Yep. That's Warren Buffett.

This past week I had the pleasure of working with an amazing professional that's looking to further his career trajectory by applying to the MBA program at Butler University.

I've been working with this student on GMAT skills for a few months - we actually met through a post I put up on LinkedIn earlier this year. As we've worked together, I continue to be more and more impressed by what he's overcome, how he's chosen to reflect, redirect and move past obstacles. He's a great role model for his children and his community - and I know he's destined for greatness.

Working on his MBA application essay was a total mind shift from GMAT math concepts. Before we met over Zoom to review his draft, I went to the email archives and found my MBA application essay from OSU in 2009. That was a crossroads in my life.

I had a great, well-paying, exciting job in the Fiberglas industry, but felt put in a position to move to a location with a not-so-great reputation, and 18 hours away from my family. So, I quit. And started delivering phone books out of the back of my car. And got encouraged by my father to apply for the MBA program at OSU. I was past the deadline - I had to drive over two hours away to find a testing center that had an opening for the GMAT. But in re-reading my essay, I think I understand what the admission officials saw that made them give me a chance.

Grit. Dedication. Passion about doing the right things with integrity. Following my moral compass, even when it's hard. Willingness to work hard, get dirty and persevere. Curiosity - boundless, endless curiosity that can be a weakness if taken too far. Resilience. The constant push for progress and growth. Independence. Self-sufficiency - which can be taken as aloofness at its extreme.

I'm so thankful that the OSU MBA admissions team found my story compelling enough to ask me to join the full-time program in 2009. The level of instruction, the quality of the cohort and the cultural and social opportunities and diversity truly were unmatched. See photo above for proof! My classmates and I had the chance to learn from, and goof around with, the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett. We participated in international case competitions. We had our minds stretched and our comfort zones invaded, for the noble goals of becoming better informed, more well-rounded and more adaptable leaders.

I couldn't think of a more fitting story of reflection to share with you as we bring the first half of 2020 to a close. We can do this. We are in this together. There's nothing wrong with making changes. Asking for help. Sharing your hard lessons to help inspire others. Celebrating success. Thriving together in our human experience.

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Posted By Stacey Schroeder
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Posted By Stacey Schroeder
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