When I decided to hang up my Army uniform after eight years as an engineer officer, I knew I was stepping into unfamiliar territory.

Oftentimes, the Media, Entertainment and Sports (MES) Club is an overlooked one at Fuqua.

Fuqua truly has everything you need to launch your career, grow into yourself, and realize your goals.

After discussion with classmates, interns from other schools, and those who have done MBAs in years gone by, I summarized some of my reflections on internship season.

I ultimately chose Fuqua to drive impact and change.

In the spirit of the iconic essay and our unique ‘things’, we’re each sharing five random things about our first year, from the surprises to lessons that stuck.

From twists in my career journey to unexpected moments of growth in Durham and beyond, my first year was filled with powerful lessons.

I’m so grateful for everything Fuqua has given me — new friends, new experiences, and a much bigger, more colorful world.

As I reflect on my path to Duke, I recognize that this experience is a culmination of years and years of work. This has grounded me in the present, allowing me to celebrate and reflect on who and where I am in the moment.

Navigating which courses to take can be overwhelming, especially when your interests might differ from your closest friends and classmates.