Hungarian Student Sought a Land of Opportunity, and Found It in Kansas

As they say in Hungary, “Aki mer, az nyer” — he who dares, wins.

Meet Bence Duka, a Hungarian native studying Accounting and Finance at Benedictine College and a member of the school’s men’s basketball team. He explains how he succeeded in the midst of uncertainty.

“Coming to the United States was definitely hard,” he said. “For my first two years here, I couldn’t speak English. School was different, sports were different, the people here were different, and the culture was different. Everyone here is just so welcoming and nice, and it’s amazing how much opportunity there is here.”

His strong Hungarian roots provided Bence with a supportive community that encouraged him to reach for his dreams. With the help of his basketball coach and mother, Bence moved to the United States his freshman year of high school without having any background in English.

As he adapted to the American way of life, Bence continued to participate in both basketball and football. His senior year of high school, he was offered a scholarship to play basketball for Benedictine College. He accepted the position and started his journey as a Raven in August 2022.

He was deeply impacted by the college’s mission of community, faith and scholarship.

“Benedictine’s impact on me was huge,” he said. “It would be hard to explain in a few words because I could write pages about it. Long story short, my faith changed tremendously. After I saw the culture and how much Benedictine people love God, my eyes opened. After a few years, my work ethic, listening skills, prayer and discipline got way better. I would not be the same person if I went to any other college. I am super thankful for everything Benedictine College has done for me, and I recommend this college to anybody who is looking to grow in faith and wanting to become a better person.”

As a student athlete, he also took it upon himself to excel in his academic and athletic settings. Majoring in Accounting and Finance, his schedule was filled to the capacity, but the supportive community at Benedictine helped him continue to pursue his passions.

“I just feel like I’m safe when I am here at Benedictine,” he said. “The community is amazing, and everyone really feels like a part of my family. The teachers, the coaches, the students, they are all so caring, and they really have had such a strong impact on me in my time so far at Benedictine.”

As Bence continues as a student, he described his collegiate experience as “encouraging” and said he was grateful for the support.

“They are not just here for the four years that you’re here, they are here for life,” Bence said about the faculty and staff of the college. “They are always asking how they can help me, and I am just really thankful for them, and for this team.”

When Bence ventured to the United States, seeking opportunities, he made a decision that day to create a life that he believed was worth living. He fully embraced his unique position as a native Hungarian while he navigated the complexities of American culture and what it has to offer. Bence is choosing a life of success and, one day at a time, he is transforming into the person he is called to be — and spreading Benedictine community, faith and scholarship to others.

By Emma R.C. Lyons