Jesse Huddleston, B.A. 2010

Senior Neighborhood Coordinator, Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership | Duke Office of Durham & Community Affairs – Durham, NC

2010 Major: Sociology; minor in Psychology; certificate in Human Development

How has being a Sociology graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"Studying Sociology at Duke allowed me to begin internalizing the idea that I'm not just a singular unit but also part of many, many larger wholes. This has untold personal and professional impacts, particularly when it comes to making decisions, thinking critically, and practicing empathy. Rather than only making casual observations about myself and others as individuals, my experiences on and off campus helped me to see how connected we all are, how the structures and cultures we share have incredible significance, sometimes more than we'd like to admit."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Sociology programs? 

"If the FLUNCH program still exists, use it every semester and get to know your professors! They are real people, and they can make a world of difference in your academic experience and in the years to come. Make the most of their office hours and other moments that they make available to you."

Huddleston