This image shows ACE participant Connor Krug shark diving on a previous vacation!
When I stumbled upon the 2022 ACE programs while looking through my email over Christmas break, I knew this was an opportunity that would be worth pursuing. I have had plenty of service experience prior to this, so I was aware of how impactful it could be. However, participating in ACE would offer me the chance to collaborate with my peers on a topic I am extremely passionate about:sharks.
Over the course of the program, my student-athlete partners and I worked closely with Shark Guardian on a campaign against South African Airways to stop the transportation of shark fins on airlines. Working together with Isabella (Stanford Women’s Gymnastics) and Taylor (Stanford Women’s Swimming) in collaboration with Shark Guardian proved invaluable as an experience.
ACE offers a chance exclusively to us, student-athletes, to branch out and experience something greater than any classroom can provide.
– Connor Krug, Duke Men’s Tennis
Together, we experienced working ‘under a boss’ and meeting each deadline with quality work. Knowing the work we were doing would have a real impact on society proved extremely motivating to us as a group. Participating in ACE In Place Thailand also allowed me to implement many of the skills I have learned throughout my first year at Duke into a real-life project.
I am also extremely grateful for Mu, our Thai cultural guide, and all his efforts to immerse us in Thai culture. It is always a humbling and eye-opening experience to diversify and appreciate new cultures. At the end of the day, life is simply an accumulation of experiences. Participating in ACE this summer is certainly an experience that I will value and look back upon for the rest of my life.
To any student-athlete considering the ACE program, I can guarantee pursuing this will be well worth your time. As student-athletes, we often have to miss out on many other opportunities due to our love and passion for our sport. ACE offers a chance exclusively to us, student-athletes, to branch out and experience something greater than any classroom can provide.