A New Two-Letter Home

As I stood at the baggage check-in with four 49.9 lbs suitcases and my sister's car fading into the distance, I couldn't help but smile.  3000 miles away, a new home, a new set of lifelong friends, and an experience that would forever influence my professional career awaited me.  Not even the sinking feeling that my phone charger and Big Lebowski DVD were not contributing to the absurd heft of my luggage could dampen my mood.  This was going to be an unreal new lifestyle!  A top-tier MBA program in a world class city.  A city renowned for its incredible diverse population and industry; one celebrated for its opportunity and scenic beauty.  Beaches and sun, here we come...

This Cali dreamin' lasted roughly as long as it took the poor Southwest attendent to carry/roll/kick my bags out of sight.  The only things waiting for me in Los Angeles were a rental car and a hotel reservation.   Everything that would transpire next would be a result of hard work and a disciplined approach.  It was this realization, the stark recognition that the next 22 months were going to be what I make of them, nothing more, that kept the smile on my face all way to touch down at LAX.  I spent the past year busting my hump, trying to exit my comfort zone in DC.  It was time to discover my true capabilities.

I'd love to continue with the "new adventure/self-discovery" platitudes, but unfortunately, real life kicked in the minute I got off the plane.  I stubbornly refused help with my bags and lugged my personal shantytown a few football fields to the rental desk; a decision that led to numerous pulled muscles in my back the next morning.  Word to the wise: If you need to drive around an unfamiliar city for a couple days, engage in stop/start traffic, and explore various apartment complexes, it's best to perform said tasks with a properly functioning spine.  Unless they are Victor Hugo enthusiasts, property managers tend to be wary of renting to those who look fit for a belltower.

Despite this episode of bad luck, I was able to secure a place in Brentwood relatively quickly.  It's close to campus, close to the highways, and close to the beach.  A solid trifecta for LA living.  I would recommend that any prospective students or admits come out to Los Angeles to familiarize themselves with the neighborhoods prior to applying or moving here.  There are so many desirable places to live in West LA that it's an enormous time-saver to know what you want before settling on a place. I spent my first three days here walking (well, shuffling awkwardly) the neighborhoods and testing the drives to campus before deciding on Brentwood.  Regardless of what's important to you (proximity to campus, nightlife, or the beach), you'll find a neighborhood that satisfies all your needs.

Since settling in, my days have been busy with getting prepped for orientation next week.  Resume preparation, Q&A sessions with the Parker CMC, registering my car in California, and if I have time, covering my textbooks with brown grocery bags (I'll be the guy with the "Arithmetic" book).   There is much to do before the madness begins.  However, there is no real trepidation, only excitement.  I'm about to spend the next 22 months learning from some of the best minds in business, all while surrounded by 370 talented, accomplished individuals whom I will soon call friends.

Many of my future entries will focus on the academic, recruiting, and social elements of Anderson.  I will also address my past experiences and what I hope to personally accomplish at UCLA Anderson. However, right now, there is much I'm in the dark in regarding the Anderson experience.  It would seem prudent to save my thoughts on the coursework and culture until I'm fully immersed.  Take my word for it though, I look forward to sharing them with you, through this blog and hopefully, someday on campus.