The MBA Student Voice

New Career, New School, Insta Network

When I was in 4th grade I decided I want to be an architect.  Now with two architecture degrees under my belt and enough credentials to be licensed as an architect in more than 40 states, I find myself in search of a new answer to an old childhood question.  "What do you want to be when you grow-up?"  Having some direction, but seeking the education to understand a new language outside of archi-speak I turned to business school.

Subsequent to many long conversations with UCLA Anderson Alumni, making the decision to commit to the acceptance following my 2nd round applications was far from extraneous. I was anxious to make a move back to Los Angeles, and looked forward to being completely immersed into the student culture on campus.

It took a little less than a week before I was indoctrinated into an online community with fellow 2010 class members, and a little less than a month to coordinate a San Francisco meeting of new 2010ers.

One consistent response I have heard from every MBA graduate, no matter what their alma mater, regarding their experience while in school is: “It’s definitely one of the best and one of the most memorable year(s) of my life. You will make lifelong friends, and will have an amazing time.”

Gathered on the small second floor of a local brew pub, meeting for the first time with my future classmates in San Francisco – I was already ecstatic looking forward to my next two years at Anderson.

Moving Back to Los Angeles

I first declared myself a resident of Los Angeles in 2002, moving straight into the heart of downtown to get my Masters in Architecture at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCIArc). I quickly learned that it's not safe to walk the streets after seven, the nearest decent grocery store was 7 miles away, and that the already congested one way streets were frequently tied-up due to filming. When I moved out a year later, I made a promise that I would never live back in downtown LA again.

Now, recenlty re-located following a year in San Francisco, I have moved myself straight into downtown on one of the busiest bi-secting streets, Broadway. Why you ask? Well, because I've done a little growing and learned that I should never say "never," BUT I've also been watching the tremendous change taking place in the area and soon realized that I was missing my old haunts.

It just goes to show how much a city can transform over the course of six years, and how vibrant and ever-changing Los Angeles continues to be. Always on the cutting edge of architecture and design, while remaining reminiscent to it's historical roots. One thing is for sure, it's known as a city of opportunity filled with those seeking out their dreams. I'm glad that UCLA Anderson has brought me back to my beloved City of Angels, and look forward to the next two years while being reflective of the past lessons I have learned.