My journey to Fuqua started like most. Many months, weeks, and hours of preparation had led me to the moment of finally completing my Fuqua orientation to-do list. I was ready to start my MBA. But the next day, I received life-shattering news. One month and two days before orientation, my mother passed away unexpectedly, and I immediately flew back home to Zimbabwe to bid her farewell.
Upon my return to the U.S., I moved to Durham, completed a pre-MBA consulting recruitment, and dove right into my first year. Unknown to me, this would be the hardest challenge of my life; processing my grief, whilst trying to make the most of this experience I had worked so hard for. Now, with graduation just weeks away, I can reflect on how grief taught me to lean into my community, have grace for myself and others, and to embrace both the joy and pain of life.
During orientation, I took some time to myself and went to a classroom. A second-year student and member of Black Business Students Association (BBSA) came over to me and asked if I was okay. I shared what was going on with her, and she offered her support. Later that night, I received a message from the BBSA co-president, letting me know she was there for me in any way I needed.
That moment set the tone for my experience at Fuqua.
There were days when I struggled to stay awake in class after sleepless nights, and moments when my mind drifted far from case discussions to memories of my mum. One of my professors took the time to meet with me one-on-one over Zoom, walking me through the material to make sure I didn’t fall behind.
In the midst of it all, I found my people. Friends and faculty who I’ve laughed with, cried with, traveled with, and leaned on. This is one of the greatest gifts from Fuqua: relationships that can walk you through the valleys and hills of life.
I also leaned on Duke’s counseling services, where I found a space to be honest and share what I was going through. Outside of campus, a GriefShare group through a local church became another source of comfort and healing.
Many times, I’d meet people, and they’d say, “you’re so lucky you’re not recruiting”, and I was. However, they didn’t know the personal struggles I was facing, walking through grief in a new environment, far from my family and friends. I also had to realize that other people were going through different things I could not relate to, like starting a family, dealing with rejections or walking through personal hardships at Fuqua.
The point is, life was happening to all of us. We all need to extend grace and a listening ear, because behind every smile you see, there may be a silent battle.
Navigating life at Fuqua wasn’t easy. I had exciting, fun new experiences, whilst simultaneously living in the reality of my loss. At times, I’d go from a fun social activity to a teary conversation with a friend. I learned to take life as it comes, to take it one day at a time.
For a type-A planner, this was hard, but I quickly realized it was the only way I would survive this season of my life. Sometimes it’s okay to take life slowly and figure things out as they come, especially when navigating the unknown. My faith and trust in God were a pillar for me in this time — a reminder that even through the darkest nights, joy will come in the morning.
I’m sharing this now because I wish I had opened up sooner. Being honest about where we are and what we need can be the first step to healing and can make the journey a little lighter.
Celebrating my mother’s Ph.D. graduation at one years old
I frequently look back at messages my mum sent me before I started school. She was so excited for me — and even shared she wanted to come do her Ph.D. in North Carolina, although she ended up in Minnesota. This journey has had its moments of joy and sorrow, but her memory and honoring her have steered me through.
In her memory, I implore you to focus on what matters most in your life. Think of the legacy and impact you leave on others, and live authentically by being true to yourself. In other words, embody something we describe at Fuqua as leaders of consequence.
The post How Grief, Grace, and Community Shaped My Fuqua Experience 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 : How Grief, Grace, and Community Shaped My Fuqua Experience
Upon my return to the U.S., I moved to Durham, completed a pre-MBA consulting recruitment, and dove right into my first year. Unknown to me, this would be the hardest challenge of my life; processing my grief, whilst trying to make the most of this experience I had worked so hard for. Now, with graduation just weeks away, I can reflect on how grief taught me to lean into my community, have grace for myself and others, and to embrace both the joy and pain of life.
Leaning Into Community
During orientation, I took some time to myself and went to a classroom. A second-year student and member of Black Business Students Association (BBSA) came over to me and asked if I was okay. I shared what was going on with her, and she offered her support. Later that night, I received a message from the BBSA co-president, letting me know she was there for me in any way I needed.
That moment set the tone for my experience at Fuqua.
There were days when I struggled to stay awake in class after sleepless nights, and moments when my mind drifted far from case discussions to memories of my mum. One of my professors took the time to meet with me one-on-one over Zoom, walking me through the material to make sure I didn’t fall behind.
In the midst of it all, I found my people. Friends and faculty who I’ve laughed with, cried with, traveled with, and leaned on. This is one of the greatest gifts from Fuqua: relationships that can walk you through the valleys and hills of life.
I also leaned on Duke’s counseling services, where I found a space to be honest and share what I was going through. Outside of campus, a GriefShare group through a local church became another source of comfort and healing.
Giving and Receiving Grace
Many times, I’d meet people, and they’d say, “you’re so lucky you’re not recruiting”, and I was. However, they didn’t know the personal struggles I was facing, walking through grief in a new environment, far from my family and friends. I also had to realize that other people were going through different things I could not relate to, like starting a family, dealing with rejections or walking through personal hardships at Fuqua.
The point is, life was happening to all of us. We all need to extend grace and a listening ear, because behind every smile you see, there may be a silent battle.
The Dual Track of Joy and Pain
Navigating life at Fuqua wasn’t easy. I had exciting, fun new experiences, whilst simultaneously living in the reality of my loss. At times, I’d go from a fun social activity to a teary conversation with a friend. I learned to take life as it comes, to take it one day at a time.
For a type-A planner, this was hard, but I quickly realized it was the only way I would survive this season of my life. Sometimes it’s okay to take life slowly and figure things out as they come, especially when navigating the unknown. My faith and trust in God were a pillar for me in this time — a reminder that even through the darkest nights, joy will come in the morning.
I’m sharing this now because I wish I had opened up sooner. Being honest about where we are and what we need can be the first step to healing and can make the journey a little lighter.
Celebrating my mother’s Ph.D. graduation at one years old
I frequently look back at messages my mum sent me before I started school. She was so excited for me — and even shared she wanted to come do her Ph.D. in North Carolina, although she ended up in Minnesota. This journey has had its moments of joy and sorrow, but her memory and honoring her have steered me through.
In her memory, I implore you to focus on what matters most in your life. Think of the legacy and impact you leave on others, and live authentically by being true to yourself. In other words, embody something we describe at Fuqua as leaders of consequence.
The post How Grief, Grace, and Community Shaped My Fuqua Experience 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 : How Grief, Grace, and Community Shaped My Fuqua Experience