On Saturday at halftime during the Vanderbilt/Georgia football game, Fabiani Duarte was announced as the 2009 Outstanding Senior. The student body had 20 seniors from whom to chose in a vote earlier in the month. Assistant News Editor Laura Dolbow got to talk to Duarte later about his accomplishments at Vanderbilt, his plans for the future and his sword collection.
Hometown: Huntsville, Ala.
Major: Global communication and politics (a mix of political science, communication studies, Spanish, French and Italian)
Vanderbilt Hustler: What’s your favorite place in Nashville?
Fabiani Duarte: I really love to go to Cheekwood. It’s always beautiful and a nice place to retreat to the garden and pasture.
VH: What do you like to do in your free time?
FD: When I have free time, I love to go salsa dancing. I also really love singing. If there’s karaoke, I’ll do my best to be there. And I love to watch a good movie.
VH: What are your plans for after graduation?
FD: Right now I’m in the process of applying to law school to study international law. I also applied for the Rhodes and Marshall scholarships, which are diplomacy graduate programs. I want to be a diplomat one day, so I can be a bridge between people and cultures. I want to discover the world and promote diversity by highlighting our similarities.
VH: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?
FD: A boat, my iPhone and someone who has a good sense of humor
VH: What was your first job?
FD: Being an RA at Vandy. I have been an RA for three years and am currently a Head Resident at Chaffin.
VH: If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
FD: I’d have JFK, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. I would want to cook dinner with them, too. We could have a barbecue.
VH: What advice would you give students to make the most of their four years at Vanderbilt?
FD: I’d teach them the rule of the hand. One hand is for academics. On the other hand, each finger is for one extracurricular. If you do more than that, it’s too much. You’re overextending yourself. And remember, one entire hand is devoted to academics.
VH: Do you have any hidden hobbies?
FD: I’m a sword collector. I find swords majestic and elegant.
VH: Why did you decide to come to Vanderbilt?
FD: I wanted to come to a school where I knew if I didn’t go to graduate school that my degree would stand alone. During the admissions process, Vanderbilt was very enthusiastic and made college more accessible. Also, it’s the perfect distance away from home. A two-hour drive makes it easy for my parents to come up for big functions and for me to go home during breaks, but it’s far enough away to avoid surprise visits from my parents as well.
VH: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your time at Vanderbilt?
FD: Rich relationships. I love saying hello and meeting new people. However, at the end of my freshman year, I realized I knew a lot of people, but I didn’t know them deeply. For the past three years I’ve been working on having more meaningful relationships.
VH: Who are your heroes in life?
FD: My parents. They came to this country from Colombia with no English. They were professionals, but they had to re-do their degrees. With faith and optimism, today they have three masters’ degrees and a doctorate. My dad is a NASA engineer, and my mom is a retired professor. Their example is a legacy that inspires me to work harder and expect the best.
VH: Of what accomplishment are you most proud?
FD: The campaign I ran for VSG (Vanderbilt Student Government) president last semester. It was perhaps the most incredible two months I’ve spent at Vandy. We started a real grassroots movement with the first ever campaign rally and first YouTube video. It highlighted the fact that we wanted to create a united Vandy where everyone is partners. Even though I lost, it was a major accomplishment to me for three main reasons. One, it affirmed that this is what I want to dedicate my life to. Two, it solidified my belief in the idea that student government makes a difference. Wyatt (Smith) really reached out and appointed me to his cabinet. From cheaper textbooks to the reverse Vandy Van route and expanded wireless, all ideas from both of our platforms are being discussed and enacted. Third, it showed me how incredible the student body is because they too want to create a better home for us and care about leadership. We had a huge turnout rate that more than doubled all past elections, showing that the students really care.
VH: What’s your favorite restaurant on the Commodore Card?
FD: Qdoba. I love those naked burritos.
VH: Where do you like to study on campus?
FD: I love to study in my secret cave in Sarratt that people don’t know exists.
