It’s hard to believe that Ivey has begun after two fast years in university. The year started off with the Opening Gala breakfast, where we met people from our section for the first time. We got to listen to several speakers including Faculty Director Mary Heisz, Dean Carol Stephenson, and a few notable alumni. We were reminded of both the great expectations and the challenges ahead; the room was filled with excitement and nervousness.
Although confident in my abilities, I had no idea what to expect on the first day of classes and I quickly realized that the case-based learning was different from anything I had ever done. Even after taking Bus 2257, the dynamic class discussions seemed like an entirely new experience. However, after every day, I felt more comfortable with preparing the cases efficiently and contributing to the conversation.
I chose Ivey because I felt that studying anything I wanted for the first two years would be beneficial for me. Now I realize that it also makes the class extremely diverse. There are individuals in my section from several birth countries, schools, and programs who I’ve gotten to know well from the intimate class environment and through section social events.
We have also gotten the opportunity to listen to the words of inspiring leaders, including many Ivey grads. Commander Chris Hadfield delivered a keynote speech and demonstrated that leaders, regardless of what field they are in – from astronauts to entrepreneurs – face the same kinds of complex issues. We also got to listen to a leadership panel consisting of a diverse group of business, arts, and political leaders, including the HBA grad Sukhinder Singh-Cassidy. As the former President of Google’s Asia Pacific and Latin America Operations, current CEO and founder of Joyus.com, and one of 2008’s “50 Most Powerful Women” according to FORTUNE, she discussed the challenges she faced at Ivey and in the business world in a way that was both relatable and inspirational.
In short, I’ve learned so much in only three weeks and can’t even imagine what I’ll leave with after the next two years.
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Huntha Lwin