This was Spring Breakthrough’s first year and it was a huge success. It’s a series of seminars taught by some of Duke’s best professors that takes place over spring break and is targeted at Duke first-years and sophomores. In its first year, over 100 students participated. On the day registration opened, two classes filled up within hours. Here are five reasons you should participate next year.
1. There is a wide array of topics to choose from
Classes ranged from “Puppies!” to “Hamilton: Music, History, and Politics” to “The Biology of Popular Science Fiction TV & Movies.” There were classes in a variety of subjects, so there was something for everyone. After its success in its first year, it’s a definite possibility that more teachers will be on board to teach next year and bring even more diverse classes to the table.
2. Field Trips, Field Trips, Field Trips!
“The Biology of Popular Science Fiction TV & Movies” went to see both “Logan” and “Kong: Skull Island,” accompanied by a trip to the Duke Lemur Center. “Preventing Violent Extremism in America” planned a trip to Washington, DC, that was unfortunately cancelled due to the snow storm. The “Puppies!” class visited an animal shelter and received a visit from service dogs in training.
3. Free Food
Participants received approximately $35 a day in Conference Flex to spend at Duke Dining locations. Off-campus field trips were taken into account and decreased the amount of money provided to students. As most of the on-campus eateries that were open over spring break were in West Union, many first-year students could sample the best Duke Dining has to offer without worrying about their food point balance.
4. New Connections
Students were able to form connections with professors they may have never met or been able to speak to one-on-one had they not participated in the program. Professors could speak about their passions with full enthusiasm, giving students the opportunity to talk about their interests in detail and become someone their professor will remember. The close-knit structure of the classes will benefit students in the future; whenever they need a letter of recommendation, they have someone who knows them in both an academic and personal setting.
5. No Grades
No grades, no stress, just learning. Throughout the week, one phrase was repeated: “Learning for the sake of learning.” As Duke students, we have an insatiable curiosity and desire to learn, but grades can sometimes hinder that. Spring Breakthrough gives students the opportunity to explore an area of interest without worrying about their GPA. Participants will receive a mark on their transcripts noting their participation in the program, as well!
Next year, when you’re making spring break plans, consider skipping the beach and taking an interesting class right here on campus.