In the midst of a pandemic, many of us (including myself) have had a hard time coping with the consequences and yearned for some words of the wiser. Our world seemed to turn upside down so suddenly, and we weren’t ready for such a frightening change. I had the opportunity to FaceTime a 74-year-old senior and interview him to inquire about his perspective and learn from his life story. I first...

Author’s Note: Throughout my life, I have witnessed hatred among many groups of people. Whether these biases are based off of race, gender, sexuality, or religion, I’ve noticed that humans have a tendency to stereotype those around them. When I was growing up in India, people limited the opportunities of women because of societal expectations and preconceived notions. My grandmothers never received...

“Matthias.” A man flicked at his match irritatedly. “What?” “Give me a light.” “You still have your pipe?” “Does it bother you?” The man settled deeper into his layer of fur coating. The neck of the match snapped, and he reached into the matchbox to draw another. Thick brown gloves adorned his fingers, so that he fumbled to grasp at the slender sticks. “No.” The...

If you try to divide by zero, it will split like broken glass. It will shatter in shards, And leave behind it a void. It envelops your eraser shavings, Your broken lead, The blood from your paper cuts, All your sins and vices And the numeral above.   If Johnny cuts a pie into zero pieces, he is never seen again. His house disappears from the street His name...

Prompt: If you are applying to the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences as a first-year applicant, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something particular about Duke that attracts you? (250)   Essay: When I stepped onto the Duke campus, I was enthralled by the combination of expansive nature and Gothic architecture; above all, I could feel the school spirit...

Prompt: What is an urgent global challenge or social justice topic about which you are passionate? What solutions or outcomes do you hope to see? (max 650) Essay: After hearing a heart-aching narrative about neighbors so close to me suffering from the deteriorating impact of Alzheimer’s, I felt the impact as if she were my family. A couple, who once were my babysitters, and now neighbors,...