Whether you’re an international partner or a domestic one, moving to Durham can feel like a tough decision for many. When my husband decided to pursue his MBA, I was working at one of the largest and most well-established companies in Japan while juggling life with our newborn son. As someone who had always identified as strongly career-driven, I told myself, “If he gets in, then I’ll think about it.”
To my surprise, he was admitted to the same MBA program my father attended 30 years ago. I felt proud, excited, and honestly, a little stunned.
Even though I had spent part of my childhood and early career in the U.S., I knew that relocating as a family would involve many decisions. For several months before and after arriving in Durham (a 19-hour journey from Japan!), we faced one challenge after another: finding a school for our son, reviewing our finances, searching for a home, and simply trying to settle in.
After a few months of living near Fuqua, something surprised me: It was incredibly easy for families to blend into this community.
I saw so many partners with young children, and I quickly realized how strong the family network is at Fuqua. Resources were abundant; support was constant. One of my favorite moments was when I posted a simple question in the WhatsApp group. Within minutes, several partners I had never met responded warmly! These small but meaningful interactions helped me find supportive friends and a true sense of belonging.
Growing up moving between countries, I’ve always been drawn to cross-cultural connections. Naturally, this led me to start a small cooking session with a friend from Peru. These moments reminded me how fulfilling it is to build relationships across backgrounds.
As my husband’s graduation approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how many positive things happened during our time in Durham. After leaving my company in Japan, I wanted to make the most of these two years to explore what truly makes me happy. I spent time blogging, studying online, reading with the Duke International Book Club, actively participating in events, and building my own connections both inside and outside of Fuqua.
One of the opportunities I’m most grateful for is joining the Fuqua Partners Club cabinet, where I now serve as co-president and communications chair.
The reason is simple: I love building community.
When life takes you across countries and cultures, communities become your foundation. They help you feel grounded and seen. Creating that kind of open, welcoming, and supportive space is something I truly care about.
Me (far right) and my husband (far left) at my dear Peruvian friends’ wedding at the North Carolina courthouse, September 2025
This year, our Fuqua Partners cabinet strengthened partner connections by enhancing communications, expanding the variety of events we offered, increasing our social media presence, and collaborating with other official MBA clubs.
I also hoped to introduce new hobbies partners could explore especially since many of us finally had time to try things we’d always been curious about. This inspired events like our origami social and a pickleball meet-up.
The origami event was especially meaningful to me. As a Japanese person, origami helped me connect with classmates in the U.S. when I was little. To my delight, the event had a wonderful turnout: partners folding, chatting, and connecting across cultures.
Me (on the far left) hosting an origami social event for partners from diverse backgrounds, September 2025
As I look back, I’m realizing how many memories I’ve created as a partner, especially with other partners and families. It’s natural to feel uncertain when you arrive with no job, no familiar network, and no family nearby. But Fuqua taught me something important: Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, I learned to design my own opportunities.
This chapter has become a lifelong memory for my son as well, just as it was for me when my father attended Fuqua three decades ago.
As I look ahead, I hope to continue building communities wherever life takes us, spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Being a partner at Fuqua has shown me how powerful that sense of belonging can be, and I will carry that lesson with me long after we leave Durham.
The post Finding My Path as an MBA Partner: Community, Growth, and Belonging at Fuqua appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.
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How does this impact your International MBA decision?
I'd be glad to learn your thoughts on this story : Finding My Path as an MBA Partner: Community, Growth, and Belonging at Fuqua
To my surprise, he was admitted to the same MBA program my father attended 30 years ago. I felt proud, excited, and honestly, a little stunned.
Even though I had spent part of my childhood and early career in the U.S., I knew that relocating as a family would involve many decisions. For several months before and after arriving in Durham (a 19-hour journey from Japan!), we faced one challenge after another: finding a school for our son, reviewing our finances, searching for a home, and simply trying to settle in.
Discovering an Unexpected Sense of Belonging
After a few months of living near Fuqua, something surprised me: It was incredibly easy for families to blend into this community.
I saw so many partners with young children, and I quickly realized how strong the family network is at Fuqua. Resources were abundant; support was constant. One of my favorite moments was when I posted a simple question in the WhatsApp group. Within minutes, several partners I had never met responded warmly! These small but meaningful interactions helped me find supportive friends and a true sense of belonging.
Growing up moving between countries, I’ve always been drawn to cross-cultural connections. Naturally, this led me to start a small cooking session with a friend from Peru. These moments reminded me how fulfilling it is to build relationships across backgrounds.
Rediscovering Myself Through Community
As my husband’s graduation approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how many positive things happened during our time in Durham. After leaving my company in Japan, I wanted to make the most of these two years to explore what truly makes me happy. I spent time blogging, studying online, reading with the Duke International Book Club, actively participating in events, and building my own connections both inside and outside of Fuqua.
One of the opportunities I’m most grateful for is joining the Fuqua Partners Club cabinet, where I now serve as co-president and communications chair.
The reason is simple: I love building community.
When life takes you across countries and cultures, communities become your foundation. They help you feel grounded and seen. Creating that kind of open, welcoming, and supportive space is something I truly care about.
Me (far right) and my husband (far left) at my dear Peruvian friends’ wedding at the North Carolina courthouse, September 2025
Building New Experiences and Confidence
This year, our Fuqua Partners cabinet strengthened partner connections by enhancing communications, expanding the variety of events we offered, increasing our social media presence, and collaborating with other official MBA clubs.
I also hoped to introduce new hobbies partners could explore especially since many of us finally had time to try things we’d always been curious about. This inspired events like our origami social and a pickleball meet-up.
The origami event was especially meaningful to me. As a Japanese person, origami helped me connect with classmates in the U.S. when I was little. To my delight, the event had a wonderful turnout: partners folding, chatting, and connecting across cultures.
Me (on the far left) hosting an origami social event for partners from diverse backgrounds, September 2025
Designing My Own Opportunities
As I look back, I’m realizing how many memories I’ve created as a partner, especially with other partners and families. It’s natural to feel uncertain when you arrive with no job, no familiar network, and no family nearby. But Fuqua taught me something important: Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, I learned to design my own opportunities.
This chapter has become a lifelong memory for my son as well, just as it was for me when my father attended Fuqua three decades ago.
As I look ahead, I hope to continue building communities wherever life takes us, spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Being a partner at Fuqua has shown me how powerful that sense of belonging can be, and I will carry that lesson with me long after we leave Durham.
The post Finding My Path as an MBA Partner: Community, Growth, and Belonging at Fuqua appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.
More...
How does this impact your International MBA decision?
I'd be glad to learn your thoughts on this story : Finding My Path as an MBA Partner: Community, Growth, and Belonging at Fuqua