good portion of my freshman year just skating by -- not being too involved, not trying a lot of new things. If I never did newspaper in high school, there's no way I could write for the Chronicle -- if I've never been in a play, there's no way I could try out for Hoof n'Horn. I didn't run for DSG, and I stayed well within my comfort zone.

So why am I telling you this? Why am I telling you that Duke is a scary place full of scary people that are better and more qualified than you?

Because it's all wrong.

You belong here, at Duke, and Duke wants you here for a reason. The minute I stopped letting my insecurities dictate my actions and started following my own lead, this place felt like home. Your comfort zone can be as big as you want it to be, as long as you dive right into life at Duke. The task can be a bit daunting, but growth never comes without making yourself feel a little bit uncomfortable.

I wanted to leave you with some more words of wisdom, so when writing the rest of my speech, I did what any good American would do… I outsourced it. I got on Twitter and wrote, ''Speaking to #Duke2017 next week. What's something you wish you’d been told as a college freshman?''

I got dozens of responses, mostly from nostalgic recent grads who would give anything to be in your shoes again right now. So let me tell you a few words of the Twitter world’s advice, although I know you’ll be getting plenty over these next couple of weeks:

Jump right into Duke, and don’t let anything hold you back. Take classes you’ve never heard of, join groups you weren't a part of in high school, and don't worry, the graduation requirements will fall into place later. Run for DSG, tent for the UNC game, embrace Wednesday night Jazz at the Mary Lou, and EXPLORE DURHAM! Take service learning courses, eat pancakes from Pitchfork Provisions at 3AM, talk in class even if you know nothing. Go abroad, especially to places that make your parents slightly anxious, and apply for DukeEngage. And don't forget, last but not least, you're going to be just fine.

With still a year left until I graduate, I can already say that coming to Duke has been the best decision I've ever made. Remember though: don't be afraid to take advantage of an opportunity because you think you are under-qualified. I let go of that fear eventually, but you can do it right now. The opportunities at this university are endless, and there's no better time to start seizing them than the very first week of your freshman year.

So congratulations Class of 2017, and welcome to the best four years of your life. 

I would now like to introduce Elizabeth Wiley, who will perform for us the Duke Alma Mater.  Liz is a senior from Glastonbury, Connecticut, with a major in Biology and a minor in Linguistics.  She is a member of the Duke Chorale.