Taking a walk down memory lane

Three years ago, I had no idea what the future had in store for me. I was just a regular boy from Southern California who wanted to try something new. I looked at schools throughout the country and decided to just give college a shot! While researching schools, I came across Duke and pretty much ruled it out immediately. I thought, “Why in the world would I possibly end up in North Carolina and enroll at a school that I have never even heard of?” It just seemed ridiculous. I visited Duke during the Black Student Alliance Invitational, and, even though other institutions were on the table, enrolling at Duke just seemed like the right thing to do.

Attending Duke has been the experience of a lifetime. I have had so many highs and lows that have taught me valuable lessons about myself and about life. Prior to coming to Duke, I did not know what I wanted in life. When I came to this institution, I changed my mind so many times because I was afraid of expressing my true passions and interests. There is something about this place that challenges you no matter what you stand for. For me, this school challenged me to be a risk taker in all aspects of my life. From writing and publishing two books during the first semester of my sophomore year to developing a passion of dance, Duke has made me bolder and fearless.

I used to be afraid of failing, but failure is unavoidable at Duke. You develop relationships that turn out to be something other than what you expected, and you get grades that make you question your level of intelligence and ask why you’re even here. Sometimes you think you’ve put forth your best, but it turns out that it’s actually your worst. During the rough weeks, there were several nights when I just had to cry it out. The whole idea of reaching the end and not being able to go further has been a recurrent one for me. But every time I thought it was all over, I found a way to keep going. I survived one struggle bus after another and developed a tougher skin as time went on. I’ve also had some of my best memories at this school. Moments just walking with a friend on the Plaza at midnight and taking in the beauty of this school. Experiences when I exceeded my own expectations and felt good about myself.

As I anticipate leaving this Gothic Wonderland in a couple of days, I am so eager and excited to get into the real world. It is not going to be easy and there will definitely be challenges on the way, but I have already experienced it all at Duke. I’ve tested my limits and expanded my horizons. I know that when I set my mind to something, I am unstoppable.

Having a platform like Duke is not a guarantee for success. In fact, this institution does not promise success. Duke is a place where people come to find one thing and end up discovering something completely different. Students come here to discover themselves—some succeed at it, while others do not. Looking back on my time at Duke, I have discovered myself in all aspects of my life.

Growth is a beautiful thing, and I have transformed from a boy into a man. I have met some of the most interesting, smart and funny individuals here. Individuals who challenge you and make you aspire to be a better person. These are the people I can now call lifelong friends, regardless of where we might be in the world.

From the wide array of classes I took to the organizations I have been involved with, my Duke experience has been unconventional. I have developed a sense of curiosity that will follow me throughout my life. Looking back, my Duke career has been about asking questions. Sometimes I have the answers to these questions, and sometimes I’m completely clueless. Whether or not I have all the answers beside the point. The most important thing is that I am seeking solutions to the things that I am truly passionate about.

Tegan Joseph Mosugu is a Trinity senior and former Chronicle columnist.