“Service-learning provided me with hands-on experience working with community partners that was complemented by thought-provoking class discussions and readings. I gained strong faculty mentors and met some incredible students who inspired me.”
— Nicole Daniels T’14
“I’ve always been passionate about service and community work. At Duke, I participated in many opportunities to explore my interests including FOCUS, DukeEngage, DukeImmerse, and study abroad— but I especially enjoyed Duke Service-Learning and LEAPS. Service-learning provided me with hands-on experience working with community partners that was complemented by thought-provoking class discussions and readings. I gained strong faculty mentors and met some incredible students who inspired me.
These experiences helped confirm my interest in the non-profit sector. After graduating in 2014, I moved to Dallas and worked as a college advisor for an organization that supports first-generation students with the college admissions and financial aid process. Afterward, I served as an AmeriCorps Program Manager at a non-profit that provides food and enrichment activities to youth. I recently started working at a non-profit called Generation, and I’m helping launch a new workforce readiness program in Dallas for young adults.
Throughout my professional career, I’ve used many of the service-learning tools- especially critical reflection. I continue to ask questions, read, and have conversations to widen my perspective. I also try to journal when I have the time. I even facilitated some of the same reflection activities I learned as a Duke student with my AmeriCorps team during their service. I’m very grateful to service-learning for helping mold me into the person I am today, and I’m excited to continue on as a lifetime learner.”
— Nicole Daniels T’14