One year ago, I boarded a plane with a less-than-one-month-old baby, still recovering from a C-section (with my doctor’s clearance), and carrying more fear than luggage to start my MBA journey at Fuqua.
It remains, without question, the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I was physically and emotionally stretched in ways I never anticipated. But through the exhaustion, anxiety, and uncertainty, I found strength, growth, and community. Here are four of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since then.
When I got accepted into Fuqua, I was pregnant. By the time orientation rolled around, I had just given birth. Many people assumed I would defer. But deep down, I knew I needed to do it now. There’s rarely a “right” time to chase a dream or pursue something life-changing.
With encouragement from my husband, I boarded that flight with my newborn, unsure of how I’d make it work but confident that postponing wouldn’t make it easier.
The first year of business school was incredibly challenging. Balancing academics, recruiting, and motherhood often felt overwhelming. There were days I barely had anything left to give. Just getting out of the house was a victory.
But I kept showing up. Some days at 100%, most days at 40% but present nonetheless. I’ve come to realize that consistency counts more than perfection. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply not give up.
What truly carried me through was the people — not just classmates, but the entire Fuqua ecosystem. The friends I made here became lifelines. When I had to miss class because mommy duties took priority, they stepped in, sharing notes, helping me catch up, and offering encouragement without judgment.
Professors and teaching assistants also went above and beyond. They offered extra time to review concepts, providing encouragement, and extending flexibility when I needed it most. Fuqua’s willingness to meet me where I was — whether that was rescheduled exams, adjusted class sections, or quiet understanding — was deeply affirming.
With my C-Lead team (From left to right: Patrick, me, Sydney (behind), Avery, and Alex. Not pictured: Mac, our sixth teammate) at the Team Challenge at the Triangle Training Center. (August 2024)
And then there was my C-Lead team. (Shoutout to C-Lead 8 of Section 2!!!) Every single person was focused, driven, and deeply committed to our collective success. Watching how intentionally and consistently they showed up motivated me to give my best, even on the days when I only had a little to give. That kind of dedication and grace stays with you.
And of course, behind the scenes was my amazing mother, who paused her own work to help care for my baby while I went to class. I couldn’t have done it without her.
Despite the demands of being a new parent and student, I found space to lead and contribute in ways that surprised even me. I served as a first-year cabinet member on the Business in Africa (BIA) admissions team, supporting prospective students through info sessions and application mentorship. I also participated in the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) i3 Initiative on Impact Investing program. The experiential learning project allowed me to work on a real-world impact investing challenge.
This year, I’m honored to serve as a CASE Fellow, an Admissions Fellow, and a second-year cabinet member for both BIA and the Association of Women in Business (AWIB).
At Mount Rainier in Washington during my summer internship with Amazon. (July 2025)
To anyone walking a harder path — especially parents: Since sharing parts of my story, I’ve heard from mothers who are worried about navigating business school with a baby. I understand that fear. I lived it. And I can honestly say: Fuqua is one of the best places you could be during a season like that.
You’ll find a community that doesn’t just tolerate your reality; they embrace it. Classmates who lean in. Faculty who understand. Systems that flex with compassion. There is room for you here.
The post What Starting My MBA as a New Mom Taught Me About Grit, Growth, and Team Fuqua appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.
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I'd be glad to learn your thoughts on this story : What Starting My MBA as a New Mom Taught Me About Grit, Growth, and Team Fuqua
It remains, without question, the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I was physically and emotionally stretched in ways I never anticipated. But through the exhaustion, anxiety, and uncertainty, I found strength, growth, and community. Here are four of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since then.
1. There’s never a perfect time to start something big.
When I got accepted into Fuqua, I was pregnant. By the time orientation rolled around, I had just given birth. Many people assumed I would defer. But deep down, I knew I needed to do it now. There’s rarely a “right” time to chase a dream or pursue something life-changing.
With encouragement from my husband, I boarded that flight with my newborn, unsure of how I’d make it work but confident that postponing wouldn’t make it easier.
2. Showing up matters, even if you’re not at 100%.
The first year of business school was incredibly challenging. Balancing academics, recruiting, and motherhood often felt overwhelming. There were days I barely had anything left to give. Just getting out of the house was a victory.
But I kept showing up. Some days at 100%, most days at 40% but present nonetheless. I’ve come to realize that consistency counts more than perfection. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply not give up.
3. Support systems make all the difference.
What truly carried me through was the people — not just classmates, but the entire Fuqua ecosystem. The friends I made here became lifelines. When I had to miss class because mommy duties took priority, they stepped in, sharing notes, helping me catch up, and offering encouragement without judgment.
Professors and teaching assistants also went above and beyond. They offered extra time to review concepts, providing encouragement, and extending flexibility when I needed it most. Fuqua’s willingness to meet me where I was — whether that was rescheduled exams, adjusted class sections, or quiet understanding — was deeply affirming.
With my C-Lead team (From left to right: Patrick, me, Sydney (behind), Avery, and Alex. Not pictured: Mac, our sixth teammate) at the Team Challenge at the Triangle Training Center. (August 2024)
And then there was my C-Lead team. (Shoutout to C-Lead 8 of Section 2!!!) Every single person was focused, driven, and deeply committed to our collective success. Watching how intentionally and consistently they showed up motivated me to give my best, even on the days when I only had a little to give. That kind of dedication and grace stays with you.
And of course, behind the scenes was my amazing mother, who paused her own work to help care for my baby while I went to class. I couldn’t have done it without her.
4. Growth happens even in the hardest seasons of life.
Despite the demands of being a new parent and student, I found space to lead and contribute in ways that surprised even me. I served as a first-year cabinet member on the Business in Africa (BIA) admissions team, supporting prospective students through info sessions and application mentorship. I also participated in the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) i3 Initiative on Impact Investing program. The experiential learning project allowed me to work on a real-world impact investing challenge.
This year, I’m honored to serve as a CASE Fellow, an Admissions Fellow, and a second-year cabinet member for both BIA and the Association of Women in Business (AWIB).
At Mount Rainier in Washington during my summer internship with Amazon. (July 2025)
To anyone walking a harder path — especially parents: Since sharing parts of my story, I’ve heard from mothers who are worried about navigating business school with a baby. I understand that fear. I lived it. And I can honestly say: Fuqua is one of the best places you could be during a season like that.
You’ll find a community that doesn’t just tolerate your reality; they embrace it. Classmates who lean in. Faculty who understand. Systems that flex with compassion. There is room for you here.
The post What Starting My MBA as a New Mom Taught Me About Grit, Growth, and Team 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 : What Starting My MBA as a New Mom Taught Me About Grit, Growth, and Team Fuqua