Congratulations on your admission to Duke! You’ve worked so hard to get here, and I couldn’t be prouder. I’m Victoria Pinedo, a Duke Class of 2022 alumna, and I remember exactly what it felt like to be in your shoes. You must be excited, nervous, and full of questions.
Senior Spring 2022 Graduation Weekend
My Blue Devil Days Experience
Blue Devil Days (BDD) was my first time stepping foot on campus. My dad and I drove 10 hours from Florida to Durham, unsure of what to expect. I still remember checking in and meeting an admissions officer who recognized my application essay—it felt surreal to be welcomed so personally.
First- Generation College Student on Full Financial Aid
As a first-generation college student, I was entering a world that felt completely new, not just for me, but for my entire family. In high school, I had taken community college classes, but I never thought about the reality of attending Duke University until I got accepted.
My dad, especially, had so many questions. He was skeptical, thinking there had to be a catch. At the parents’ panel, other families talked about tuition payments and dorm decorations—things that weren’t our reality.
He jotted down notes in the margins of his folder, uncertain if Duke’s financial support was real. But after meeting with the merit scholar’s office and seeing the resources available, he finally believed it.
By the time we left, he was overwhelmed but relieved, knowing I’d be fully supported at Duke. I’d earned this and we were not going to take this opportunity for granted.
Victoria and her father, Manuel, graduation weekend 2022.
Don't Miss Your Chance To Visit!
Blue Devil Days isn’t just about seeing campus, it’s also about experiencing Duke’s incredible community and getting answers to your most important questions. You’ll get a taste of student life, eat in the first-year dining hall, and connect with the DukeLIFE staff who are here to support you.
Encourage your parents to go to the DukeLIFE parents lunch, specifically for parents of first-generation college students. They can ask questions specific to their students’ needs.
I’ll be at check-in at the Bryan Center and the DukeLIFE meet and greet—bring your parents, family or friends, ask me anything, and let’s chat about what it’s really like to be a Duke student.
Looking forward to meeting you!
Sincerely,
Victoria