Durham welcomed me with open arms, even before my journey truly began. Through the Mi Casa Tu Casa program, which is run by the Duke MBA Latin American Student Association (LASA), other prospective students and I had the chance to build relationships and visualize what our lives could look like at Fuqua. Current students host prospective students in their homes, embracing the warmth of the Fuqua and Latin American culture. For my stay, I was paired with Jose Carlos Cortes, a second-year MBA student who made me feel at home right away.

From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by Durham’s charm, its calm, pet-friendly atmosphere, and the abundance of trees that made the city feel so alive. One of my first stops was Fuqua, where I attended a tax class with Professor Scott Dyreng. I was amazed by how engaged the students were and left with practical tips about tax-saving strategies like “bunching.” When I found out that Professor Dyreng’s daughter had lived in Trujillo, a city in Peru, it felt like a special connection to home.

That same day, I explored the Brodie Recreation Center. As someone who loves sports, I was thrilled to see the pool and fields bustling with activity. Near the basketball court, I stumbled upon undergrad students camping out in tents. When I learned it was part of a cherished tradition to secure basketball tickets, I knew I was witnessing something uniquely Duke.

The evening ended with Fuqua Friday, a lively gathering of students, partners, and even kids. The sense of community was palpable, and I knew then that Fuqua was more than just a school; it was a family.

Immersed in the Duke Spirit

Over the next few days, Durham continued to surprise and inspire me. I attended the Duke MBA Association of Women in Business (AWIB) Masquerade Gala. There, I met an incredible group of friends and celebrated first-year students landing internships.

Of course, no Duke experience would be complete without a trip to Shooters, a favorite late-night spot among students. Dancing, laughing, and bonding with new friends — it all made me feel so welcomed and part of something bigger.

On another day, I got lost trying to find a tailgate hosted by the university before a basketball game but eventually ended up at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the home of Duke’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. With some quick thinking (and a little luck), I secured entry with my host’s ticket and found myself cheering for Duke with the partner of a second-year student. By the end of the game, which was decided by a single thrilling point, I felt like a true Blue Devil.

Lasting Connections

Throughout my visit, I met so many inspiring people — students, partners, and alumni — each eager to share their stories and advice. Conversations with leaders from clubs like LASA and the Fuqua/Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics (COLE) showed me how Fuqua empowers its students to grow as individuals and as leaders.

Whether it was sharing meals with friends downtown, exploring the breathtaking Duke Gardens, or simply chatting with others about their journeys, I felt a profound sense of belonging. This wasn’t just a visit; it was a glimpse into the vibrant, collaborative culture that makes Fuqua so special.

Why Fuqua Feels Like Home

In just five days, I experienced the heart of Team Fuqua: a place where collaboration thrives, kindness abounds, and every voice matters. From the supportive community to the inspiring opportunities for growth, I left Durham knowing this was where I belonged.

To anyone considering Fuqua, come visit. You’ll find more than an MBA program here; you’ll find a home, a family, and a world of possibilities.