When I first arrived in Durham this July, I wondered how meaningful connections could develop in just six months before we transitioned to Kunshan, China, as part of the MMS: Duke Kunshan University program (MMS: DKU). Now, as I reflect on that short time before moving to Duke Kunshan University (DKU), I am genuinely impressed by how Fuqua’s community-focused approach quickly transformed a diverse group of individuals into a close-knit cohort and supportive friends.

Breaking the Ice at Orientation

Our journey started right at orientation, where activities were thoughtfully designed to encourage collaboration from day one. I clearly remember our initial team exercise. As a newly formed team, we had just five minutes to introduce ourselves and create a brief presentation. It felt a bit rushed and challenging, but it effectively set the stage for our first collaborative experience.

Building Trust at Triangle Training

Triangle Training, a signature Fuqua experience, significantly deepened these initial connections. This full-day experience at the Triangle Training Center introduced us to the Team Fuqua culture through a series of challenging, team-based activities.

One of the standout moments was the challenge known as “the wall” — a tall wooden barrier that required strategic teamwork and trust to overcome. I still remember how we came together as a group, forming human ladders and offering encouragement to teammates who were hesitant about climbing. Another memorable exercise involved carefully balancing on ropes stretched between trees, holding tightly to the hands of classmates we’d barely known.

Initially, these tasks felt daunting, pushing many of us out of our comfort zones. Yet, discomfort quickly transformed into mutual support and shared accomplishment. By the end of the day, we understood that the Team Fuqua ethos isn’t just a slogan, it’s a practical approach to overcoming challenges together.

Kylie Lin with a handful of classmates stand in a group in a cleared field surrounded by trees

Fuqua Fridays: Professional Networking in a Social Context

Fuqua Friday is definitely one of my favorite events at Duke. Providing valuable opportunities to decompress after a busy week, Fuqua Friday is essentially a big party for the entire school that fosters friendships but also facilitates meaningful professional connections. Food and drinks are served, and there is often entertainment or activities. As someone who isn’t naturally outgoing, I appreciated how easy these events made it to strike up conversations and meet new people.

Special-themed Fuqua Fridays were particularly memorable. Celebrations like the Mid-Autumn Festival, Halloween, and Diwali weren’t just fun — they gave us a chance to share our cultures. I’ll always remember watching my classmates proudly share mooncakes and stories from home during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It made me appreciate how diverse and inclusive our Fuqua community really is.

Developing Connections and Celebrating Our Milestones

One of my favorite days was our kayaking trip at Falls Lake State Park. Even though paddling was tiring at times, being surrounded by beautiful nature and laughing with classmates made it all worth it. Everyone had fun supporting each other, and it turned into a memorable bonding experience.

The Winter Formal in downtown Durham was another memorable event. It provided a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere to celebrate our professional and personal growth. The Winter Fest during Finals week, which featured several different activities, reminded us how strong the Team Fuqua spirit is.

Kyle Lin with three of her classmates in the MMS: DKU program at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. All four are wearing formal attire and are standing in front of a brick building

To wrap up our Durham experience, we had a farewell luncheon at the J.B. Duke Ballroom. Dean Mary Frances Luce and other MMS faculty joined us, making it feel special and personal. It wasn’t just a formal lunch; it felt more like a relaxed celebration of everything we’d accomplished together.

New Experiences at DKU

Now settled at DKU, I’m excited about the new experiences ahead. We had the chance to visit Tesla’s Giga Museum in Shanghai. This field trip wasn’t just educational, it was incredibly inspiring. We learned about Tesla’s technology, toured the museum, and even got to test drive their latest vehicles. This kind of hands-on learning makes our community even more vibrant.

I’m excited about the opportunities awaiting us at DKU. Fuqua has shown me that great communities aren’t bound by geography; they’re built on shared experiences and genuine connections.

To my classmates: Here’s to continuing our growth and deepening our connections in Kunshan, carrying forward the collaborative and supportive spirit we’ve nurtured at Fuqua.