Esi Waters, T'09

Though both of my parents are from Ghana, I was born here in Durham while my Dad was in Business School. When I was two, we moved to South Carolina and later to Maryland where I currently live. I went to Poolesville High School and was in the Global Ecology Studies Magnet Program while there. While in High School, I participated in a variety of activities. I was active in community service while being the president of the National Honors Society, and annually participating in the Walk for the Homeless Walk-a-thon in Washington D.C. I love sports, and participated in Volleyball, Varsity Swimming, Varsity Track and the Pom (Dance) Squad. I also enjoyed writing for the school newspaper while staying active in student government as Vice President of my sophomore class.

At Duke I have tried to continue to stay involved. I am an Environmental Sciences major with a focus on Environmental Sociology and Anthropology and a Cultural Anthropology minor.  Two summers ago I had a chance to go back to Ghana and there I discovered my interest in community based ecotourism sites. Hopefully after graduation I will be able to return to Ghana and do research on that. Last year, I spent a semester at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC. While there I got the opportunity to go to Singapore and Malaysia, as well as a sailing trip in the Florida Keys for a week. At the Marine Lab, my studies focused on environmental conservation and sustainable development.

On campus I am a part of Campus Crusade for Christ, The Inferno (Booster Club) Executive Board, Office of Undergraduate Scholars and Fellows Advisory Board, and Students to Unite Duke. I am also a Resident Assistant, which I love. I enjoy watching movies, meeting and learning about new people, traveling and hanging out with my friends.

My passions include learning more about Christ, politics, environmental education, and my family. Being a "Reggie" made my transition to campus easier freshman year, because I was surrounded by a great support system. The students and faculty I have met through the program have served as a great resource to me during my time here.