Notes From the Class of 2025: Take a Chance and Say "Yes"

Jaeden Toy is a graduating senior with majors in Computer Science and Russian and a minor in Linguistics. He has served as a Trinity Ambassador for Computer Science. Trinity Ambassadors are student volunteers, nominated by their departments, to serve in this unique and important role.

We asked a few of the ambassadors from the Class of 2025 to share their favorite memories from Duke. The below interview has been slightly edited for clarity.

What was one of the most impactful classes you took during your time at Duke and why?

One of the most impactful classes I took at Duke was Computer Science 201: Data Structures and Algorithms. It was a great introduction to the CS curriculum and cemented my desire to pursue it as my primary major here at Duke. Moreover, I had the amazing opportunity to serve as an undergraduate teaching assistant for the class for five semesters, which really allowed me to pursue my love of teaching others.

What was the most important thing you’ve learned at Duke?

I would say that the most important thing I’ve learned at Duke is to not take everything so seriously and say “yes” more often. I’ve had the opportunity to do some super fun things here at Duke just because I decided to take a chance and say “yes” (tenting three times for the UNC game, a musical with Hoof n’ Horn, dancing and MC’ing on stage). Going to college means the chance to do things that you may never have had the chance to and may never again have the chance to do, and Duke is certainly no exception.

Who was one of your favorite professors and what was special about them?

One of my favorite professors was Joe Rabinoff from the Math department. I took Math 218: Matrices and Vector Spaces with him, and the passion that he had for the subject was so visible in every one of my encounters with him.