Duke TIP- A gifted educational program based at Duke University. To all the tipsters, it is most commonly known as home. To you all, this is my official farewell. I know it’s kind of late, as I went to term 1, but it needs to be said.
When I got that letter in the mail telling me I could go to the Academy sites, I was stoked. Immediately, I knew I wanted to go. I couldn’t go the first year. The second year, I went. I was dealing with some personal issues at the time, so I chose to leave early. It was the worst decision of my life. As soon as I got in my mom’s car in the parking lot, I knew what I left behind. It wasn’t just a summer camp, or a nerd camp. Everyone there, even the ones I didn’t know, had become family. I started counting down the days for when I could go back. Sadly, I got wait listed my third year. But this passed term has been the absolute best three weeks of my entire life. I’m not even kidding. I went in that first day not knowing what the hell I had gotten myself into. I knew no one and no one knew me. I was terrified that it would be a repeat of the last time I went. It was no where near close. The friendships that were made are worth more than the $4,000 that it cost to get there. I’ve never experienced such a place where learning isn’t just a chore, but something everyone there wanted to do. Being yourself didn’t mean putting on a mask and being the part that everyone else wanted to see. I heard someone say that they couldn’t be gay and be accepted back home. But at TIP, being gay is totally fine. No one cared if you were a Christian or an Atheist, if you had dark skin or the palest skin, you were always accepted. And at TIP was the first time I had experienced such a place where no one didn’t tolerate differences. Duke TIP means so much more to me than what I can put into words. It has become synonymous with family. If you are a Tipster, you should go. I know that it might be a financial burden on your family, it was on mine, but if there is a will, there is a way. My best advice to you is to experience everything TIP has to offer. If you are a first year fourth year, or a fourth year fourth year, make the most out of it. Kiss someone, take advantage of your fourth year privilege. Sneak into people’s rooms. Have fun. It’s not just a learning camp, but a place to have fun. Yes, there are rules to follow, but still, have fun. Have the best three weeks of your life. Trust me, you will want to go back. So while you are there, make the most of it. And if you need to talk, message me. I’m always here. If you have questions, I will do my best to answer. If you need advice, feel free to come to me. But to every single TIPster out there, thank you for making TIP become family. You are truly the best people I have met. See ya’ll around:)