Jamie Smarr, B.A. 1994

1994 Major: Religious Studies and Political Science

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

"My Religion Major helped me in the following ways: 1. Amazing writing, argument and synthesis skills. Many of the religion classes are comparative in nature. I can say without a doubt that the amounts and quality of readings and the need to be able to summarize large amounts of material, compare and contrast the concepts present in readings are skills I am using even present day. This particular requirement may be present in all Humanities majors, but I think it is particularly true for religious studies. 2. My religion major allowed me to experience religious thought, practice and texts from a variety of traditions. This has made me a more liberal and receptive person following graduation and the same remains true of me anyway, decades later. It is the purpose of college to expose one to traditions other than one's own, and the Religion major is especially good at allowing this process to take place."

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

"Take advantage of any and all comparative religion courses. The advent of the Internet and of social media makes it possible these days to only experience beliefs and communities of our choosing. This is a dangerous thing for democracy, but also for humanity, as we only learn by opening ourselves to the experiences of others. When we study religion, we learn what is important to communities around the globe and the principal ways many individuals choose to shape their lives with religious thought and practice. This is precious knowledge for your own personal development."