I’m about to graduate, and looking back, pursuing an MBA at Fuqua was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Before this, I had worked at several multinational companies, but mostly just in China, with the occasional business trip to the U.S. It wasn’t until I came to Fuqua that I truly understood what diversity means.

Diversity is reflected in my favorite activities.

In my first year, our section held all kinds of events. We cooked dishes from our home countries, shared stories about where we grew up, and went to football games together. I still remember shouting over the noise in the stadium while an American classmate patiently explained the rules to me. We were all so different, but that never stopped us from becoming friends.

Diversity is reflected in classroom discussions.

In Professor Daisy Lovelace’s Women in Leadership class, women from all over the world came together and found surprising common ground. Our different backgrounds didn’t feel like barriers — they made the conversations richer.

In Emerging Market Strategy, students shared personal stories about their home economies. Professor Sharon Belenzon encourages everyone had space to speak up and share what made their experience unique.

Diversity is reflected in the exploration of professional experiences.

Coming from a retail background, I was able to step into completely new industries at Fuqua. I joined two Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP) consulting projects, including one in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) space. Our team helped a client shape their go-to-market strategy.

My second FCCP experience allowed me to serve as an engagement manager, mentoring 10 MMS students. We worked with a Big Tech firm to design a customer success maturity model. These hands-on experiences gave me a broader view of what’s possible.

Diversity is reflected in cultural exchange through club activities.

As co-president of the Greater China Club, I had the chance to share my culture with the Fuqua community. During our Mid-Autumn Festival-themed Fuqua Friday, students tried mooncakes for the first time and learned about a festival that celebrates harvest and reunion. At Culture Week, we handed out Chinese snacks and shared stories about our lives. Some students even signed up for an exchange program in China the next year. It’s amazing how food and storytelling can spark curiosity.

Diversity is reflected in the opportunity to experience the MBA through different responsibilities.

Fuqua is truly student-led. As a club leader, I introduced Chinese culture to students from all over the world. As an FCCP engagement manager, I worked with MMS students across programs to explore different industries.

I interviewed both American and international candidates and got to hear their dreams about Fuqua in my work as an Admissions Fellow. As a teaching assistant (TA), I witnessed the effort professors put into crafting each class. Finally, as a member of the graduation committee, I helped shape events that truly reflected our class’s voices as a member of the graduation committee.

Now that graduation is around the corner, this all feels a little surreal. These two years flew by. I’m so grateful for everything Fuqua has given me — new friends, new experiences, and a much bigger, more colorful world.