From Doubts to Belonging: Finding My Tribe at Fisher

Before coming to business school, I had worked at an organization for almost seven years. Every time someone asked why I stayed that long—a rare trait in my generation—my answer was always the same: I enjoyed the people I worked with. For me, community (network) has always been a critical determinant of how far you can go in life.

When I began considering my MBA, I hoped for that same sense of belonging. A Fisher alumnus told me how closely knit the program was, how you could genuinely know your classmates and learn from their diverse experiences. While their description encouraged me, part of me wondered if it came from their international experience and exposure, while I had only studied and worked in Nigeria. Would I really find that same openness?

Three weeks in, I have my answer: at Fisher, it’s impossible not to build connections. The program is designed to weave people together, and the culture encourages both learning from classmates and sharing your own perspective. Finding my tribe has already been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Some of the most memorable moments so far include:

• A warm welcome at the airport. A second-year MBA student I had only chatted with online, came to pick me up when I landed in Columbus. That simple act of kindness immediately showed me what Fisher is about: showing up for each other.

• Help from a stranger turned friend. On my very first day, I got confused on the bus after shopping. Another Ohio State student not only helped me find the right stop but also carried my bags and walked me there. That kindness set the tone for my experience here.

• Orientation that builds community. From my core team to deep one-on-one conversations with classmates and faculty, orientation week was intentionally designed to help us form genuine connections from day one.

• Teamwork that bonds. My core team has already tackled three projects together, and I have come to truly appreciate the team charter we created during orientation. It has guided how we approach our projects, strengthened our trust, and made collaboration much more natural.

• Classmates who lift you up. Networking has never been my strength, but one of my classmates volunteered to give me “small talk lessons”. That generosity has been a confidence booster and a reminder of how supportive this community is.

Three weeks in, I already know most of my classmates by name, and I know this: the Fisher MBA isn’t just about building a career. It’s about building a community. And in that community, I have found my tribe.