When I received my admissions acceptance, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Then I wondered, what now? I had many expectations about what my time at Fuqua would look like, or rather, that I should expect the unexpected.

It’s been almost a year since I got to Fuqua, and I’ve had so many different experiences, many of which I never thought I would experience in my life. From being exposed to varying cultures to opening doors to new industries, my time at Fuqua has shown me that the world is filled with more opportunities than I thought.

After this first year of my MBA, I would like to share four thoughts that, if I had known before, would have helped me:

1. You create your own MBA experience: We always hear that taking advantage of opportunities depends on our volition, but is this something we really internalize? The MBA will open millions of doors for you and it is up to you to seek them and even more to cross them. Start by realizing that saying “yes” can be a great idea without losing sight of setting your boundaries and leaving your comfort zone. I learned an MBA is more than following an established curriculum. It is also about being proactive, shaping your own experience, and pursuing your passions and interests.

2. Reframe what productivity means to you: I heard this phrase at the Sustainable Business & Social Impact Conference and it kept me thinking about what productivity means to me. Set your boundaries, put on blinders, and take off the unnecessary pressure of striving for perfection when, ultimately, perfection doesn’t exist.

2. Being a foreigner forever: As an international student, I never experienced how diverse the world is. Each culture is unique, and learning this is one of the most incredible parts of the MBA. Diversity is enriching. Belonging by being authentic and not losing your essence is the best gift you can offer. At the same time, it can also be overwhelming. However, by actively seeking out opportunities to connect with other students and immersing myself in the local culture, I have been able to overcome these challenges and expand my worldview.

4. Nurture your inner child; get excited about simplicity: Keep an open mind and be curious. The journey from childhood to adulthood isn’t always linear, but the journey is always worth it. It can be quite complicated, but take the opportunity to enjoy it. As a friend told me: Tolerate, or you won’t make it. It is crucial to focus not only on building technical knowledge but also on developing soft skills that will make you stand out.

Embarking on my MBA journey has been a roller coaster of emotions and experiences that have been transformative. To date, it has equipped me with the right knowledge, skills, and mindset that are needed to succeed in today’s world.

Embracing diversity and authenticity while setting boundaries and managing expectations has been a crucial part of my journey. As I continue on this transformative path, I am very excited about the promising future ahead. So, here’s to embracing the unexpected, making the most of every opportunity, and continuing to learn and grow on this journey.