Trinity in Four Acts: Drew Smith

As their first year at Duke winds down, we’re checking in with our Trinity undergrads to see how they navigated the challenges of campus life, coursework and newfound independence. Four common themes emerged across their individual experiences — balance, adjustment, connections and growth — shaping a year defined by new beginnings and meaningful discoveries.

Beginnings and Discoveries: Spring Semester

May 19, 2025

“Exploration and wellness, it’s been a reoccurring theme for me.”

Drew Smith’s first-semester nerves are long gone, replaced by a quiet confidence now that he’s found his rhythm and “a great group of friends.” 

Inching toward an Economics major, he’s keeping an open mind and exploring a few more Political Science courses before making a decision, while continuing to make the most of Trinity’s diverse academic offerings. His Intro to Stats class “was so much fun,” and Marine Megafauna, which he took with some of his friends, broadened his views on the natural world in ways he didn’t expect. 

“I'm from the West Coast and grew up very familiar with orcas,” he shares, “but learning about the big marine life that exists on the East Coast gave me a totally different perspective and appreciation.” 

Smith’s new outlook also extended beyond his coursework. Acknowledging that he grew up in an insular-ish community in Oregon, Smith is excited to be part of the larger Duke community. “I’m constantly meeting people from so many backgrounds and parts of the world,” he shares. “As my peers continue to share their stories and experiences, I’m appreciative of the different perspectives that coexist on campus.”

He's the first to admit that in the fall, he had some serious tunnel vision and put too much of a priority on tests and grades to the point of missing out on much of the social side of college. “I kind of overcompensated by locking myself in my room and studying,” he recalls. “This semester, I focused on understanding my subjects rather than setting unhealthy expectations of perfect grades — and I learned so much more.” Smith also credits his friends with encouraging him to branch out of his comfort zone and find a healthy life balance. 

And while he still misses his family and friends back home, Smith has built a supportive community here. “I have two different spheres in my life, my hometown and Duke,” he says, “and I’ve really grown comfortable in this one as I’m learning how to balance my independence and responsibilities — but seeing my family during Parents Weekend was nice.” 

That sense of balance was recently shaken as Smith geared up for the start of Duke’s outdoor track season and his event, the javelin. A torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, connecting the humerus to the ulna, sidelined him from competition and led to surgery. “It’s a setback,” he says, “but setbacks make you stronger.” Rather than dwelling on the disappointment, Smith puts it all into perspective. “It’s a long rehab process, but I know I’m getting better every day,” he says. “It’s an evolution, and I know I’ll come out the other side a better athlete.”

With time to reflect on his first year at Duke, Smith encourages the incoming class to embrace new experiences, find a healthy balance between academics and social life and make the most of campus resources — whether it’s academic support or something more unexpected, like dog yoga at the Wellness Center.

And he definitely plans to follow his own advice when he returns to campus in August. 

“Exploration and wellness, it’s been a reoccurring theme for me.”