1992 Major: History; certificate in Markets & Management Studies
"My History studies were a great foundation for law school. Through them, I developed a "personal" perspective and understanding of the social events that influenced public policy. That deep appreciation for the historical perspective gave me an advantage over my classmates in law school and my colleagues in legal practice because I was better trained to quickly recognize and predict policy outcomes and answer the question "why did the law (pick a practice area) develop to it's current state?" That skill set helps me better predict the outcomes to novel questions of law and argue my client's position accordingly. My History professors also taught me how to tell a story... very, very, well. They were masterful wordsmiths who made even the dullest topics interesting."
"Spend as much one-on-one time with your professors as possible. They are rich in knowledge (not just historical knowledge), they are excellent story tellers and writers, and they want to pass their knowledge and skills on to you. Take your education beyond the classroom. Visit them during office hours, buy them a cup of coffee, ask to help with research, or just chat them up as you're crossing the quad. Regardless of the historical era you study or the profession you choose after Duke, spending time with your professors to learn those skills and build a deep appreciation for the art of language will prove time and time again to be a most valuable and uncommon asset in almost every aspect of your professional and personal lives."
