Rannuo(Dora) Du
What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
The biggest change I’ve experienced is becoming more confident and self-assured. As a first-year, I often felt like an average student in academics, social settings, and extracurriculars. Over the past four years, through Wake’s classes, supportive professors, leadership roles in student organizations, and my job at Benson University Center, I’ve learned to recognize my strengths, communicate effectively, and plan my days and future with purpose.
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
The relationships I’ve built in the Wake Forest community have been the most meaningful. Whether it’s greeting a professor I had a few semesters ago or catching up with a staff member I worked with, the fact that they remember me always touches my heart. I’ve lost count of how many professors and staff members have offered advice, encouragement, and help over the years. These connections are a big reason why Wake Forest will always feel like home.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
One of my favorite classes was REL 101 – Introduction to Religion. I’m grateful for Wake’s division requirements, which encouraged me to explore new fields outside my major. This class opened my eyes to different cultures and perspectives through the lens of religion. I learned how religion shapes societies, values, and even art. It was a fascinating and thought-provoking experience that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
Joining the School of Business was incredibly rewarding. The advisors, career coaches, and resources like the MRE team played a crucial role in helping me choose my major, refine my skills, and secure my junior-year internship. The habits I developed—like effective email writing, networking, teamwork, and goal setting—helped me excel in my internship and earn recognition from my mentor and manager.
Imagine you return to campus for your 10-year reunion. What do you hope will remain the same? What do you hope will be different?
I hope the small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio remain the same. These are what drew me to Wake Forest and have made my time here so valuable. The personal attention and opportunities I’ve received have been unmatched. As for changes, I’d love to see Benson University Center’s food court expand with more restaurant options to give students a greater variety.
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
Don’t limit yourself by staying in an information bubble. Read emails, attend events and workshops hosted by different offices and organizations (like OPCD, the Intercultural Center, or the OCCE), and have casual conversations with friends and upperclassmen—not just about academics or career plans, but life in general. The more you know, the better you can take advantage of all the amazing resources Wake offers. You’ll learn about everything from free flu shots to opportunities like joining the Honor Council or Dean’s Advisory Panel.