I’m fresh out of freshmen year. And splashing my way into a thrilling summer in New York. I have been getting really nervous about being in such a big city ever since I accepted to my program. I come from a really small town with the bare minimum of sidewalks and the subways served sandwiches. I’m also nervous about managing me on my own money, meals, and transportation without my Dad, my food points, or Duke Vans on standby. After DukeEngage Academy, I’m less afraid of heading out into the great wide somewhere because I got to connect with my summer cohort, and I got reintroduced to some vital resources and strategies for budgeting and meal planning. With my fears subdued, I’m ready for a summer of service, self-care, and self-improvement through five goals.

My five goals for self-improvement are:

To be open to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities.

To be consistent to establish routines for my daily and weekly obligations and needs.

To be authentic to build strong relationships with the ladies in my cohort.

To be creative to write more spoken word poems and blogs.

To be present to deeply engage with the people and potential around me.

By accomplishing and embracing these personal goals this summer, I will broaden my perspectives  in ways that will nourish even more growth in the fall and in my future.