Nana Asante is quite a driven woman. In her second year as president of the Black Student Alliance (BSA) at Duke, Nana can remember back to a day when she literally woke up and decided to run for the position. Now with graduation looming in the near future, she is still trying to change the campus for the better. Her biggest piece of advice for Collegiettes eager to follow her lead and step into powerful roles across campus? “Never victimize yourself. Never settle. Ever. Most importantly, be bold in everything you say and all that you do.”
How did you get involved with the Black Student Alliance at Duke?
I became involved with the Black Student Alliance for the first time when I joined the committee to help plan, “Black Love”, a Valentine’s Day event in the Spring of 2010. After that singular experience, I literally woke up one day and decided to run for President. I honestly don’t know what ignited my passion for the organization. The rest is history, and I am currently serving in my second consecutive year as the President of BSA. It has been the greatest honor and experience for me to serve Duke in this capacity.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about the BSA or the Mary Lou Center?
These entities don’t solely exist for the well-being, betterment, enjoyment and enrichment of the Black community—they exist just as much for the benefit of the larger Duke community.
What do you consider your greatest achievement since coming to Duke?
My greatest achievement since coming to Duke has been my ability to establish myself as a woman of purpose, resilience, and balance.
What other clubs or organizations are you a part of?
I proudly serve as a Disciplinary Advisor for the Office of Student Conduct, a member of the President’s Committee on Black Affairs, a Student Representative for the Alumni Association, MLK Day Planning Committee, and a former member of the Young Trustee Nominating Committee. I have also served as a Student Assistant at the division of Child Development and Behavioral Health at Duke Hospital for the past three years.
When you can find free time, what is your favorite way to spend it?
Honestly, in my free time, I write/respond to emails. Seriously! J I also use this time to get my hair whipped and dipped! Aside from these two things, I enjoy watching Law & Order SVU, Say Yes to the Dress, and Private Practice. Most of my free time is also spent with my three best friends Natalie, Caroline, and Brittany—this usually includes eating more than we should, going out, talking, and sleeping! I also Tweet obsessively, search for good quotes, & I am on Facebook much more than I should be.
Who or what inspires you most?
Nana: I am inspired this by this quote and all those in my life who live this truth: ‘Beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen’ –Elizabeth Kubler Ross
You’re graduating in a few months – what are your plans after college?
I am currently anxiously waiting for decisions from UNC Law & Georgetown Law! (Our fingers are crossed for you!)
What else do you want to accomplish before you leave Duke?
Before I leave Duke, I want to relax and enjoy this time in my life. While I do not regret it, most of my Duke career can be characterized as a perpetual race—racing to meetings, racing to class, racing to someone’s aid, racing to meet deadlines, and trying to keep up with a racing mind! Now, as I approach the finish line, I think I owe it to myself to breathe and allow myself to proudly say, “I’ve done what I could, and I’ve done it well”.
What advice would you offer Her Campus readers about making the most of their Duke experience?
Your ability to strike a balance in all that you do is essential for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. This is incredibly important, don’t let anyone tell you any different.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Duke chapter.