Notes From the Class of 2025: From FOCUS to Favorite Professor

Alex Wang is a graduating senior with majors in Political Science and Economics and a minor in Psychology. He has served as a Trinity Ambassador for Political Science. Trinity Ambassadors are student volunteers, nominated by their departments, to serve in this unique and important role.

We asked a few of the ambassadors from the Class of 2025 to share their favorite memories from Duke. The below interview has been slightly edited for clarity.

What was the most important thing you’ve learned at Duke?

The most important thing I've learned at Duke is to just attend things that are interesting and learn from them. Take advantage of all the resources and opportunities that Duke offers. I could probably spend 40 years at Duke and still not be able to go to all the talks and take all the classes I want to.

Who was one of your favorite professors and what was special about them?

One of my favorite professors at Duke is Jason Brent in the Economics department. I took four classes with him throughout my time at Duke, from a FOCUS class on economic models and Intro to Econometrics my first semester to Uses of Economics my sophomore spring to History of Economic Thought my senior fall. I really enjoyed how he facilitated great discussions in class and explained how economic concepts apply to our everyday lives.

What will you miss the most about Duke after graduation?

While I will miss everything about Duke, the one thing that I will miss the most is the people. I've made some of my best friends here, and while I will definitely keep in touch with them, it will be sad that we are all on diverging paths after Duke. I think the people are truly what makes Duke such a great place to go to college.