Alexandra Ledbetter, B.A. 2001

2001 Major: Mathematics

How has being a Mathematics graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"I chose Math as my major because I saw college as a unique opportunity to learn more in a subject in which I felt largely incapable of learning on my own. I knew I'd be a lifelong reader of literature and history books. Majoring in Math gave me an intellectual confidence that I didn't previously have. I found the subject very challenging, and I'm proud of myself for persevering. I acquired a sense of patience and creativity in problem-solving. In order to pass, I had to read multiple explanations of a topic from different textbooks in the library to supplement my assigned reading. The work ethic and resourcefulness required helped me elsewhere--for instance, in my development as a lawyer--even if I haven't used in my career what I learned substantively in Math.

"After I graduated from Duke, I went on to law school at Washington University in St. Louis. I'm a securities lawyer. I've helped companies raise capital, I've advised on investor protection in public policy, and currently I advise my federal agency's leadership on how best to manage all the data we have. Math at Duke was an interesting chapter for me, but it feels separate from what I've gone on to do."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Mathematics programs?

"My parents aspired for me to marry well and devote myself to raising children. They reacted to my majoring in Math with amused incredulity. This was the beginning of my taking my own interests more seriously, a general approach that for me has made life more worthwhile. I also felt like an atypical student in the Math Department. I never seriously contemplated pursuing a graduate degree in Math because I felt like the sorts of people with whom I felt comfortable spending time were elsewhere, in other disciplines. I wonder if it's different now. I wonder if there are more women and people of color in Math. I was really lucky to have two (now retired) professors -- Dick and Maggie Hodel -- take interest in me. I benefited immensely from their nurturing support. My advice to students reading this would be to note that my chosen path has been a good one. I wouldn't discourage anyone from choosing a similar path; I don't have any regrets."