For many of my classmates and I, the first day of the MMS program marked our last “first day of school” — an occasion that never fails to stir up excitement and anticipation. Despite having experienced numerous first days in the past, the thrill of meeting new people and embarking on a new academic journey remains as nerve-racking as ever.

As a student-athlete involved in fall sports, my previous academic years typically began with preseason activities, which ensured having a built-in network of teammates before classes officially started. However, my Fuqua experience was different.

A New Beginning

The MMS program kicked off before any sports-related activities, offering a fresh perspective and a firsthand encounter with the initial classroom experience and first-day jitters. But from the moment we did a ropes course with our entire section, all of those jitters disappeared. With a significant presence of athletes in each section of the program, one might have expected athletes to gravitate toward their own sports circles. It was refreshing to see everyone fully embracing the Fuqua experience from the start.

As an athlete, it’s easy to become consumed by the demands of training, competitions, and team commitments. Looking back, especially during our field hockey season, I witnessed a great sense of community and support. Even classmates who aren’t athletes have attended games and cheered us on. This made it so easy to bring the energy to class in return, even after a three-hour practice session followed by a weight-lifting session or having to miss class because of games.

Reflecting on my time at Fuqua, I’m grateful for the inclusive and supportive environment that has enriched my academic and personal growth. Now that our final last day of class has passed, I’m happy I can say that I cherished every last moment.