Back in July I arrived to Durham with two 70-pound suitcases, excited for what was to come. Being an international student, I had to fit everything I would need for the next six months in Durham into these two suitcases. It was not easy, but I managed and felt comforted that I would be able to get anything else I needed locally. I had several emotions running through me; I was nervous, anxious and excited all at the same time. I was about to embark on a new experience and had no idea what to expect.

Now, a few months after my arrival and half-way through Fall Term 1, I could not be happier about my decision to attend the MMS: DKU program. I have met people from all over the world, including Australia, the UK, Pakistan, Uruguay, China and several states in the US. I have had incredible experiences and I have been challenged both inside and outside the classroom. And I have to mention the warm welcome I received from my Team Fuqua Family. I had heard a lot about this family, but now I can vouch for it as I have seen and felt the bonds it creates.

As I look back at everything that has happened in these first months, I find it hard to pick only one experience to talk about. Between Triangle Training, Section Olympics, dinner parties and the Accenture Case Competition, there were so many great things happening! However, I will pick one and say that the case competition has been my favorite thus far. While it was a significant time commitment and a tough challenge, it was also fun and gave me the opportunity to get to know three of my classmates better. I mean, we did spend most of the day and night on a Saturday in August working on it, but what better way to end the long night than at Cook Out enjoying the best milkshakes in town!

A little about the case competition: 16 teams signed up to participate in the actual business case with Accenture. On that Friday at lunch we were given the case and instructions. We had the weekend to analyze the problems and come up with suggestions for the client, and the presentation needed to be submitted by the end of the day Monday. The judges then selected four finalists who were to present to the judges as well as our classmates the following Friday. I was very excited that my team was chosen for the final, which led to yet another week of long nights and hard work. At the end it paid off, as we came out in first place. Fuqua is constantly providing us new challenges, and I am excited to see what lies ahead for me and my classmates.