Chien Yu (Lucy) Liu, MBA ’25
When I first arrived at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business for my MBA program, I expected to gain business knowledge and professional skills. What I didn’t anticipate was forming friendships that would take me across continents and provide me with deeply personal cultural experiences that no tourist guide could offer.
This past winter break perfectly exemplified how the MSU Broad MBA program creates bonds that transcend borders. My journey began when my classmate Christine decided to escape Michigan’s winter and visit me in my hometown of Taipei. Having a friend from my MBA program experience my city through fresh eyes helped me rediscover its magic.
Together, we explored both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. While the National Palace Museum and the towering Taipei 101 were on our itinerary, our most memorable moments came from ventures off the beaten path. We savored world-famous xiaolongbao at Din Tai Fung, but also discovered local food stands that rarely make it onto tourist maps. We found ourselves in cozy coffee shops known only to locals and explored natural wonders like the geothermal valley in Beitou.
What made these experiences special was seeing my familiar world through Christine’s perspective. Cultural differences that I had taken for granted became fascinating points of discussion, leading to deeper conversations and mutual understanding. Through her eyes, I fell in love with Taipei all over again.
But my cultural journey didn’t end there. The next leg of my winter break took me to India, where another MBA classmate, Arun, became my cultural guide in Delhi. His hospitality went above and beyond as he welcomed both my mother and me, sharing not just his city but his culture with genuine pride and joy. Through Arun’s expert guidance, we learned the proper way to enjoy local delicacies and discovered the rich traditions behind each dish. His passionate explanations of Delhi’s historical sites brought centuries of history to life, helping us understand the deep cultural heritage that makes India unique. Without Arun’s knowledge and enthusiasm, our experience of Delhi would have been completely different – his pride in his culture and homeland was contagious, making every moment more meaningful.
The culmination of this Indian adventure was attending our classmate Gurnoor’s traditional Punjabi wedding in Chandigarh – an experience that went far beyond my wildest expectations. What touched me most was how Gurnoor and her family welcomed not just me, but my mother as well, treating us as if we were their own. Having witnessed Gurnoor and her new spouse’s beautiful romance story unfold during our MBA program, it was incredibly special to be present for this momentous celebration. The traditional ceremonies were a spectacular blend of colors, joy, and cultural significance; each ritual steeped in meaning and tradition. The warmth and inclusivity of Punjabi culture shone through as we connected despite cultural and language differences. It’s amazing to think that soon, our families will reunite at our MBA commencement – a testament to how the bonds formed at MSU Broad transcend cultural boundaries and create lasting connections between families across continents.
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Lucy and her classmate Christine in Taipei during winter break.
Lucy and MBA classmate Arun in Delhi during winter break.
Lucy poses with her classmate Gurnoor and her new spouse at their wedding.
These experiences highlight something unique about the MSU Broad MBA program: it’s not just about business education, it’s about creating global citizens. The diversity within our cohort creates opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding that extend far beyond the classroom. These connections don’t end with graduation – they’re the beginning of lifelong friendships that span the globe.
As I reflect on these winter break adventures, I’m struck by how the MSU Broad MBA program has given me something I never expected – friendships so deep and genuine that they’ve become a cornerstone of my life. These aren’t just casual connections; they’re relationships built on trust, warmth, and mutual support. My classmates have become my cheerleaders, standing by my side through both challenges and celebrations, offering help and encouragement with open hearts.
The true value of my MBA experience lies not just in the knowledge gained, but in these extraordinary friendships that span cultures and continents. These relationships have enriched my understanding of different cultures and provided me with authentic experiences that would be impossible to find in any travel guide. More importantly, they’ve shown me that genuine connection knows no borders.
The MSU Broad MBA program doesn’t just prepare you for global business – it creates bonds that make the world feel a little smaller and a lot more connected. These friendships, forged in the classroom but tested and strengthened across continents, will last a lifetime. As I continue my MBA journey, I know that wherever life takes me, I’ll have friends around the world who are more like family – ready to welcome me, support me, and share in life’s most precious moments.
