Duke Delta Sigma Pi

***Starring: Ellen Herd***

Q: How have you changed since coming to Duke?
A: I’ve developed a more tolerant perspective and a more diverse understanding of the world. Coming from your hometown, you are exposed to a couple things that you know really well, but each year at Duke I’ve been able to appreciate more human experiences and empathize with more people. I’ve been able to make friends with really awesome backgrounds, especially after spending two summers in New York.

Q: Where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years?
A: No deadlines on my personal life [laughter]. Professionally though I have some thoughts of going back for an MBA or a Master’s degree, so I might initiate the process of going back to school. I would also really like to reconnect with the arts and am interested in being part of the Board of Directors within an arts community. And in terms of travel plans, I’d list Ireland as my top destination because I am currently writing a thesis on Irish economic development, but that’s just one place. There are still a lot of places that I haven’t been. Also, before working in consulting full time, I am looking forward to reconnecting with some old friends this summer since it’ll probably be the last time I can stay at home for more than a week.

Q: What’s your fondest memory at Duke?
A: These always occur during my most unguarded moments! Like when I make the impromptu decision to go out to Full Steam with a few friends, coming together for birthday dinners, and watching basketball games in common rooms. It’s like when you don’t feel anxious about your social situations because the people you are around give you this sense of relief that makes you feel like a weight has been lifted.

Q: Who is someone you’re very close to within DSP?
A: I could drill it down to just someone but really it’s a group of people within DSP that I’ve been close to since freshman year. A lot of people in my hall joined at the same time--Akshat, Simon, Hooman, Bobby--and we were really close throughout that year but joining DSP helped maintain that relationship. Actually, because I just had my birthday a few days ago, I’ve been thinking recently about who I have celebrated with every year. And those four people I just mentioned, they have been at every single one of my birthdays.

Q: What does DSP mean to you?
A: When I think DSP, I think of a group of people that really do give unconditional support to each other. There’s just an understanding that anyone who we take into DSP is worthy of each other’s time, help, and respect. Whether it’s on the professional or personal side, in both instances I’ve had people help me. The brothers in our chapter do not look down on each other except to pick each other up again.

Shout out to everyone participating in rush, we hope you've all had a great experience so far! As first round cuts are approaching soon, be sure to attend one of our last rush events, Trivia TONIGHT in Social Sciences 139 at 7 PM. See you all there!