Hi, my name is Benjamin Smith, though most of the time people I just go by Ben. I come from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I have been living since 2008. I completed my undergraduate education in 2019, graduating from Miami University in Ohio with dual degrees focusing on user experience design and development. Early in 2020, I began employment as a software developer at a financial corporation. After a month in the office, my coworkers and I were sent to work from home, and I did so for the next two years. During the pandemic, I developed an academic curiosity stemming from my lifetime love of stories and reading and knew that it was a curiosity that would need to be satiated. For that reason, I am excited to be joining the Graduate Liberal Studies program at Duke where I will be able to pursue courses of study in subject areas such as English Literature and History, as well as other relevant courses. I am looking forward to delving deeper into the stories and tales that have captivated me, especially those of medieval origin. In my free time outside of work or school, I mostly enjoy finding a quiet spot to read the next book on my list or draw an image that comes to mind or write whenever inspiration strikes. I also appreciate getting to spend some time in nature, whether that be the occasional hike through the woods or a bike ride.
Preferred Name: Benjamin
Please share the title of a book you’ve recently enjoyed and would recommend to your GLS colleagues.
King Lear by William Shakespeare
What movie or television show that you watched recently would you recommend to the rest of us?
Only Murders in the Building
We’re going to make a GLS 2022 playlist on Spotify. Please recommend a song to include that speaks to how YOU feel as you embark on this new learning journey. It could be something that you’re listening to a lot now or a longtime favorite that captures the moment for you.
The Four Seasons – Autumn in F Major, RV. 293: I. Allegro – Larghetto – Allegro assai/molto
by Antonio Vivaldi, Adrian Chandler, La Serenissima
Coming to the Duke GLS program, I hope to learn and grow.
