My MBA application, 12 years later

I had a crucible moment in 2009. I was a batch & furnace engineer for Owens Corning, in a development program. I had worked there since graduating college - it was my first "adult" job, and I was learning A LOT. But... I felt forced to take a role on the other side of the country, far away from family and friends, in a location that I felt wasn't safe. So I quit. I delivered phone books out of the back of my Honda Fit. I relied on friends to share meals and drinks with me. I freaked out. Then, with a push from my father, I decided to apply WAAAAY late to The Ohio State University's full-time MBA program. The application process included taking the GMAT, interviewing in-person, and completing several essays.

I was cleaning up my external hard drive recently, and came across those essays. Reading them brought the emotions of that time right back to surface. In fact, writing about this, right now, is bringing them back as well.

I share this essay question and response with you in case it helps you in some way. Maybe it just helps you feel more connected to me. Maybe it sparks a reflection for you. Maybe it leads to reaching out to a family member, friend or mentor to say Thank You for the role they played in your life. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Discovering You: As a Fisher MBA student you get the best of both worlds: the up close and personal feel of a small program combined with the resources and opportunities offered by a major research university. You as an individual participant will play a key role in shaping our culture. For this reason, we would like to learn more about who you are and what unique characteristics you will contribute to the Fisher College community. Provide an honest description of yourself outside your professional context, stressing the personal characteristics you sense to be your strengths and weaknesses, and the factors that have most influenced your development to date. If you would like the MBA Admission Committee to be aware of any additional information and/or special circumstances, we encourage you to include it here. (maximum 750 words)

My parents had a large impact on my personal development. Due to an injury at work, my father "retired" when I was very young. He took my education very seriously, and provided me opportunities he never had. My parents never discouraged me from trying things, even when other people were vocal in their opposition. For example, in first grade, I wanted to take "The Wizard of Oz" out of the library. Since this was a third grade book, the librarian would not let me check it out. I went home in tears. My father came to the library with me, told me and the librarian I would be the only person to determine if I was ready to read it, not anyone else. We checked it out, and I loved that book.

I was always treated as a young adult. My parents let me make decisions and mistakes, as long as they wouldn't be threatening life or limb. They believe the best way to learn and remember is through experience; I agree. They provided opportunities to excel, which were sometimes scary, but always worth it. For example, how many people can say they took their first college course at age 10 (College Algebra), and got inducted into their Honor Society at age 11 (Oakland Community College - Phi Theta Kappa)? I matured very quickly, because of the "stretching" I did throughout childhood in terms of trying things both difficult and unique.

 Many positive personality traits were instilled in me from a young age. I am independent, self-sufficient and willing to try things outside my comfort zone. I am the person who will get in the car without a map or plan, just to see what our great country has to offer. I am the person who will strike up a conversation with a mechanic, the person at the coffee shop, the man walking his dog down the street, because I believe I can learn something from everyone.

Like everyone, I also have personality traits that could be viewed as weaknesses in certain contexts. As mentioned, I am very self-sufficient, which can sometimes present as being aloof. This is one area I've focused on during my time with Owens Corning, especially after my development coach spoke with me about it. I make a daily effort to reach out to operators and others on the staff, to build open, engaged working relationships. I am very detail-oriented, a personality trait I keep in focus when working in teams, so as to allow everyone an equal chance to participate and keep the results a team effort. In general, my weaknesses are only a problem when they swing too far; I definitely am aware of these shortcomings, and make a conscious effort to temper them.

I have many hobbies I pursue outside of work. One of my which is car repair and upgrading. My father has enjoyed cars since he was young, and he passed on that passion to me. From experience, I've learned all about cars; I was never afraid to get my hands dirty, and learn by trial and error. I've also always been interested in many art forms, and I especially like working with color. I particularly enjoy making jewelry, drawing and painting. I enjoy giving back to my community as well. I've been a regular blood donor to the Red Cross since age 17. I became a Big Sister in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program in the fall of 2008. I am always willing to lend a hand to a worthy cause.