Meet Adriana Okoye, a incoming Blackwell Residence Hall resident from Austin, Texas. This interview is part of a summer blog series profiling one Class of 2018 member from each of the 13 East Campus dorms. Look out for the rest of the blogs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays leading up to Orientation Week.
Major: Neuroscience
Pre-orientation: None
Summer plans: “This summer so far I am a paid intern at my mom’s job. I’m still learning things there. I also recently went to Vegas for 10 days for my dance company’s Nationals — I’ve been dancing since I was 9.”
Favorite type of weather: “Winter is warm in Texas, and I can’t stand the heat, so cool weather.”
Favorite book or literary work: “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger
Guilty pleasure: “I have a huge sweet tooth, so anything sweet. Dessert.”
Impression from first visit to Duke: “My first impression was just the campus. It was just really beautiful and there wasn’t a place that you didn’t want to take a picture of."
What she will add to the Blackwell community: “Hopefully i will just add my personality and always be ready to meet people and get together so that everyone feels as comfortable as possible and has a good experience.”
Things she’s excited to try out at Duke: “I excited to actually be involved with sports with watching and being a fan. I’m not a big sports person, but I want to learn to be and support Duke.”
What she’s most nervous about starting Duke: “I’m not nervous about moving but I’m worried about homesickness. I know that after two months you kind of miss people back home. I’m excited about being immersed in the Duke culture but I’m worried about missing everyone.”
If she could be famous for one thing, what it would be: “It would be cool to be famous for inspiring kids. I really love kids and I think that they have this wonder and courage that kind of fades as we become teenagers and become older. It would be cool to be someone who is inspiring them to be what they want in a positive direction.”
Weirdest thing she plans to pack: “My pillow pets. I have four — a panda, penguin, regular dog and a mini dog.”
Essential dorm decorating item: “I’m going to bring pictures and I want to have a space on my wall with a bunch of pictures to remind me of home and have familiarity.”
Any last thoughts: “I’m really excited to become a part of the Duke community and live in Blackwell and I cant wait to meet everyone in August in the class of 2018.”
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