Cody Schmidt never imagined she’d find herself performing bass guitar solos, interviewing environmental activists in Colombia or preparing to pursue a master’s degree at Erasmus University Rotterdam—all because of a university acceptance email she opened one morning before a stroll with her mom. Yet that’s exactly how her life unfolded after saying “yes” to Duke Kunshan University, launching her on a journey of purpose, passion, and unexpected global adventures.
It was a morning like any other. Cody Schmidt and her mother were just about to step out for their usual stroll when her phone buzzed.
It was an offer letter from Duke Kunshan University’s admissions team.
“I couldn’t even focus during the walk,” she said. “I just kept thinking: I’m going to China.”
Cody hadn’t always planned to study abroad. After moving from South Carolina to Oregon, California, and then Kansas, Cody sought the stability she didn’t have in her teenage years. Yet, after receiving the DKU offer, she eagerly connected with fellow admits on WhatsApp and even drove to San Francisco to meet them. Through these early connections, DKU won her heart long before she ever set foot on campus.
“I never left America before,” Cody said. “But the experiences of those people blew my mind away. I wanted to break out of my shelter.”
Her dream eventually came true—but in ways she never expected. When international travel shut down during COVID-19, DKU provided alternative study-away arrangements: Students in the U.S. could study at Duke University in North Carolina, while another cohort joined a semester-long program in Barcelona. Despite the uncertainty, Cody and her peers formed a resilient community.
“DKU students handled uncertainty with grace,” Cody said. “We were prepared to support each other.”
With all its plot twists, Cody’s college life departed significantly from her academically focused path in high school. Before DKU, she attended a dual-enrollment school, completing two years of community college alongside her high school diploma. By the age of 18, she had enough credits for three associate degrees.
“I was so academically motivated,” she said. “My days consisted of robotics, student government, and coding with my dad.”
At DKU, however, Cody discovered the value of a more holistic life. Her obsession with grades gave way to something deeper. She started spending more time in nature, signed up for every volunteering activity, and even embraced music. Once, a fellow student passed her a bass guitar — a gift that opened up a whole new part of her life. Cody taught herself to play and joined a band within eight months. Soon she performed in campus musicals, jammed with the SWANA club on Middle Eastern tracks, and covered 1980s songs with friends.
“Now I know that life is much more than preparing for the next exam,” she said.
The change spread not only to her hobbies but also to her vocation. Though once aspiring to a STEM career, Cody realized engineering wasn’t where her heart lived. When she took an environmental science course, the puzzle became complete. The beautiful Duke Forest became her favorite classroom.
“I realized I didn’t want a career just for money or prestige,” she said. “I wanted to advocate for something that mattered.”
That shift led Cody to major in environmental science with a track in public policy. Rather than waiting to make an impact, she stepped up as president of Sustainable DKU, one of the university’s most active student organizations. Under her leadership, the club hosted thrift stores, launched food waste initiatives, and developed a sustainable living guide for students in Kunshan.
“Sometimes international students don’t know where to start in China,” she said. “When they come to us, they find people who care.”
Cody models her leadership after her mentor and club advisor, Coraline Goron, assistant professor of environmental policy, whose tireless commitment to environmental sustainability continuously inspired her.
“I want to be like her one day,” Cody said.
Already, she’s well on her way. She spends a lot of time outside, avoids shopping on Taobao or JD, and limits her use of AI because of its environmental impact.
“AI can help us tremendously, such as with conservation programs or identifying endangered species,” she said. “But research shows that generating even a single 100‑word GPT‑4 response can consume around 519 mL of water—the equivalent of a small bottle—so most people aren’t aware how thirsty AI can be.”
Her activism and academic curiosity merged seamlessly in her Signature Work, where she explored post-growth environmental movements in Latin America, specifically in Colombia, one of the most dangerous countries for environmental activists. With DKU funding, she traveled to Bogotá, attended academic conferences, and interviewed frontline organizers. Her research blended historical policy analysis with fieldwork, offering a novel view on illegal mining and grassroots movements.
“It was eye-opening,” Cody said. “What they’re doing can influence the world. I just want to make sure I use my degree to support meaningful change.”
This fall, she’ll head to the Netherlands to pursue a master’s degree in International Public Management and Public Policy at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Like DKU, she discovered it almost by accident during a Zoom session — but it was the right fit. The program offers field trips to Geneva, close ties with international courts, and a global student network.
“My class is so anxious about graduation,” she said, “but we are well prepared to face the real world, thanks to DKU.”
Cody is not sure exactly where her journey will take her—whether it’s public policy, advocacy, or academia. Yet she’s certain of one thing: she’ll always strive to build a fairer, greener, and more connected world.
