As I pulled open the front door of the Ivey building for the first time my eyes darted around the vast expanse that lay ahead. I was immediately transfixed by the design of the space, at how sterile and simple it felt. The color scheme was basic, a touch of black, a smattering of dark brown, with spotless white walls running end to end. The glass facade let light in generously. Chairs and tables were arranged methodically, as if by an algorithm. The monotony was interrupted by modern art. As I inched forward my attention was drawn to the courtyard, which was ruthlessly manicured, its natural elements tamed almost as if by the collective intellect of what lay within. It was odd. Too orderly and proper for my liking. New faces abound, I couldn’t picture myself in the building.
Before my time at Ivey, I practiced law in Indian courts. I left behind a small legal practice I had painstakingly nurtured, entrenched customs of that world and a repository of legal knowledge accumulated by poring over tomes in law school. I had come to love that world; will I love this? I pondered.
What I held on to in the initial days was the sheer excitement for class and the possibility of interacting with my truly interesting and diverse batchmates. As classes stacked on, week after week, I began to fall in love with the content, the expertise that guided us through the material and the industriousness of the people around me. Every day was unique and staggeringly rewarding. There was a new lesson on offer, a new insight to achieve, a new goal to set, every day.
Over the course of the first thirty days, I realize how misplaced my first impressions were. If there is something I have come to realize it is this: Ivey, much like its spotless campus, offers you a blank canvas. As you find your way, and your footing, in the program you begin to appreciate the thought that went into everything at Ivey. You start to color the white walls with ideas of what makes a business tick, you begin to appreciate the functionality of large tables and conference rooms that enable collaboration and facilitate discussion. You start looking at the world differently, having been equipped to think across business functions through the case method; you start picking up nuance and realize the importance of a smattering of color. Large windows provide unhindered access to the outside world, nudging you to critically analyze real world repercussions of theoretical concepts. The pristine courtyard aids focus, the art makes you certain that big risks often have big payoffs.
Ivey isn’t just a business school. It’s a school of thought, one that forces you to change yourself, question your assumptions while allowing you to contribute by painting its walls with your imagination. Little did I know but my legal training helps too, especially to parse through complicated factual scenarios. I look forward to what the next fifteen months hold for me, knowing fully well, this is where I belong.