Growing up in North Carolina, Duke University was always on my radar, in one way or another. I was born at Duke’s hospital, and I have fond memories of visiting the campus as a kid. The Duke Chapel was a particular sight that always drew me in. My parents often said, “The cream of the crop end up at schools like Duke.”

As a second-generation business owner, much of my entrepreneurial spirit comes from my dad. When my dad immigrated to the U.S., he launched his first business, a hot dog stand, in Durham. Attending Duke’s Fuqua School of Business was not only about its prestige, but it also felt like coming full circle — returning to the very city where my dad began building his legacy. 

But it didn’t always feel like fate. The prospect of applying to and attending a top business school was intimidating. After my initial call with Allison Jackson, my admissions counselor, a seed of possibility was planted. Despite my self-doubt, Allison made me believe that I could indeed be among the best. Her attentive support and care showed me that she genuinely cared about my admissions journey.

Starting The Application Process

I immediately immersed myself in the application process, focusing on my essays while learning all I could about Fuqua. The concept of Team Fuqua and its emphasis on social impact through business resonated deeply with my career aspirations. Allison provided invaluable guidance and encouraged me to engage as much as possible.

Living two states away, I relied heavily on virtual open houses. Though informative, it was challenging to envision myself at Duke. Then, I discovered Women’s Leadership Weekend after submitting my application. The annual event is open to current and prospective students, alumni, faculty and staff interested in learning about women in business, including their pathways to leadership and Fuqua’s diverse learning community. Unsure if attending made sense, I decided to leave it in God’s hands and go.

Visiting Fuqua’s Campus

On my flight to Durham, I thought, “This is what it would be like to travel for residency.” I treated this weekend as a trial run for residency weekends. Women’s Leadership Weekend began with a cocktail hour at the hotel. I remember arriving early and feeling a bit anxious, as the event was primarily aimed at students in the Daytime MBA program, making it unclear if or how I would connect with Executive MBA (EMBA) candidates.

That fear melted away as I quickly met several EMBA candidates, many of whom were already admitted. That evening, I also met one of my closest friends, Carmen. We bonded over having just submitted our applications and attending the weekend to experience Fuqua for the first time. We shared a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Experiencing Fuqua’s Culture First-Hand

The following day, I finally met my admissions counselor, Allison. Since it was our first in-person encounter, I expected to approach her and reintroduce myself, assuming she wouldn’t recognize me. I was completely mistaken. The moment I entered the ballroom, I heard her enthusiastically call my name and give me a warm hug, which instantly eased my nerves.

That moment taught me everything I needed to know about Fuqua: I mattered. Meeting Carmen and Allison was pivotal in my application journey, as it demonstrated the unwavering support Team Fuqua would provide, which would ultimately propel my career forward.

The rest of the weekend felt like a dream. I walked through the Hall of Flags, met other prospective students, and had the opportunity to chat with current EMBA students. The environment was fun and energetic. Most important of all, I found myself surrounded by incredibly intelligent and driven individuals who wanted me to succeed on my journey into Fuqua.

We attended a mock class session, Negotiations with Professor Ashleigh Shelby Rosette, which was very engaging, insightful, and practical. Even if I hadn’t been admitted to Fuqua, I would have left Women’s Leadership Weekend with an expanded network and relevant business insights.

What’s next?

When I left Durham that weekend, the realization hit me with an intensity I couldn’t ignore — I absolutely needed to be at Fuqua. My entire life, I’ve felt this undeniable pull toward achieving something great, yet articulating that feeling has always been difficult. Being on campus illuminated the path I was searching for. Fuqua was where I could finally confront the question: What am I truly capable of?

I was eagerly waiting for an admissions decision, and I truly believe that when you want something, the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it. The universe seemed to align perfectly when I received a phone call from the admissions director, congratulating me on my acceptance to Fuqua. In that moment, I realized I was on the brink of something greater than I had ever imagined.

Overall, visiting Fuqua’s campus turned my dream into reality and made me feel like I truly belong. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve felt drawn to Duke, and now, every time I walk to the Duke Chapel during residency, I remember how I got here. With determination and the right support, I’ve realized anything is possible. At Fuqua, I’ve found not just a school, but a community that encourages me and supports my goals.