Off the Beaten Path

Trailblazing her own path is the road most taken by Treniyyah Anderson ’20, a first-generation Duke graduate whose senior year became one major roadblock.

One moment Anderson was on spring break and the next she closed her laptop and finished her undergraduate experience in her room, she says. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunities to walk across the commencement stage that May and celebrate with her class weren't possible, along with the closure graduation provides.

“I never really had a graduation," she says. "COVID-19 made me look at life and myself in a different way...My class had so much uncertainty.”

Still, Anderson didn’t let that experience alter her direction toward the life she wanted to create. Always one to make her own path, she noticed the need for all types of health professionals and decided to pursue a passion for health that began at Duke.  

For two years, Anderson lived and taught primary education for preschoolers in Alaska before transitioning back to Washington, D.C. There, she worked as a program coordinator for Grassroots Health, which teaches various types of health to middle schoolers through physical activities, like sports.

Now back in her hometown of Philadelphia, Anderson is expanding the program there and making a direct impact on educational health and knowledge. She stresses the importance of thinking outside of the box and keeping her interests open as something that’s been constant in her decision-making.

“I want to try everything. There are so many careers and interests I want to pursue," she says. "It’s the best way to learn about yourself."

Internationally, Anderson has done health work spanning across South Africa to Venice, Italy, working on globalization topics and issues. With her variation of experiences around the world, Anderson says she is ready to move back into international work again after spending time in the U.S. since leaving Duke.

“One of my dreams is to become a travel nurse and work part time as a chef," Anderson says. "You learn the culture of a country through their food and people, and I love when my days look different.”

Today Anderson is continuing her education at Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions school this fall. Her main goal is to learn and attain the highest level of knowledge and be the best travel nurse possible.

“I never had a path that was already made, so I make them myself and try to stay positive even if things turn left," she says.