I wish I could slow down the clock... So vividly I remember the initial days back in Fonty, with such intense happiness I reflect upon the experiences I’ve had over the blur of the past 7 months. I know, at this moment, that I am an in complete denial over the fact that this ride will have to end. But end it will, and all too soon if the next 2.5 months go as fast as the last 2.5; unfortunately though, I fear they will only go faster.

I think each and every one of us will walk away from the INSEAD MBA somehow different than the day when we arrived. If someone doesn’t leave this place changed in a very positive way, they would only have themselves to blame. But for those with decent emotional intelligence and a willingness to drop defenses and open up to a new way of seeing life, amazing levels of personal growth is possible.

Here are three key reasons my life will never be the same:

Friends: Can’t life always be like this? Surrounded by hundreds of smart, fun, ambitious people, dozens of whom you can get connect with really really well? I’m pretty private, so for me these things always take longer…but I love the relationships that I’ve made at this school, the intensity of some of these bonds have surprised me. While it is foolish to think you will stay close to everyone, I do know that I have made some amazing lifelong friends and business partners. The diversity of these bonds (thanks INSEAD) makes them even more special.

Self-awareness: This experience has been a great way to learn about oneself, learn what is important in life, learn what it is worth going after, and learn what is not worth a second thought. I have definitely gained deeper insight into all of these; I’m surer than ever of things, and have a sense of confidence that will follow me where ever I end up.

New perspective of what’s possible: The MBA creates for me a new reality of what’s possible in life. This is from hearing, seeing, dreaming about the millions of opportunities out there from professors, alumni, speakers, students, etc. The number of doors that have opened is mind boggling. I am more ambitious, my options for the future are limited only by my own lack of creativity.

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3.23 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."