Albert McClure, M.A. 2010

2010 M.A., Religion

How has being a Religion graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"I learned rigor, dedication, and professionalism in academics on a higher level at Duke. I was taught new and better methods for scholarship. And I was challenged to become a better scholar and colleague. And, I was able to get a part time job working for another Duke alumni once I moved."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Religion programs? 

"I found success taking courses I was more familiar with my first year. One mistake I made was taking too many language classes my first semester. How many is too many is relative, but for me three (two of which were new languages) was too many. I was also fortunate to have an advisor who was helpful, so finding a faculty member who can give you candid and good advice, even if they are not in your exact field, is necessary. And, finally, I had two different communities of friends (one devotional and one academic) while at Duke. Having a place to grow non-academically while in Durham allowed me to have a robust experience outside the classroom and library. This was a key to my happiness while at Duke. I am still friends with many of classmates some 15 years later."