Suzie Choi is a graduating senior from Seoul, Korea studying International Comparative Studies with a Political Science minor and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate (I&E). On campus, Choi served as the Vice President of the Social Impact Committee at Business Oriented Women (BOW), as the Co-Vice President of Duke’s UNICEF-Durham Affairs Committee, as a I&E Student Fellow and as a flutist at the Duke Flute Studio.
Choi’s keen interest in locally led international development led her to a position as a Strategy Intern at Counterpart International, in Washington D.C., where she now works as an Independent Consultant. In this role, Choi researches and analyzes ways for the organization to incorporate locally led development into its programs, while being a competitive candidate to gain access to more foreign aids.
Choi explored her academic interests through her thesis, titled “Circulatory Progress: Anti-Belt and Road Initiative Indigenous Movements in Ecuador,” which analyzed how progress is made in finding alternatives to neoliberal, extractive and exclusive development projects.
In her free time, Choi enjoys cooking for her friends, rock climbing and solo traveling.
We reached out to Choi to ask for her reflections on her years as a Duke undergraduate student. This following interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
What is one of your fondest memories as an undergraduate student at Duke?
My fondest memory at Duke has to be DukeEngage in Detroit, in which I participated the summer after my sophomore year. I had a wonderful experience working with a local nonprofit and making connections between social impact and entrepreneurial mindset in my everyday work. But, most importantly, I enjoyed my time learning about the city and creating a community with my fellow cohort members! From daily cookouts to an unforgettable dash to see the Fourth of July fireworks at the top of a nearby parking garage, that summer was full of memories, friends and growth.
What’s an important lesson you’ve learned during your time as a Duke student?
Being a Duke student is not an easy task. Juggling through classes, assignments, extracurriculars, socializations and future opportunities — it’s easy for one to be overwhelmed at any moment. One thing I learned in these four years is that you shouldn’t give up on something you want to do because of some immediate midterms, or feel bad about not putting in your best effort because you don’t have enough time. Pursue everything. But try your best with your best capability now. Be satisfied and proud of yourself for accomplishing that task with a limited timeframe or capacity to be productive. Self-compassion is the key to perseverance — and, hopefully, eventual excellence.
Did collaboration play a role in your success at Duke?
Collaboration has always been an integral driver of my academic success and passion. One of the noteworthy examples of this is my participation in the Social Impact Committee at Business Oriented Women (BOW). Being a part of the largest student-led group on campus, I’ve been exposed to so many diverse environments, topics and people. These exposures have helped me gain interdisciplinary lenses and skillsets outside of my academic comfort zone. This process of collaboration was critical in specifying my passion and building my unique branding within the bigger umbrella of international development.
Does anyone from your undergraduate years stand out by the positive impact they made on your academic life?
I recall the stressful Zoom call during the semi-COVID sophomore year with Associate Professor of the Practice Adam Rosenblatt, who was the Director of Undergraduate Studies of ICS at that time. Coming in as a Political Science student — specifically interested in international development — I was lost on finding the “right” major before needing to declare in spring. On the call, Adam presented me with the opportunity to pursue “transregional concentration” within ICS. Although I didn’t immediately understand it, I slowly found myself amidst this unfamiliar path and realized how this was indeed the perfect major for me. Beyond this pivotal moment in my academic career, I would also like to thank Adam for his guidance through ICS 195 and throughout my senior year thesis journey, which has been so instrumental in shaping who I am now coming out of Duke. Thank you for being my academic therapist and “Yoda” for the past three years, Adam!
What is something that you love about Durham?
The surprisingly amazing food scene in this small town! Some of my favorites include ice cream sandwiches from Rose’s Noodles, Dumpling and Sweets; anjeer kofta from Viceroy; all donuts and sandwiches from Monuts; and churros and seasonal drinks from Cocoa Cinnamon. Scenes of nature from the Duke Forest and Gardens, as well as Eno Park, also provide moments of relaxation amidst the busy academic year.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will continue to work in international development at a foreign aid organization based in Washington D.C.. I hope to explore and contribute ways of achieving locally led, inclusive and sustainable development. After a few years of working in the field, I hope to gain more expertise in organizational management and social innovation by pursuing an M.B.A.
