My last year at Duke University has arrived, and it’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed. After four years, I still pinch myself that I am so blessed to attend this institution. In May I will graduate with a degree in Neuroscience, a minor in Psychology, and a certificate in Child Policy Research. This fall, my primary focus was my senior thesis: "Generation of Nuclear-Localized Rabies Virus for Dissection of Adult Cortical Circuits.” This project reflects my passion for neuroscience and my dedication to learning the intricate neural circuits and will allow me to graduate with distinction. I am still actively involved in the ‘Sense to Know’ study at Duke's Center for Autism and Brain Development. This study works toward developing new ways to assess child development, using a screening app. I am proud to be part of this cutting-edge project, and my involvement has not only been a passion, but has also significantly influenced and clarified my career direction. College is not just about academics- I am still dancing as well. I am the Co-President of Duke’s premier multicultural dance group "Defining Movement.” Taking on this leadership role has been demanding, but is providing valuable opportunities for growth and enhancing my ability to navigate complex organizational responsibilities. On Fridays, I volunteer as a tutor for “America Reads, America Counts” which is always a highlight of my week. I have also always wanted to be a Duke tour guide, so this year I finally was able to add that to my list. I’m trying to squeeze in as much as I can in my last year at Duke, and I’m still incredibly grateful for the continuous support of MVYouth. While the prospect of graduating is a recognition I have always dreamed of, the true fulfillment is in the profound experiences and personal growth I have gained throughout this journey.
Imani Hall - Duke University
Martha’s Vineyard is my home, and Duke University is my home away from home. I had the pleasure this semester of getting to call a third place home: Copenhagen, Denmark. This fall, I continued my studies in neuroscience at DIS Copenhagen, Danish Institute for Study Abroad.
I studied the cognitive neuroscience of consciousness, which was challenging but rewarding. With my lab group, we completed a research project on visual perceptual thresholds in visual masking, and sought to determine the effects of visual masking and stimuli type impact response time and accuracy on healthy individuals. We presented our poster and our findings for DIS students and faculty, which was very fulfilling after a semester of research and lab work.
Studying in Europe this semester has provided me with a learning far beyond academics. I made new lifelong friends from different universities, and grew to love a new city, despite its bone chilling temperatures in winter. I was also able to travel and see parts of Europe I had not seen before, such as Florence where my class had a week-long trip to continue studying neuroscience. All good things come to an end, but I am eager to return to campus in the new year and reunite with all my friends, continue with my studies of Neuroscience and Child Policy, work at the Center for Autism and Brain Development, and dance in Defining Movement, among other things.
While abroad I have reflected a lot on what the concept of home is. To me, home is where you feel loved, supported, and cared for. Thank you MVYouth for being part of what makes Martha’s Vineyard home to me, and your continuous support. I never take for granted the opportunities you are providing me, it inspires me daily to make the people at home proud!
Imani Hall- Duke University
My freshman year at Duke University was good, but my sophomore year so far has exceeded my expectations! Last year I was just grateful to be on campus and meet new people, even though all my classes were online and social activities were at a minimum. This year all of my classes - including dance - are in person. I have the best roommate, and I have been able to explore parts of campus that were closed last year due to Covid. Sports games are open to students and the public again as well, and I even danced in a sold out Cameron Stadium to open for the basketball team.
The courses and workload are definitely very rigorous, but there is not a subject I don’t love! What I love the most about Duke is that I am surrounded by smart, witty people who challenge, encourage and inspire me daily. With the abundance of opportunities and the little bit of spare time left, the hardest part is to narrow down where to focus my time and energy. I continue to work with the Center for Autism and Brain Development. I was also selected to be part of a team that works to decode neurofeedback and use that to mitigate racism. I expanded my role in clubs such as Best Buddies, Rotaract, and Duke Synapse. Dancing is my outlet. This year I get to dance at the Rubenstein Art Center, which is unlike any dance studio I have ever seen. With my dance group, Defining Movement, we are also back to performing in person again, which has brought us closer together and has made the experience all the more exciting.
So far, this year has proven to be more challenging, rewarding, exciting, and fulfilling than the year before. I still pinch myself that I am a student at such a renowned institution and I am humbled by the support of MVYouth to help pursue my dreams of one day working in the field of child development and behavior!
Imani Hall - Duke University →
As for virtually everyone this year, the theme of my 2020 has been all about readjusting my expectations and rolling with the punches. I was initially very disappointed that my first semester at college would be Zoom classes from my dorm room, but once I learned that many of my friends were not able to go to their campus at all, I completely shifted my perspective. Moving to Durham, North Carolina during COVID-19 has been one big adventure, and although it was nothing like what I expected, I had an incredible time. Despite the pandemic, I was able to experience plenty of “first college moments.” Almost all of my classes were on Zoom, but they were still interesting, challenging, and rewarding. Meeting people is harder without activities and with masks on, but I still made the most inspiring and amazing friends. I even auditioned for two dance clubs and was thrilled to get accepted into both! One of my dance groups’ mission is to explore and celebrate multi-cultures and I absolutely love meeting students from all over the world and learning about their culture through our shared love for dance. Clubs and volunteering opportunities were also moved online for the semester, but I was still able to make connections virtually. I joined Duke Synapse, an organization that works to bring students and faculty together to appreciate neuroscience, Dance Expressions, a club where in a normal year students volunteer and teach dance classes to the local community, and Duke’s chapter of the Rotaract club. I really look forward to getting more involved in the Durham community, where my school is located. It is easy to feel bummed about what we’re missing as freshmen, but what I learned the most this year is that you have to look at your blessings instead! I already feel extremely grateful for making it into Duke and for MVYouth making it possible, but during this year of hardship, I appreciate all the opportunities even more!