Postcards from DSV
By Julia Zhu
1. SAN FRANN & Improv
One of our first days together had it all. Iconic views of the Golden Gate, our first of
many Equator Co>ees, and some slightly terrifying (but ultimately hilarious) improv
set the tone for what would be the next few weeks. Getting oriented to our new
summer home in San Francisco was exciting, but it was the BAT Improv session that
really broke the ice. From playing fork and spoon, to speaking gibberish, to
dramatically becoming a lawnmower, this day sparked something special in our
cohort. Looking back, I think it catalyzed some of the most meaningful friendships
we’ve made.
2. NETFLIX = a DSV Core Memory
A DSV favorite for a reason. We’re not sure if it was the never-ending micro-kitchens,
the candy wall, the Stranger Things Funko Pop army, the comfy UX testing room, or
the insightful talk with Lori Conkling and John Derderian, who pulled back the
curtain on the real business of storytelling. Regardless, whatever it was, Netflix left
its mark on us – just like it has on the rest of the world.
3. Gooooooo GIANTS!
Did some of us subscribe to Mercury News just for the free Giants hoodie? Yes. Are
some of us still paying $14.99 a month? For maybe the rest of our lives? …Also yes.
But, beyond the merch, this game was one of the most electric evenings of the trip.
Sitting in one of the sickest, most tech-forward stadiums in the country, we got to
hear from Bill Schlough, CIO and SVP of the Giants, and a proud Duke grad. Despite
the unfortunate loss that night (we promise we deleted all upside-down photos of
the world series ring!), this visit was a home run.
4. Our Yelp Review
5 stars for our visit to Yelp. David Schwarzbach’s story wasn’t linear, and that’s what
made it so impactful. He reminded us that the best careers don’t follow a script and
that trusting your interests can lead you exactly where you’re meant to go (taken
with a grain of salt). Many of us, I’m sure, were apprehensive of what’s to come two,
five, or ten years down the line. We stress over always making the correct decision,
doing the correct thing, and following a pre-set path to achieve what we believe is
success. However, if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this program, it’s that
unconventional paths are actually the most conventional out here.
5. OpenAI: Let’s all stop going to class
Our final visit: OpenAI. The big question, what did we learn? (Besides “don’t go to
class” … just kidding, YiHong). Hearing from Duke professor and OpenAI Chief
Economist Ronnie Chatterji, along with recent grad Yihong Song, gave us real insight
into how AI is reshaping the world and our role in that shift. It was a fittingly futurefacing
end to our month of discovery.
6. POTLUCK and Tears
Anndddd SCENE! Our final day together meant one chaotic, delicious POTLUCK.
Scattered with absolutely every possible version of homemade pasta, stolen microkitchens
snacks (shout out Netflix, Yelp, LinkedIn, etc.), humungous OpenAI donuts,
Paris Baguette treats (shoutout Chloe!!), and maybe a singular carrot, our table was
a perfect reflection and celebration of our cohort. In just a group of 24 awesome
people, I think I have met some of the most brilliant, funny, and driven individuals at
Duke. I could shed a few tears right now. THANK YOU, Duke in Silicon Valley. You
gave us something special.
7. Side Quests
Okay, this one’s not technically from DSV programming, but let’s talk spamming side
quests. Our weekends were free, and we took that freedom seriously. Palo Alto
shopping, Stanford campus tours, sunsets at Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz
boardwalks, a Carmel day trip, and a spontaneous weekend in LA. These
spontaneous adventures were just as meaningful as our site visits, and I’ll cherish
these moments (and these people!) forever.
This month didn’t just show me what’s possible in tech, it reminded me what’s
possible when passionate, curious people come together.
Julia Zhu is a rising junior from Tallahassee, FL studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. At Duke, she’s loved serving as a PEarth Orientation Leader, an EGR 101 Teaching Assistant, and an Organic Chemistry tutor for student-athletes. She’s also involved in Society of Women Engineers, Pancakes for Parkinson’s, and the Green Devils internship program. In her free time, she is a chronic hobbyist, picking up everything from crocheting and thrift-flipping to pottery and DJ-ing. Her first taste of entrepreneurship came from launching a baking business in high school – which has since taken off on TikTok with over 9 million views. Through DSV, she’s excited to dive into the heart of innovation, meet inspiring founders, and reflect on the balance of hard work and luck in building something great.
