HIGHLIGHTS OF MY TUCK EXPERIENCE
A defining highlight of my Tuck experience was contributing to the creation of the inaugural International Culture Crawl in 2023. Epitomizing Tuck’s student-led ethos, this event allowed the community to “travel the world” within the confines of Hanover, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of our student body. We successfully represented five continents and twenty-two countries, creating a vibrant tapestry of global cultures. What made this event particularly special was the personalized invitation extended to faculty and staff, ensuring the celebration was inclusive of the entire Tuck community. Participants shared their national pride through food, games, attire, and historical insights, fostering a rich exchange of cultural heritage. The event’s success, drawing over 200 attendees, not only highlighted the diversity of our campus but also provided a platform for students to feel recognized and valued. This initiative exemplified a profound expression of Tuck’s community spirit, and further, showcased the impact of collective student efforts which can lead to a personal, connected, and transformative experience.

ON CAREER SERVICES AND RECRUITING AT TUCK
The career services and recruiting experience at Tuck are exceptionally personal and community-driven. With a favorable career services-to-student ratio, Tuck fosters intimate and supportive relationships between students and career advisers. My experience with Deirdre O’Donnell, the lead adviser for finance careers, epitomizes this approach. She was not just an adviser but also a mentor, confidant, and at times, a therapist—meeting with me weekly and closely tracking my progress through the recruiting cycle. Her deep industry insight and process understanding provided a solid foundation of support, ensuring that I remained anchored in the inherent ups and downs of the recruiting journey. Beyond the career services team, the second-year students were invaluable, readily offering advice, acting as a sounding board, and rigorously preparing us for interviews. The collective effort and camaraderie at Tuck were instrumental in my recruiting achievements.

ON THE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
When I think about the academic environment at Tuck, two words come to my mind: personal and engaging. Tuck faculty are deeply invested in student success. For me, this personalized approach was exemplified through my interactions with Professor Ken French in his Research to Practicum course. Professor French demonstrated exceptional dedication, supporting me extensively as I developed and refined a presentation on the potential of generative AI in stock selection. Further, his commitment extended beyond the classroom; Professor French facilitated valuable networking opportunities and arranged lunches with prominent figures in finance, such as founding partners of AQR, the former chief investment officer of Yale’s endowment fund, David Booth, and more. He even hosted a dinner for our class, encapsulating the nurturing and expansive educational ethos of Tuck. This level of faculty engagement underscores the unique and profound learning experience at Tuck whereby they truly go above and beyond for the students.

ON TUCK’S INTIMATE LOCATION
Tuck’s intimate location in Hanover significantly shapes the student experience, creating a tight-knit community where trust and mutual growth prevail. The decision of each classmate to relocate here for their MBA journey creates a unique environment of commitment and collaboration. A vivid example of this dynamic is the tradition of Tripod Hockey, an activity that embodies the spirit of unity and learning at Tuck. Despite many of us, myself included, having no prior experience with hockey—or even ice—each year, we collectively embrace the challenge. This endeavor is not just about the sport; it’s a shared journey of vulnerability and growth, learning to skate and play together. My second-year team captain was incredibly encouraging, which allowed me to feel comfortable in building my skills. My progression from a novice player to becoming a captain myself illustrates the cycle of support and mentorship inherent in our community. Not only has this experience enhanced my hockey skills, but it has deepened my connections within the Tuck community, including both students and their partners, illustrating the profound impact of Tuck’s intimate setting on building enduring bonds and shared experiences.

A MOMENT THAT WILL STAY WITH ME
A particularly transformative moment from my time at Tuck occurred during my Global Insight Expedition (GIX) to Kenya. The pivotal experience was a dinner with Kenyan MBA students from a local university, where conversations transitioned from shared MBA experiences to in-depth discussions about Kenya’s socio-economic and political landscape. The Kenyan students’ candid insights revealed both challenges and optimism for their country’s future, providing a nuanced understanding of Kenya’s role in Africa. This exchange not only broadened my worldview but also symbolized the essence of the GIX—bridging global divides and fostering meaningful connections. It forever altered my perspective on Kenya and greater Africa. Further, it instilled in me a profound appreciation for perspectives from around the world and underscored the value of international dialogue in shaping a more comprehensive understanding of global contexts. This experience, along with the rest of the GIX, was rich in learning and relationship-building with old and new friends. It is a treasured aspect of my Tuck journey that will resonate with me well beyond Hanover.