Samantha Bernier Bermudez is a Trinity senior graduating in 2025 with a major in Mathematics and minors in Education and Cinematic Arts.
What is a favorite tradition or experience that makes Duke special to you?
One thing about Duke is their traditions. Whether it’s burning a bench after beating UNC at home or attending seniors-only midnight breakfast on east campus, Duke really tries its best to be one-of-a-kind (and I think it succeeds.)
Who is someone from your undergraduate years that has made a positive impact on your academic life?
This would have to be Kristen Gerondelis, who is currently Project Planner for the Duke Office of Research Initiatives but used to be the Teaching Coordinator for the Duke Math Department. Kristen first hired me as a T.A. for Calc 122 back in Fall of 2022 and, since then, I’ve gotten to do what I love every single week — help undergraduate students on math problems. Kristen has given me so many opportunities to grow and succeed within the math department, and the reason I was able to maintain my love for teaching, despite being in a high-achieving atmosphere like Duke, was because of this job. She also bought me Marketplace dinner once, and as a struggling R.A., I’m eternally grateful.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll have the privilege of teaching middle school math in the county I grew up in! I applied to Duke wanting to become a math teacher, and that’s exactly what I achieved.
What advice would you give to a first-year student just starting at Duke?
Do what you want to do, regardless of what people might think. There is a place for everyone here, so if you show up as your most authentic self, you will enjoy Duke. If there is a club or organization that seems cool, join it. You don’t have to be in it forever, but at least you’ll have experienced it. You don’t want to wake up as a senior feeling like you missed out on certain experiences or friendships.
Do what you want to do, regardless of what people might think. There is a place for everyone here, so if you show up as your most authentic self, you will enjoy Duke.
How have you grown personally or academically during your time at Duke?
I learned a lot about the kind of person I want to be and the kind of people I want to surround myself with. It can be really difficult to step away from people or things that you’ve become really attached to, and that’s definitely what I struggled with my freshman and sophomore year. Now as a senior, I feel a lot more confident and happy with myself. I’ve loved my time at Duke, but I’m ready for the next chapter.