Stanford GSB and the Rat Race

The business school is probably the best place to observe the rat race at its craziest best. Stanford might be the only anamoly to this. This is probably the only top school that has a lot of non-conformism associated with it. A good third of my class (including myself) doesnt yet know what they are doing post school. Dont get me wrong here, I am not saying its not good to find a job before you graduate. I am saying this is one place where people are willing to wait and explore avenues that excite and enthuse them truly to pursue as careers. Whether they get them right away or a little later, the fact is they are brave enough to take the risk. Are they foolish to wait..I would say no. But, thats my school of thought. Many people in the world would probably say "what i really like" is a Utopian concept, no one really knows, so its best to get the best money-lifestyle job. Its their opinion. Theirs is theirs and mine is mine. To each his own.

This is one place where you will find a girl building the world's first unique online one-to-one microfinance platform; a guy starting a company that manufactures low cost efficient lights for rural populations; a girl who is working on starting a plus size clothing line for teenagers; a guy who is starting an emerging markets investment fund; the list goes on and on. Even those who take the so-called tried and tested MBA path have a spirit in them that eventually drives most of them to do something different, to make a difference in this world. This entrepreneurial, non-conformist spirit is what pulled me to this great institution and this is what has made my experience so fulfilling. Now as I come close to within three weeks of graduating from this premiere institution a myriad of emotions going through my head, one consistent thought is that of thankfullness - thankfullness to God, my parents, elders, family members for blessing me and giving me this opportunity to experience this unique experience. It has been a most fulfilling, a most humbling, a most energizing, a most introspective experience, compared to any other I have had in the last 27 years of my existence. I once again humbly thank God, my parents, elders, family, friends and wellwishers for their blessings and good wishes that have kept me going. I pray such opportunities are given to everyone who desires them. I pray for continued support. I pray for humbleness, strength and perseverance going forward.

My friends here, I am surely going to miss big time. Each one is going to a different country almost. I get attached to my close friends soon and it is sad when they move away. With family I know I will be with them always, meaning there is a link for sure, so i dont feel sad if i have to move to a different place for a short period because I know its temporary.
Whereas with close friends, I am not sure when I will see them again..where our life will take us..whether we will be able to sustain the friendship at the same intensity..what kind of people will I meet later..these uncertainties weigh me down. Plus it is a reminder that life moves on..time and tide wait for none.

But again I guess thats the beauty of life!

It moves on, you meet new people and you make new relationships. Its fun for sure..though periods of transition can be heavy..but then there is the beautiful concept of Hope. Hope to relive old times, hope to have more good times, and that is truly a beautiful concept which keeps us going through life.

All this is right, but the feelings continue to well up.

Sad, happy, dull, excited, anxious, anticipatory - a mixture of feelings in my heart. As of now heavy is the right word to describe how I feel when I think of graduation.