Greetings from Atlanta! This time I'm writing you from my in-laws' place, where we will be spending the Christmas holiday. It is so good to see them after being away for four months.
I am still getting my arms around the fact that we are 1/6th of the way through our MBA program at Anderson. That Fall quarter went by too quickly! While final exam prep accounted for a large portion of our time during finals week, it is always nice to have the perspective that grad school grades are merely a formality. Two years focused on personal growth and learning is what we're paying for, after all. Speaking of learning, let me take a second to reflect on some of my takeaways from the past 10 weeks:
- Ask myself "why"? There are so many opportunities to go after as an Anderson student - more than my 24-hr. day can handle. Asking myself the "why" question before every decision helps me check my motivations and stay focused on my priorities, and gives me the discipline and discernment to say "no" when necessary. I believe that most decisions we make in life involve choosing between "good" options and "better" options, rather than "good" and "bad" options. Recognizing the subtle difference between "good' and "better" is not always easy, and asking myself "why" can help.
- Enjoy the process. I am often tempted to focus on the next major application deadline, the next assignment, the next presentation, the next vacation. This thinking can get exhausting. I have found it rewarding to be in the present and to enjoy each experience to the fullest. The reality of life is that there will always be another pressing deadline/goal to work towards. If I'm too focused on the future, then the many beautiful things in life will simply pass me by. Life is too short and too precious for that.
- Make time to think. A lot of b-school is doing. So many things to do all the time. We need to take time out of each day to pause for a bit, and think. Makes the doing a lot more purposeful and focused.
- Make time for exercise/hobbies. Great stress reliever for the mind, good for the body. Balance is the key.
Do I have more than four takeaways? The answer is yes, but I'll save them for when I have writer's block next time. :) To my readers out there, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday. See you in 2011!
-- Jesse Ferlianto, '12
* Hiking with Anderson friends at Topanga State Park to celebrate the end of Fall quarter finals. (temperature was a lovely 75 degrees in the middle of December!)
