Legacies Left Must Be Alright
Ever notice yourself having a train of thought due to a recurring theme manifesting itself in your life events? No? Well then maybe you should pay closer attention.
Last we spoke, I just arrived in Peru and promised to provide you an update with pictures. I'm not one to disappoint . . . I just didn't realize there would be such an enormous lapse between posts. Well, as they say: "Time flies when you're having fun." Personally, I prefer: "Life happens when you're making other plans."
Here's what's new with me: My aunt died. I visited Peru. Spring sprung. Spring quarter started. Peruvian bacteria accompanied me home. My internship search continues. New officers are being elected in student organizations. Red Carpet weekend just ended.
My array of feelings (in no accompanying order to the prior list): sick, tired, sick and tired, over-committed, under-utilized, over-whelmed, under-appreciated, appreciative, apprehensive, excited, hopeful, ambitious, grateful, irritated, exhausted, elated, deflated, determined, distracted, supportive, suspicious, apathetic, empathetic, blessed, lucky, and loved.
Bi-polar? Nah, it's just my Fisher Grad life. Ups and downs are normal and they come quickly and sometimes unexpectedly. There's a lot going on and it is really important to navigate through everything without failing to make time for the people and things that *really* matter. Which brings me back to contemplating "legacy".
Just as a snail leaves a trail, we are each bound to leave a legacy. I'm amazed at the legacies left by people and by institutions. The Ohio State University has a lot of alumni. I was told this during my Red Carpet weekend event last year. David Smith of our Admissions Office travels throughout the world recruiting MBA students and he told us that no matter where we were, we could let out a cry of "O-H!" and undoubtedly it would be met with an response of "I-O!" These are the stories of legend. Stories of legend are worth testing when possible so while hiking around Machu Picchu, our group opted to conduct a test. Standing at the Intiwatana overlooking the Central Plaza, we let out a loud cry of "O-H!" and to our great amusement we were promptly answered by "I-O!" Yes, seriously. We were so amused we continued our cry time and again until we were shushed by some nearby Peruvian park attendants. In our exuberance, we forgot about the fact that we were at one of the modern wonders of the world and not all guests would enjoy listening to us yell while they navigated this sacred space.
Fact is: I'm proud to be a Buckeye. Over the past couple of days I've met many potential members of the Ohio State MBA Class of 2013. Some of them have accepted their admission letter and will be joining me this fall. Others sit the fence and are still considering their options. My advice to them is the same I'd give to any of you reading this that are unsure of your MBA future: Choose the program that your heart tells you to attend. Each program has its merit and will provide great opportunities for your future. You'll do fine wherever you choose to go. That said, make sure you're following your own inner voice and not that of your parents, fiance(e), boyfriend/girlfriend, boss, co-workers, or friends. You spend a *HUGE* amount of time on campus and with your classmates. Be sure you're spending that precious time at the place that suits you best. Life is short and the days/weeks fly by quickly. I can hardly believe I'm seven weeks away from the end of my first year. Leave your own legacy... not one that someone else dreamt up for you.
Fisher has a very intimate and collaborative program but - believe you me - B-school pushes you to compete against each other. Frankly, I'm getting really tired of competing. As long as I'm doing the best I can do, I'm fine. In the end, what matters is not the things that we accomplish or leave undone. It is not the offices held or the grades, salaries, or frequent flier miles earned but the people we love and whose lives we touch that matter.
"I'm trying to tell you something about my life
Maybe give me insight between black and white
The best thing you've ever done for me
Is to help me take my life less seriously, it's only life after all" - The Indigo Girls
