Dear Global Executive MBA Program,

Now that I’m a few months past graduation and have had some time to reflect, I wanted to take a few minutes to express my gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for everything you’ve done for me (and my cohort) during our 18 months at Fuqua.

The Duke MBA experience has been nothing short of life-changing. I got everything I came for and more from this experience. I cannot tell you the number of times I convinced myself during your more challenging stretches that this was a bad idea and that I should drop out. However, I’m glad I stuck with you. I’ve not only become a better professional but a better human being as a part of this process.

The things I appreciate, want, and intend to chase from this point onwards are so very different from what I wanted only two years ago while applying. I was even a little unnerved re-reading my own admissions essay. I see situations, people, and challenges in a whole different way, and the interpretations of what “Team Fuqua” and the essential qualities of a leader are have a real bearing in my everyday life now. The level of emotional, mental, and spiritual ROI that I have already begun to reap are so much more precious than the financial ROI that I originally pursued when I applied. I thank Duke, Fuqua, and you for enabling that vision within me.

I am so very thankful I chose you because I cannot imagine any other boot camp type experience (that’s an understatement) that would bring about such pure clarity, extreme confidence, deep humility, and an overbearing sense of insignificance all at the same time. I am honored and blessed that Fuqua accepted me.

All in all, I thank you again for supporting, challenging, and guiding me through this experience. I look forward to so much more with Duke and Fuqua in the years to come.

Take care,
Arnie