My Story
Journey To Duke
Hey everyone! My name is DonoVaughn Tulloch and I’m from a town called Commack in Long Island, New York. Throughout my childhood education, I attended a predominantly white public school district where I was one of the few Black students. As a young child, I always knew that I was different than the people who surrounded me, but I never actually took the time to acknowledge it. However, as I grew older, I began noticing main news headlines with similar lines: “A black man involved in a robbery,” “A black man shot after resisting arrest,” “A black man being violent.” These headlines worried and inspired me at the same time. On one hand, I did not want to be stereotyped into the same disreputable category of individuals the prejudiced media portrayed. However, on the other hand, these headlines fueled my desire to build my own path. I didn’t want to be defined by those critics; I wanted to be perceived in the positive way that I saw myself.
Instead of taking away from people, I was determined to become a person who gave back to others, whether that meant spending time to help my friends through challenging homework problems or volunteering at a community event. Instead of surrendering, I established myself as a leader who pursued more prominent roles to engage with others on multiple levels. Instead of being an aggressor, I made sure that everyone felt comfortable to be around me.
These sentiments motivated me to seek out a college that embodied diversity, boundless knowledge, and everlasting unity. After attending Duke University’s Black Student Alliance Invitational (BSAI), I knew that Duke was the best choice for me. During BSAI, every student I interacted with were welcoming, compassionate, and passionate about the work that they have accomplished at Duke thus far. I knew that when I decided to attend Duke, I would be surrounded by a community of peers who would encourage me to be my best self while receiving an elite education.
Hey everyone! My name is DonoVaughn Tulloch and I’m from a town called Commack in Long Island, New York. Throughout my childhood education, I attended a predominantly white public school district where I was one of the few Black students. As a young child, I always knew that I was different than the people who surrounded me, but I never actually took the time to acknowledge it. However, as I grew older, I began noticing main news headlines with similar lines: “A black man involved in a robbery,” “A black man shot after resisting arrest,” “A black man being violent.” These headlines worried and inspired me at the same time. On one hand, I did not want to be stereotyped into the same disreputable category of individuals the prejudiced media portrayed. However, on the other hand, these headlines fueled my desire to build my own path. I didn’t want to be defined by those critics; I wanted to be perceived in the positive way that I saw myself.
Instead of taking away from people, I was determined to become a person who gave back to others, whether that meant spending time to help my friends through challenging homework problems or volunteering at a community event. Instead of surrendering, I established myself as a leader who pursued more prominent roles to engage with others on multiple levels. Instead of being an aggressor, I made sure that everyone felt comfortable to be around me.
These sentiments motivated me to seek out a college that embodied diversity, boundless knowledge, and everlasting unity. After attending Duke University’s Black Student Alliance Invitational (BSAI), I knew that Duke was the best choice for me. During BSAI, every student I interacted with were welcoming, compassionate, and passionate about the work that they have accomplished at Duke thus far. I knew that when I decided to attend Duke, I would be surrounded by a community of peers who would encourage me to be my best self while receiving an elite education.
My Studies At Duke
When I enrolled at Duke, I decided that I would follow the pre-med track with ambitions to attend medical school one day. However, after taking a few of the required courses, I realized that being pre-med was not what I truly desired. While I remained interested in the healthcare field, I no longer wanted to become a physician. As a result, I began to explore different interests, which has led me to pursue a double major in Public Policy and Global Health with a certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. I believe that a duel degree in Public Policy and Global Health will provide me with the necessary skills to take part in policy advocacy for pressing public health issues concerning cost, quality, and equality. My interest in one day owning my own business centered around healthcare has led me to pair the Innovation & Entrepreneurship certificate alongside these two majors. I believe that learning concepts such as the human-centered design approach will be helpful in any career that I decide to follow.
When I enrolled at Duke, I decided that I would follow the pre-med track with ambitions to attend medical school one day. However, after taking a few of the required courses, I realized that being pre-med was not what I truly desired. While I remained interested in the healthcare field, I no longer wanted to become a physician. As a result, I began to explore different interests, which has led me to pursue a double major in Public Policy and Global Health with a certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. I believe that a duel degree in Public Policy and Global Health will provide me with the necessary skills to take part in policy advocacy for pressing public health issues concerning cost, quality, and equality. My interest in one day owning my own business centered around healthcare has led me to pair the Innovation & Entrepreneurship certificate alongside these two majors. I believe that learning concepts such as the human-centered design approach will be helpful in any career that I decide to follow.
Experience with Entrepreneurial Venture
During the summer of 2020, I consulted for Soapbox SA, a behavioral design agency located in Cape Town, South Africa. My time interning for Soapbox SA has allowed me to take part in both innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives. On the innovative side, my team and I developed a 360° Screening Tool to guide Soapbox SA through their transition to an e-learning platform. On the entrepreneurial side, I provided the company with recommendations to help improve and expand its School of Sustainable Development education program globally – which strives to teach young children about the importance of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
During the summer of 2020, I consulted for Soapbox SA, a behavioral design agency located in Cape Town, South Africa. My time interning for Soapbox SA has allowed me to take part in both innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives. On the innovative side, my team and I developed a 360° Screening Tool to guide Soapbox SA through their transition to an e-learning platform. On the entrepreneurial side, I provided the company with recommendations to help improve and expand its School of Sustainable Development education program globally – which strives to teach young children about the importance of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Learn More About Me
In my free time, I enjoy taking photos of nature, architecture, and landscape scenes. Since this is an aspect of my life that most people don’t know about me, I decided to upload some of my photos to a gallery in efforts to share my love of photography with others.
In every community that I have become a member of, I have strived to create a positive social impact through the extracurricular activities and volunteer work I have been involved in. Ever since I was little, my parents have always reiterated to me that I must treat people the way that I want to be treated. As a result, I have made sure to use this golden rule throughout my life. I hope to continue to share my desire to enhance the lives of others throughout my future endeavors and eventually with the world.
In my free time, I enjoy taking photos of nature, architecture, and landscape scenes. Since this is an aspect of my life that most people don’t know about me, I decided to upload some of my photos to a gallery in efforts to share my love of photography with others.
In every community that I have become a member of, I have strived to create a positive social impact through the extracurricular activities and volunteer work I have been involved in. Ever since I was little, my parents have always reiterated to me that I must treat people the way that I want to be treated. As a result, I have made sure to use this golden rule throughout my life. I hope to continue to share my desire to enhance the lives of others throughout my future endeavors and eventually with the world.