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Daniel Karlin

ACE in Vietnam: 2019
School
Duke University
Class
2021
Team
Football
Hometown
Providence, RI
Major(s)
Economics, finance concentration
Minor(s) / Certificate(s)
Classical studies
Profile View Daniel’s Student-Athlete profile on goduke.com

“I am not able to spend an entire semester abroad like many of my friends, but ACE gives me the chance to see the world and a culture completely different from my own, all while making a positive impact on the lives of others.”

Daniel Karlin’s past experience with service includes working in Durham schools for six hours a week as a tutor for America Reads/America Count and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity with his teammates, which included a weeklong service trip to Guatemala last summer.

ACE Ambassador Profile

man teaching two children at a desk

Daniel is a junior on the football team at Duke. He is from Providence, RI and is an Economics major. He participated in ACE in Vietnam in 2019 where he taught basketball, math, and life skills to 6th and 7th graders. Although this experience was a challenging one at times, it was his favorite experience at Duke and one he will remember for the rest of his life, as the lessons learned and friendships created will stay with him.

Want to hear more about Daniel’s ACE experience? Contact Daniel.

Dear Future #ACEathletes,

  • Best advice for learning about ACE: I would talk to people who have gone on each program and read about each program on the website. Info sessions are also great to help get a feel for the programs.
  • Best advice for getting started at your program: The first few days are a huge adjustment as you are still getting acclimated and learning about the kids and the culture. The days are also very long but as you go you naturally start building relationships, especially if you make a concerted effort to get to know all the kids. One of the ways I measured progress was how many of the kids’ names I learned.
  • Tips for getting to know your community: I think just coming with an open mind is the most important thing and thanking them for welcoming you as a guest. Everyone is very nice and welcoming and I learned a lot about positivity and going through life with a smile on your face.
  • Tips for training: It’s tough to find time to work out as you need to make a concerted effort. Getting others to work out with you is one way to make sure that you do.
  • Tips for bringing ACE back to your team: Aaron (my teammate who also went) and I have told numerous stories to them about our time and how much fun we had. It has made me more excited about service and giving back.
  • Reasons for staying involved in ACE: ACE was the best experience I have had at Duke and I want others to be able to have that same experience as me. I have made some lifelong friendships and got to see a part of the world that I otherwise would not have seen.