Another Mod has passed by, and I’ve made it through ¾ of my first year at Smeal. Six months here has been enough for me to get used to the fast pace of 7-1-7 structure of MBA program, be comfortable with the academic environment and get acquainted with people around me.  After each day, I feel more and more connected to this school, as if it is my home.  I can stay all day long here, because everything is designed in order to support students’ requirements for studying.  We have classrooms and team rooms fully equipped with projectors, white boards, and TV screens. I love the comfy chairs in commons area, where I can sit down and do homework, hang out with my fellows or gather to celebrate MBA events. The Blue Chip bistro cafeteria is a convenient place to enjoy lunch or just go grab a coffee before class. The glass atrium is perfect for career fairs and special events like Diwali or Lunar New Year celebrations.

However, if you think that comfort makes graduate school a two-year vacation in my career path, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Every day of MBA life is still a new challenge.  In the busiest day, I can be at school from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and accomplish many different things during that time.  First classes in the morning, then GA work and team work in the afternoon.  Next I go to company information sessions to seek career opportunities; and finally I go to the library to get some homework finished. I go home tired, but satisfied with the feeling of completing so much work in a day. After I get home, I get myself prepared for another day full of activities.   I can’t complain.  This is the life I’m looking for, the path I have chosen, and I am happy.

Binh Nguyen