Trinity in Four Acts: Daniella Freedman
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
“I’m proud of the mindset I had this year — even if I didn't accomplish everything I set out to.”
Looking back, Daniella Freedman’s first year at Duke feels like a blur — despite how slowly it unfolded in real time. “In the fall, everything was a new experience for me,” she explains. “There were quick turnarounds and adjustments, but as I met people, established my habits and got into the academic swing of things, life became more stable in the spring.”
One adjustment came when registering for spring classes. Dealing with pneumonia and trying to snag courses early in the morning, her pre-planned schedule didn’t work out, forcing her to choose classes on the fly. In hindsight, Freedman knows it worked out for the best. “I think my original schedule would have been too stressful because I tried to pack a lot of things into spring. But no matter what classes I have, everything in the first year fulfills a requirement.”
Still an English major, leaning more toward journalism, she continued her healthy, holistic approach to her classes. She confides that shifting her focus from chasing the highest grade to understanding the coursework sparked a deeper curiosity. “I find myself wanting to learn more about a subject rather than just what I need for the test.”
Speaking of tests, what grade would the now rising sophomore give herself for her first year at Duke? “A solid 98 because while there’s always room for improvement, I’m proud of the mindset I had this year — even if I didn't accomplish everything I set out to.”
Outside of academics, Freedman’s favorite part of Duke life has been the school spirit surrounding March Madness and men’s basketball in general. “I tried to go to as many games as possible and think I ended up at six or seven games, which I’m pretty happy about.”
And Duke still holds that sense of comfortable curiosity, where she feels like she’s known everyone on campus her whole life yet is constantly meeting new people. She rushed Kappa Alpha Theta and has built a stable group of friends, including her roommate. “She’s definitely my best friend here, and we’re rooming again next year.”
Despite the first-year blur, Freedman holds two favorite memories. In the fall, it was the Duke-UNC football game, where fans rushed the field after the game. “When I decided to apply for early decision to Duke, it was when Duke rushed the field after defeating Clemson,” she shares. “This fall felt like a full-circle moment, very cinematic.”
The second was the snowstorm immediately after winter break when students congregated outside to throw snowballs and make snow angels. “That wholesomeness is another thing I really appreciate about this school,” Freedman shares. “We can be serious students focused on our majors, but we can also let loose and enjoy simple things, like throwing snowballs.”
As she prepares for another summer as a camp counselor, Freedman is emphatic when asked what advice she has for the incoming Class of 2029: Let go of expectations.
“When I was preparing for Duke, everyone told me I was going to have this very stressful experience navigating classes, making friends and just settling in. While part of me understandably expected that stress, I decided to come here with an open mind and not assume the worst — and honestly, that made my whole experience feel a lot more manageable.”
And how is she faring with her quest to become the Duke Blue Devil?
“I’m definitely still working on it.”
Daniella, her roommate and her dogs Loki and Bibble (in pillow form)
Outside of academics, Daniella’s (left) favorite part of Duke life has been the school spirit surrounding men’s basketball.
Daniella (blue wig) and her crew getting ready for Duke basketball.
Daniella (third from left) and her friends on campus celebrating Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors.
Duke still holds that sense of comfortable curiosity, where Daniella feels like she’s known everyone on campus her whole life yet is constantly meeting new people.
Daniella (second from left) and her Kappa Alpha Theta sisters.
Beginnings and Discoveries: Fall Semester
December 17, 2024
“I watched a video of an alumna who had been the Blue Devil, and she made me see college as less of a scary part of growing up and more of a place where I can still explore parts of being a kid while maturing as a person.”
Daniella Freedman readily admits she wasn’t excited about the whole college process. Between the campus visits and researching options, it felt more like a burden made more difficult by not finding schools that met all her expectations.
“Then we visited Duke, and it was the first time that my parents and I both felt like this was the place where I could really grow,” she shares. “Not too big that I can’t run into a familiar face, but not too small that I can’t meet new people. That’s something I wasn't seeing at the other liberal arts schools I looked at.”
For her first semester, the English major is focused on taking “the most random classes possible,” including a seminar on German supernatural characters and a half-credit course analyzing Taylor Swift songs. And she set a goal to not worry as much about achieving perfect grades and, instead, focus more on the learning experiences.
“During my campus visit, I watched a video of an alumna who had been the Blue Devil, and she had this childlike excitement when describing it.” Freedman shares. “She made me see college as less of a scary part of growing up and more of a place where I can still explore parts of being a kid while maturing as a person.”
Along with coursework, Freedman is working on finding the student clubs that are a good fit and creating a solid group of friends.
“And I want to find a way to be the Blue Devil, so I’m putting that out there.”
