Today is Nov 2. I arrived in Los Angleles on Sep 2. Two months went by like a snap. But it is one of the most fulfilling two months. I came to UCLA Anderson to change my career--- I have a PhD degree in biochemistry and been doing biomedical research in academia and the biotech industry. I am an international from Chinese. Here is what I observed and thoughts along the way of the two months:
1. UCLA and LA are truly a melting pot. As a Chinese who has studied and worked for about 10 years in the US, mainly in Missouri and North Carolina, I know better to say that nowhere is more melting than LA. People in other states I have seen do not melt but keep distance. I guess the difference is because more than 30% international students are at Anderson plus the American citizen born in foreign countries. Thus it is fair to say that more than 50% of the Anderson students either welcome or belong to international cultures.
2. Compare to other states, LA is crowded but extremely enjoyable. Too many bars that are fun. Mild and balmy weather are so nourishing and calming to my body and soul that I sleep way better than anywhere else. However, as with all good things, there is always a negative side: 1.the outbreak of so-called Anderson cold last month brought down more than 30% of my classmates 2. Highways (especially 405) being constantly jammed, which is extremely hateable, reminding me of the crowded mice cages that I used to do research on at UNC.
3. UCLA MBA students are smart but surprisingly friendly and cooperating. I am totally comfortable at UCLA even with a different culture and career background. It is common to see my classmates go out of their way to help each other. A few examples: Our section A academic VP sends out reminders every week to remind the class of the upcoming homework and assigned readings for the following week; Students who have cars offer ride to those who have no cars. Such a helping and giving culture is not coincidence but took shape since the first day of orientation--two 2nd year MBA students, Vee and Brian, set a good role model and volunteer to lead our section through the two week long orientation. It was a totallly awesome experience.
Leadership, which is recognized as the center piece of any business school learning, sounds empty to me who is used to the black and white solid subject in science. But on second thought, what is leadership and who has leadership? My definition is that anyone who understands and can interact with every kind of people any time and anywhere is a leader. A place to melt into everybody else is what UCLA Anderson provides me, an international students, for developing leadership. That is priceless!
