I remember the sense of gratification I felt when I received my acceptance letter from Ivey. I was excited to be leaving and learning amongst a group of my peers from all around the world, enhancing my knowledge of the world and business. I was nervous about moving across the world and trying to fit into a classroom, which was one of the most diverse in the world. Ivey’s unique case-based approach was exciting, yet so intimidating. But once my journey at Ivey began I had no time to be nervous! The supportive group of peers, faculty and administration helped me get into my groove and gain confidence. Time flew by so fast; I still feel like it was yesterday that I sat with my cohort trying to figure out the case-based approach with Prof. David Wood at the orientation session.
Nobody could have prepared me for the tsunami of change that was about to sweep me away!
The most memorable moments have always involved my friends. My highlight is our first 24-hour report! Just like all Ivey cases, the challenge is never the obvious one. Our main challenge was not the case, it was to work together and elevate as a team. However, those 24 hours are a microcosm of what students experience here. The moments of happiness, sadness, frustration, excitement and finally, fulfillment, are packed into one power packed experience after which everyone comes out having learnt something and grown significantly. The 24 hours I spent in a room with my friends was the happiest and the most physically exhausted I have been at Ivey, and I would not change a thing if I had to do it all over again.
One of the best decisions I made in this program was to run to be an executive on the MSc Association. It is one of the key catalysts in my growth here. Mentored by our previous executives, I am part of the MScA as the VP for International Business students. My motivation while walking into this position was to give as additional value as I could to my fellow colleagues in the program. But a beautifully unexpected outcome of that has been that I have received more than double of what I gave out in the form of growth, learning and value. Each new challenge we face always boils down to what business solution we can apply to it. You know you’re an Ivey student when every problem you face structures itself as a case study right before your very eyes!
The MSc Program is not only about the cases and the world-class facilities. What makes the MSc a truly world class program is the people in it. Everyone in the program is sharp and brings a unique perspective to the table. I’ve learned more from my peers in this program than I ever have before. I have formed bonds which could last a lifetime. It is key to invest your time in knowing the people here. I am constantly establishing new relationships and reinforcing old ones with the Ivey community. From current students, faculty, administration and even alumni- everybody is part of the Ivey family and counts on the other in times of need. Even during this global pandemic, everybody has come together from across the world to support each other.
Winnie the Pooh summed up my feelings during quarantine and being away from my friends accurately when he said:
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Every day has been unique. Somewhere between juggling my classes, handling my extra curricular activities, meeting new people, working with my friends, memorizing their Starbucks order and surviving a pandemic, I became better at handling uncertainty. In the current world, that is the most valuable skill I learned so far at Ivey.
