Name: Delaney Thompson
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Year: Sophomore
What’s your favorite fall outfit?
I love lots of layers, especially on the days that it starts out in the 40s and is high 60s and then sunny by the end of classes. My favorite fall outfit is probably a collared button down under a cable-knit crew neck sweater with jeans, Bean boots, and wool socks. In the mornings I’ll probably throw a down vest over it, and when it gets warmer, I cuff and roll up my sleeves! I like to match this with pearl earrings and a statement necklace for a classier, preppy look!
What’s your idea of the perfect day?
My perfect day would start with a walk from my central apartment to get coffee in the hospital. In a perfect world, no classes, but assuming I have class, no midterms or big assignments. After class, I’d go to King’s sandwich shop (best burger I’ve had in Durham) and Cocoa Cinnamon coffee shop to do some studying or hang out with my best friend. I’d probably end the day with dinner at my place with a couple of friends and a movie night!
Who’s your role model?
My role model is my father. He served in the United States Air Force for 30 years and is one of the most hardworking, selfless, dedicated and smart people I know. Through deployments, moves and every other thing life threw at us, he remained a great father and role model. His priorities are and have always been family, country, self, in that order, and I think that’s really admirable.
What’s one thing you wish you had known before you started college?
I wish I had known how to study. In high school, I could get by without expending a lot of effort for my math and science classes. It was definitely a struggle freshman year to learn how to study, and I am definitely still learning.
Favorite part of your life at Duke?
I have the most solid friends that I could ask for. Whether they’re from my sorority, my church group, or my freshman hall, my friends are the most supportive and fun people I know. I’m so blessed to have them in my life; they make it all worth it.
Shooters or Devine’s?
Shooters. Definitely. The cover is cheaper, the music is better, and I almost always have a better time there.
Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
I definitely wouldn’t call it a talent, but I like to play guitar. I know like 6 chords, and with those you can play almost anything, so I’m basically set.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
What’s your theme song?
I was named after Jimmy Buffet’s “Delaney Talks to Statues” but my actual theme song is probably “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. Whether the road led to friends or family or Duke, I know that the struggles I endured were worth it to get where I am now, and that any future difficulties I have will lead to even better things.
Favorite TV show right now?
Ugh. I’m the worst, but I LOVE Teen Wolf. It’s scary, exciting, dramatic, and who doesn’t love Dylan O’Brien?
If you could meet any celebrity who would it be and why?
I would die to meet Emma Watson. I grew up with Harry Potter. From having the books read to me as a kindergartner to getting the seventh book the day it came out to midnight premieres of the last two movies, the series has been in my life for as long as I remember. And growing up as a little nerdy, know-it-all girl, Hermione was my idol. Now that she’s past Harry Potter, Emma has done amazing things for women all over the world, and I think she’s an incredible role model for women everywhere.