Over 150 students attended a tech-free weekend in Black Mountain with faculty from Transformative Ideas. The retreat offers students in TI courses the opportunity to connect with the faculty and fellow students outside of the classroom and take a break from their busy academic schedules. It has become a valuable part of the program that students anticipate.
“This retreat was truly a highlight of my Duke experience. There are many reasons for this, but a primary one is that in my life I was “looking for a sign.” I was looking for a sign that I would find a degree of inspiration and curiosity I had once felt before, that I could meet new people, and that I could really grow in a meaningful way. I was waiting for that one conversation that I could look back on as a turning point in my intellectual and social life.
I feel like these signs came over and over again. It was talking with Professor Hartemink on the bus there, who explained computing with such excitement and inclusivity that he reignited my belief that studying CS and philosophy is possible (and worth it). It was the late night conversations with completely new friends that seemed to reach conclusions I always needed, and uncover advice I always wanted. It was the chance to think about nothing but tossing a football with some friends and Professor Atkins, so that when I returned home to Duke, I could view everything refreshed and anew. It was a new wave of confidence in my ability to make friends and present myself insightfully. It was just what I needed!”
"This trip made me realize I would rather live in Plato’s “healthy” city instead of the “feverish” one. Not having to perform, to achieve – being allowed to feel a sense of peace, and contentment with what I am. The trip made me realize that I want to live my life this way."
“I was on the Transformative Ideas Retreat this weekend and I just wanted to say how incredible that trip was. I haven't felt that happy in a really long time and I needed that retreat more than I think I even knew myself. Being able to be a kid again and just play was one of the most amazing feelings. I also made a lot of new friends and even have dinner plans this Wednesday with two people in my cabin that I hadn't spoken to before the retreat. The true highlight was when we were sitting by the campfire singing songs together. I was so present and so in the moment. I wasn't thinking about school or the assignments I had to do. I was fully in the moment and just enjoying life. I just wanted to take the time to write this email to say thank you and I know a lot of other students feel the same way I do.”
