Nicole Bonna
I'm a senior majoring in Public Policy and Cultural Anthropology! On any given day you can find me in Cameron, exploring Durham, spending too many food points at the Nasher, or living in denial about how close graduation is.
L's Taken
1
"Thank you for applying but..."
Numerous clubs at Duke, internships, and jobs. Their loss!
6
Things I thought I'd finish but never did
My thesis! Turns out NOT finishing was the best decision I could've made for myself.
The global health minor
A free online python class
A clay project at the Arts Annex that I forgot about (rip)
Several "intellectual" books I could never get into
Squid Game
3
Everyday L's of life
Googling a little too much about Excel for someone who is "proficient"
Probably don't drink enough water
Procrastinating on washing dishes
On the Bright Side
7
Memories I made when I wasn't working/studying
Missing almost the entire month of March to travel with the Duke Band to all the Men's Basketball Team's NCAA Tournament games
Weekday drinks at the Nasher with friends
Trying and failing to make pizza in a wood-fire oven
Spontaneous ice cream trips to Pincho Loco and Mapleview
Watching Duke Basketball's 23-point comeback in the Alspaugh Common Room instead of studying for my Econ exam the next day
Impromptu Taylor Swift listening parties
Phoebe Bridgers concert in Raleigh right before a big project was due
6
Things I've learned that will still matter in 10 years
It ALWAYS pays to ask!
No one is paying as much attention to you as you think
Keep doing things you enjoy even if you're not good at them
It's okay to say no to things
Mental health is as important as physical health
Get sleep!
4
TV shows, movies, and books I've enjoyed
Survivor
New Girl
Booksmart
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
6
Things I'm proud of that you won't see on my resume
Less nervous now about trying new things
Worrying less about the little things
Exercising more regularly
Being voted "Biggest Women's Basketball Fan" in Band a few years ago
Gradually learning to communicate with my host family while studying abroad
My personal growth and journey over the last couple years
4
Things I want to get better at
Making decisions
Being more confident
Procrastinating less
Cooking!
3
Things I'm looking forward to in the future
Traveling to new places
Meeting new friends
Being obnoxious about Duke Basketball forever and ever (plus Duke's 6th National Championship!)
8
Small joys in my life
Getting on the jumbotron in Cameron
Seeing the Puppy Kindergarten puppies out and about
Particularly engaging class discussions
Playing tennis and pickleball (badly) with friends
My morning coffee
When Nugget wags her tail once she sees you
Keeping in touch with professors who have made a difference in my life
When the C1 pulls up right when you need it
Obstacles I have overcome
3
Things I've done that pushed me out of my comfort zone
Asking for help when I need it... in academics and my personal life
Being open with my identity as a queer woman
Studying abroad!
3
Failures that seemed like the end of the world back then but don't matter in hindsight
Deciding to stop writing my thesis after a semester
Completely forgetting to submit a big assignment during freshman spring... The professor ended up accepting it anyway. Remember, professors are people too <3
Getting X grade on Y exam in Z class... took me multiple times to realize it wasn't as big of a deal as I thought
Ways I take care of myself
3
Unconventional skills
Shockingly good at whistling
Can stress write a paper incredibly fast
Expert google form maker