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We wanted to share this handwritten note that our counselor, Pam Gentry, recently received in the mail from one of her students. Nathan was accepted to many highly selective universities. He ultimately chose Duke where he was awarded the prestigious Robertson Scholars merit scholarship which provides a full four-year ride (tuition, room and board) to its recipients. Only 25 students are selected each year. In his letter, Nathan thanks Pam for the incredible support he received, not only in the college application process but also in his self discovery process. Here’s an excerpt of that letter:
Great College Advice Testimonial
Dear Ms. Pam,
I want to formally thank you for our amazing journey over the last four years. It feels like just yesterday that I started working with you, stressed and bewildered at the idea of tackling my high school life. I felt our relationship immediately clicked, not because you always told me what I wanted to hear, but because you knew (whether I was ready for the journey or not) that things would turn out okay. In the college applications game that’s inherently defined by uncertainty, there’s probably nothing a family or student wants to hear more. You helped me prioritize my wellbeing over material achievements, and that reframed my outlook on my life’s ambitions beyond just college admissions.
I think what made our time uniquely special was not only the advice you provided but also how you communicated with me as a growing student. One of my Robertson friends mentioned a quote by a philosopher named Charles Taylor: “The genesis of the human mind is dialogical.” I think kids (and even adults) are very susceptible to their daily interactions with others, and I certainly was impressionable from fourteen to now. The conversations we had, from gerrymandering to skiing, made me feel seen during a time when I felt alone, and helped me develop a sense of self over the years. And how do we define ourselves if not through conversation with the people we care about?
Speaking of dialogue, the application season in particular helped me find my internal voice. I know college essays can often be viewed as superficial and pretentious, but I’m incredibly proud and fulfilled to feel like we poured into those papers what was simply and genuinely me. Although people claim they subconsciously know themselves, I think deliberately transferring those ideas onto a page is a uniquely beneficial exercise that even adults should do. Maybe it was just because we worked on the phrasing so much, but reading my essays made me fall in love with the identity I described, and there was nothing more rewarding than meeting like-minded peers at college visits who were unapologetically themselves….
Thank you for believing in me and filling my world with hope.
Sincerely,
Nathan
About the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program invests in students who are committed to leading with purpose and contributing meaningfully to their communities. Scholars are selected for their demonstrated leadership and their capacity to think critically, act with integrity, and build connections across difference.
In addition to full tuition, room, and board, Robertson Scholars have access to the academic and co-curricular opportunities at both Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Scholars take courses across campuses, often pursuing cross campus majors, minors, and certificates, spend a semester in residence at the partner institution, and engage in leadership opportunities at both universities. This unique partnership creates a dynamic undergraduate experience that bridges two world-class institutions.
Throughout their time as undergraduates, Scholars participate in leadership development experiences designed to cultivate curiosity, reflection, and a commitment to transforming the communities they are a part of. They also benefit from up to three fully funded summer experiences and additional grants that support self-directed learning, exploration, and leadership growth. After graduation, Robertsons remain active members of a vibrant alumni community committed to growing their leadership and impact.
Founded in 2000 through the vision and generosity of the late Julian Robertson, a 1955 graduate of UNC, and his wife, Josie, the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program was created to bring together the distinct strengths of Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Inspired by their sons’ experiences at each institution, the Robertsons believed that the combination of both universities would offer students an unparalleled educational experience. The first class of Robertson Scholars matriculated in 2001.
Source: The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
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Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.
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