So much going on.
Too much, actually. But, what else is new?
Q2
Our second quarter classes started a week and a half ago. Boy, has it been a long week and a half. Not sure what’s in the air but a lot of us are feeling a similar sentiment–cases feel harder, workload seems increased, motivation seems decreased. Or, it’s that we have more on our plate–for most it’s an increased focus on career search–and we’re forced to split our time and our efforts? Whatever it is, it is apparent that it’s not an isolated feeling–almost every first year with whom I’ve spoken has shared this phenomenon. This isn’t new either–all signs are pointing towards “Black November”: that time in the first year where Darden is in full throttle and firing on all cylinders–whether you are on board or not! LOL. I don’t want this train to leave the station without me so I plan on being on board. What I’ve quickly realized, however, is that being successful will require reaching out for help and leaning on others…exposing your vulnerabilities (whatever few you have not displayed through the Q1 induction!). Sigh…I STILL have some growing to do in that area, you know…
Discover Darden
Last weekend, we hosted our annual “Discover Darden” weekend. This event is designed to introduce talented African-American, Hispanic and Native-American applicants to Darden and the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management. It was hosted by Admissions along with Darden’s Black Business Student Forum (BBSF) and the Hispanic Network at Darden (HAND). Corporate sponsors included Deloitte and Alcoa. By all accounts, it was a successful weekend. We hosted almost 4o prospective students. In addition to hearing from faculty, admissions, alumni, and current students, the prospectives were also able to experience a Darden philosophy first hand–we work hard AND we play hard! They attended the Darden for the Cure Pink Party at X-Lounge Friday night. And…some were lucky enough to score tickets to the Jay-Z / T.I. concert on Saturday night.
Wait, wait, wait…
That deserves its own treatment:
Jay-Z was in concert last weekend (w/special guest T.I.). The show was incredible!! Absolutely incredible. I had a blast. For so many reasons! I could stay on that for a while (being the Brooklyn-bred girl that I am) but I won’t in the interest of time. We now return back to our regularly scheduled broadcast…
Ummmm….where were we? Discover Darden…great weekend!
Next.
Business Concept Competition
Back to the incomplete post from last week. Darden has an annual business concept competition which is open to both first year and second year students. I entered a concept and, I’m happy to report, I made it to the finals! This year was a record year for submissions (54 overall). Eight made it to the finals–four in the “Life Sciences & Hi-Tech” category and four in the newly created “Consumer Goods, Services & General Category”. When I was notified last week, I was immediately excited and nervous all at the same time!!
And that brings us to today.
To this moment.When I should be working on my final presentation…
But instead, I’m blogging.Because…well, because I needed to blog (way over due, wouldn’t you say??)…but also because…I’m stalling.
Not sure what’s going on…this was the same issue I had when I had to write my three-page executive summary for the concept. It’s this very weird and irrational writer’s block. Things are in my head but when I go to put them on paper, I freeze. What’s worse: my “freezing” has less to do with the lack of things to say…it has more to do with a fear of putting myself out there–sharing my closest held dreams and goals with the world. Entrepreneurship is something about which I’ve dreamed for a while. And I see it clearly–so clearly it’s scary. I know my purpose in life; entrepreneurship is part of a bigger picture. It is my belief that the only thing standing in between good and great is fear…our own fears of failure, of looking foolish, or for some of us, of success. Deep down inside, I think that may be at play here–an (irrational) fear of some sort…
Nevertheless…
“Fear” is a dirty four letter word that has no place in the vocabulary of a victor. 🙂
Greatness doesn’t entertain fear. No room at the inn.
So, let’s not even talk about that anymore.
Moving on, shall we?
To what?
Oh…to my presentation, huh? Stay tuned for the results of Friday’s competition!
Just wanted to say thanks for the great post and also to let you know that I fixed your post (and added a link back to your blog)…
All the best. And keep up the good blogging!
I love the stream of consciousness post! So much so in fact that apparently I’m now a “follower” (not really sure what that means, I just clicked the button!). Good luck on Friday!!!!