Bittersweet Goodbyes

Goodbyes are never easy. Especially not when you're doing it over multiple days. And now, on my last night in Cambridge, MA, I'm sitting here reflecting on it all. Definitively sad, but not remorseful of the decision I've made.

After a lot of thought, reflection, and discussions, I've decided to take a leave of absence from MIT Sloan. Making this decision definitely ranks up there in terms of difficult decisions I've had to make. While it was a tough dilemma, I was fortunate that the two paths I had to choose from were both excellent options.

I feel blessed to have had the chance these past few days to spend time with friends new and old. To have gotten a glimpse of what life as a second year Sloanie would've been like. And especially to be reminded of how amazing a group of people my classmates are.

What I'll miss most are the 25-50 pick-up basketball games I would've played at the Z-center, the dozen or more c-functions, mingling in e51's lobby, burgers at Miracle of Science, nights at the BHP, and random meals and outings. What I'll miss most are the people.

Events around February 28, 2008

So i found out yesterday that i share a birthday with Paul Krugman. The slight relevance beyond birth date is that I've been hearing about him a bit in my macro econ class, he obtained his PhD at MIT and used to teach here, and my buddy Chris has shared some of his columns with me from time to time at NYTimes.com.

A nice birthday treat was getting to hear Clay Christensen speak. He's an HBS professor, and author of The Innovator's Dilemma, which I read just last year (and loved). In particular, he had a very interesting segment talking about a way to look at products. For the product, what job is it that I'm hiring it to do? That can help drive your decisions and get to the root of what consumers really are looking for.

On Wednesday I went to a session where I got to hear Tim Westergren speak. Tim is the founder of Pandora and is currently its Chief Strategy Officer. He had a great story to tell about his experiences (and big challenges) and what led him to make Pandora. I just signed up at Pandora and it's come a long way and looks and feels completely different than the early version I tried back in 2005.


Being tired from lots of traveling and readjusting to school, as well as having been fighting off a cold for the past week, I didn't really want to do anything for my b-day. But a couple good friends caught wind of this and so I ended up going out to a low-key dinner and then drinks afterward. It was about all the energy I had since I woke up this morning feeling a bit more sick. Alas, I had a good time, and hopefully I can be fully recovered by the end of the weekend. Many thanks to all who found their way out last night to spend time with me on my b-day, and to those (all over the world) who remembered and offered warm b-day wishes! :D

Thanksgiving

Before too much time passes, i want to capture some of my thoughts and memories from the just-passed Thanksgiving weekend.

Above all, it was great to spend time with my parents and sister. With all of us spread out all over the place and spending less and less time together, it is such a blessing to be able to all be together, even for a few days.

I hadn't ever thought much in particular about Thanksgiving. At least not until last week when Professor Freund mentioned how Thanksgiving is the one holiday that is unique to the U.S., and how it's a good time to be at home (as opposed to vacationing in some far-off land).

Aside from family, I was thankful for having had the chance to:

• watch a Packers game with my dad
• see good friends (Mar, Mike, Tyler, Henru)
• get perspective and remember how fortunate I am to be a part of the MIT Sloan community (and the many challenges it provides)
  

While the weekend was relaxing and helped me re-center myself, just two days back at school has effectively kiboshed that, so back to HW i go!