Favorite quote: “For, while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light we’ve got in all this darkness.” – James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues”
Memorable experiences in English: I came in freshman year as a pre-med, and about three days in, decided that I wanted to write papers instead. I didn’t know what course codes meant, so I signed up for Dr. Baran’s “Language and Culture” class, which was 300-level, and a little terrifying. Karen Little, one of the classes TA’s, read over and offered feedback on all my rough drafts. She made me feel like I could write at the college level! I’ve since audited her class, collaborated with her in the Migrations Lab, and been lucky enough to have her as a friend and mentor. She’s probably the reason I majored in English. Thank you, Karen!
Farewell wishes for your classmates: I’ve been lucky to get to know many of you through the gateway course and other shared requirements, and I am grateful to call several Duke English majors some of my dearest friends. Thank you for a great four years, and best of luck in the years to come!
Plans/hopes for the future: This summer I will begin work at L’Arche in Washington D.C., an intentional-living community for people with and without intellectual disabilities. I’m not quite sure what I will do with my time if I’m not reading and writing all the time, but then again, that’s probably what I’ll be doing anyway.
Faculty Remarks:
Liddy, in your beautiful essay for my class on King Lear you finish by saying that Shakespeare shows us the possibly of living “without forcing speech, without measuring love, and without withholding forgiveness.” What a thoughtful and felt piece of work that was. I listened to your sermon at Duke Chapel in February and found the same thoughtfulness, humility and lucidity there. Brava! I will always remember you knitting your way through our “covid classes,” listening intently, contributing wisely, and offering your attentive words. I wish you well and hope you will keep in touch. And I feel sure that your life will be a graceful one. Thanks for the opportunity of teaching you.
– Sarah Beckwith
