Cynthia Dong
I'm a sophomore who's doing a self-designed Program II called "Health Disparities: Causes and Policy Solutions"! I'm from Kansas, but I was originally born in Maryland. My academic interests are pretty much everywhere from chemistry to literature to philosophy to public policy to media studies. In my free time, I love hanging out with friends and meeting new people! I also love visiting cozy coffee shop and bookstores, the vibes really let me fantasize about my future apartment in New York filled with plants.
L's Taken
8
"Thank you for applying but..."
Bass Connections
Baldwin Scholars
Muser Research
Huang Fellows
Robertson Scholars
University Scholarship
PhiDE, the premed frat
Roundtable
4
Things I thought I'd finish but never did
Many, MANY workout plans
Most books on my shelf
An online story I wrote (I've left it on a cliffhanger since 7th grade...)
A fish I was trying to embroider for my mom
4
Everyday L's of life
I'm really bad at doing my skincare routine daily
I can never hold onto a water bottle, I always lose them
My regular sleep time is from 3-4 AM (yikes)
I'm either really good or really bad about being on my phone, there's no in-between
On the Bright Side
0
Memories I made when I wasn't working/studying
9
Things I've learned that will still matter in 10 years
Everything bad always passes, and things can always get better
Real friends are hard to come by
In life, having 5 close people is all you need.
Happiness is a lifestyle choice, it's something you have to work for
You can't fix or change other people. You can only change yourself.
Success is defined by nobody but you.
What makes life worth living is people, relationships, love, and the little moments
Hard work will get you farther than talent alone
Life has 3 answers to your question: No, Not yet, or I have something better
9
TV shows, movies, and books I've enjoyed
Anything Marvel! Currently OBSESSED with the TV series they're putting out (Wandavision + Falcon and the Winter Soldier) • Queen's Gambit is a MASTERPIECE • Percy Jackson, my childhood hero
To Kill A Mockingbird
Your Name (Kimi No Na Wa)
Phineas and Ferb
Avatar The Last Airbender
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
Miraculous
9
Things I'm proud of that you won't see on my resume
I'm an intensely loyal friend who will be there through thick and thin for the people I care about
If I want something, I will set my mind to it and I won't give up
I'm good at reading people and empathizing with them
I'm genuine and honest about my intentions
I can play piano, violin, guitar, ukulele, and I sing
I made my own recipe for whipped raspberry buttercream frosting that's to DIE for
I always bounce back, no matter how bad it gets
I used to be an intensely shy person, but I worked really hard to become more social
My ability to cut out toxic people from my life
0
Unconventional skills
0
Quirks that make me who I am
0
Small joys in my life
1
Obstacle I've overcome
Having depression and anxiety (something I still struggle with, but am a lot better at handling)
0
Things I've done that pushed me out of my comfort zone
4
Failures that seemed like the end of the world back then but don't matter in hindsight
Getting a 60% on a stats midterm
Getting rejected from programs that someone told me "everyone gets into"
Not getting the full-ride scholarship offer to Duke because I was worried about whether my mom could afford it
Rejected from Huang Fellows without an interview
0
Leaps of Faith
7
Life events that have made me stronger
Having to help my single mother raise my little brother
Losing all my best friends in high school (it made me realize the true meaning of friendship, as cheesy as that sounds)
Realizing that my dad could never live up to what I wanted him to be
Letting go of my romantic relationships with people who weren't right for me
Becoming a Duke student
Every rejection I've ever faced (it's always pushed me to become a better person)
Being a DSG Senator
7
Things I think every Duke student should keep in mind
You don't have to know what you want right away. Everyone is on their own path and goes at their own pace.
You don't have to have a "passion" or a "dream life". Sometimes, just existing at peace is okay.
You got in here for a reason. If you're here, it means Duke chose you because Duke believes in your ability to succeed here.
Don't listen to what other people have to say about what you're doing. Live your life on your own terms.
You are truly never alone. There are so many amazing and kind people at Duke who want you to be happy and successful.
Everything you feel is valid. Even if it's not reasonable, it's still valid.
Don't be afraid to start over