How does it feel to be valedictorian?
Honoured and humbled. My classmates trusted me to be their valedictorian among all the fantastic candidates. I cannot describe the sense of accomplishment and responsibility that follows with this honour, and I am sure that I would do justice to this election.
Why do you think your classmates chose you?
From day one, since I was admitted to the program and joined the class WhatsApp group, I have tried to be there for my classmates whenever they needed me. Whether it was answering any questions or arranging social events, they knew who to ask.
Whether it was the first semester of the MBA in Fall 2020 or the last in Winter 2023, I have aimed to create opportunities for my class to connect and make lifelong connections.
How has the program changed you?
The Evening MBA program has helped me grow tremendously personally and professionally. I met many accomplished and diverse people during the program and learnt a lot from each one of them. I have built many strong, lifelong and valuable relationships, which was an uphill battle for me as an immigrant. The program gave me the confidence to be myself and give my best in every situation.
My classmates encouraged me to push my boundaries and keep exploring what was next. This behaviour change is what I value the most about the program, and it will help me the most to achieve my short- and long-term goals.
Describe a highlight of the program.
The leadership development practicum was undoubtedly the highlight. The two-day activity took us through a journey of self-discovery and brought us together to share some emotional moments. This activity helped us peel the onions on our happy moments and uncover hidden fears that can shatter the ground underneath. The revelations were so clear and pronounced that for many, it became difficult to hold their emotions.
What makes my classmates / graduating year special?
In the face of the Covid pandemic, we all persevered and showed great resolve in our personal development. Despite all the challenges, we stayed resilient and worked with uncertainty to succeed in the new realities.
What makes my class special is that each one of us has accepted this challenge with open arms and are not afraid to do the same in any professional setting. We have proved we can be trusted with the most challenging tasks and solve the most complex business problems.
The discipline we build in the program will help us achieve future accolades in our professional lives, and I am proud of being part of such a resolved and determined cohort.
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