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.

Year 1: Done!

It's amazing how different life can feel depending on your environment, objectives, and circumstances. I just wrapped up my first year of business school. Nine very fulfilling months that went by in a flash.

It's been such a whirlwind that I couldn't remember my initial impressions and expectations. (Fortunately, I can just go back and read old blog entires.) I'm happy to say that—though it took me a while—i have figured out where i want to concentrate my energy in the year i have remaining.

Before i reflect on my second semester, there are a couple recent events i want to mention:

Sloan Follies
The annual Sloan Follies (held last Thursday) was a ton of fun. I was really surprised and impressed at the quality of the production the organizers put on, and also the many talents of my classmates. Some videos should be up on YouTube now or shortly (will hopefully come back and insert links later).

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Year-End Reception
I'm really happy that Abhinav, Sandy and I got to plan a year-end reception and send off for the inaugural E&I class. It was a bit last-minute and stressful, but well worth it. While listening to some of the graduating students speak about their own startups that they're working on after school, i suddenly realized a big reason i'm happy to be at Sloan and a part of E&I. Many of my classmates plan to go out and change the world—whether in clean energy, social entrepreneurship, helping developing nations, or in tech entrepreneurship—all of which is really quite inspiring. Some are going for it right away with their own startups, but i'm sure many others will eventually have large impacts on people's lives.

Sloan Olympics
The Sloan Olympics were a lot of fun and a great chance to re-bond with my fellow Pacificans. Dan Morash, Steve Rullison, Lauren Hunt, and i won the medley relay (despite having me on the team). There were also a lot of fun field events to watch and participate in. The BBQ afterward wasn't bad either.

AdMIT Weekend (Round 2)
I didn't get to help out with the Round 1 AdMIT weekend so was happy i got a chance to lend a hand the second time round. It was bizarre to think how i was in the shoes of the admits just a year ago. I really enjoyed seeing the energy and enthusiasm, and especially enjoyed observing people who arrived uncertain about which school to choose, leaving convinced and committed to attending Sloan. The awesome Southeast Asian C-Function and Net Impact house party featuring the Rolling Sloans probably didn't hurt.


Onward to a brief semester recap and reflection:

Classes
I realize i never touched on the classes i took this semester. They were:

• 15.012 - Macro and International Economics (H1)
• 15.025 - Game Theory
• 15.351 - Managing Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• 15.390 - New Enterprises
• 15.847 - Consumer Behavior (H2)
• 15.900 - Strategic Management
  

My favorite class of the semester was by far Game Theory. Prof. McAdams was an excellent teacher and was fully committed in his delivery and presentation (leading on occasion to him being slightly melodramatic, which was still appreciated).

Macro/Int'l Econ was useful for gaining a better understanding of monetary and fiscal policy, as well as efforts in international aid to developing countries and the many challenges involved there.

Prof. Frederick was extremely enthusiastic while teaching Consumer Behavior, and it was interesting learning more about the irrationality of consumers and how some of the simplest variations can affect the way people perceive things.

My other three classes—Managing I&E, New Enterprises, and Strategic Management—gave me practice in analyzing industries and companies (with emphasis on my interest in tech), both big and small, and gave me a solid foundation to approach strategic decision making.

Sloanies
I'm happy that in the past four months, i've gotten to know many of my classmates better. A sizable chunk of my class will be in the Bay Area this summer, so i look forward to some summer Sloanie fun. And i look forward to our 2nd year together, though it's sad that the 2nd years (class of '08) are graduating and we won't be seeing them around regularly.

Now i just need to wrap up some loose ends and pack/move before i jet off to Cali and start my summer internship at FriendFeed!

First semester reflection

Wow. i can't believe the Core is coming to a close. the semester has truly flown by. With both the last day of classes and my first final next week, i thought i'd take a moment to reflect.

Classes
i wasn't totally sold on the virtues of taking nearly all of my first semester classes with my ocean (cohort), but as i sat through the last day of class for some of my courses, one benefit became very clear: the bonding that occurs when you struggle through something with others. Having done my undergrad at UC Berkeley with 300+ student classrooms, the intimacy of my ~60 person Sloan classes has made the experience that much more meaningful to me. i actually found myself saddened by the fact that courses were ending and i'd no longer be learning regularly from some amazing professors.

Sloanies
My classmates as a group are the most unassuming, down-to-earth, and amazing people i've met. their humility sometimes causes me to forget how accomplished and talented they are. they definitely have challenged me to do better, but also helped me along the way. i'm thankful that i had great people on both my core and marketing teams, as well as the other friends that have helped me keep my sanity throughout the semester. i look forward to next semester when we're told things should slow down a bit, and i get a chance to get to know and bond further with other Sloanies.

Opportunities
i've heard countless CEO's and heads of businesses speak on their experiences and challenging leadership issues. i've had the chance to chat with startup founders and VC's (venture capitalists) on various entrepreneurial topics. In the first week of January, i'll be touring Silicon Valley with the E&I (Entrepreneurship & Innovation) Progam, visiting a variety of VC's and startups. On the side of pure fun, i went to two Red Sox playoff games at Fenway, including ALCS game 7, and a Celtics game with 20+ other classmates in a luxury box.

Personal growth
There's a stereotype that b-school is a two-year vacation filled with socializing and drinking. While there's definitely plenty of opportunity to connect with people, it's far from a vacation. i don't think i've ever been busier in my life. With that, i've surprised myself with how much i've been able to grow, especially in time-management and prioritization. Given the vast number of things constantly happen, i was forced to constantly pick between two or more things i really wanted to do. i've learned to make that choice quicker and move on.

Anyway, this post has taken a bit longer than i expected. i should get going on my Econ studying before heading to the Celtics game tonight. :)