6 Things I Learned About Grad School

I've been dreaming about pursuing graduate studies ever since I got my undergraduate degree. There's something about books and knowledge that keeps me craving for more. Geez, I sound so nerdy. Lol. But of course, it was my time to dive into the real world and I can't stay forever in my sheltered haven. Plus, one of the requirements of grad school is years of work experience.

Armed with a degree in HRIM, I wasn't that keen on working in the F&B industry. I was glad though that work experience was required for further studies. I was given the chance to handle the marketing activities of a small MNC and I found out that I did not just like it, I actually loved it.

When I got the news that I passed the rigorous screening process of UP's MBA program (trust me, it wasn't easy), there was no turning back. I packed my office stuff a month before school started and well, waited for the first day of classes like an excited little kid.

So with a little over a month spent in grad school, here's a list of what I learned about it:

1. Grad school is challenging. I knew it was going to be busy but all the maths (especially linear programming) are killing my brain cells! And simple following of instructions are expected. I don't know what's with my batch but the admin in charge of us is always frustrated because there are quite a lot who keeps on asking redundant questions and does things their own way.
2. Grad school is oh so casual, in terms of clothing. This may be because I'm in the full time program so almost all of us do not have jobs. So yes, the typical outfit is jeans, shirt, sneakers, sometimes even shorts and slippers. I wore a long skirt to class one time and my seatmates asked me if I had a date! And I still have tons of corporate clothes in my closet which I can't wear to class everyday!
3. Grad students are more helpful. You know in your undergrad class, there's always someone who doesn't want to share his notes and would keep all the right answers to himself? All my classmates in grad school are generous with their notes and readings. We even help each other when we cannot understand the lessons and have group studies even if come from different groups. Yey!
4. Everyone wants to be right here, right now. Grad school is something we pursue on our own and something that is no longer required by our parents. We chose to get into this program and it seems like everyone is 101% dedicated. And yes, all my classmates are smart as well.
5. There's a maintaining grade of 2.0!!! Slacking off and mediocre work are soo not allowed. It's really my goal to graduate with good grades but this news scared me a bit. The pressure is so on.
6. Teachers expect a lot more than usual. Grad students are expected to read more and research a whole lot more. And make longer papers (or short concise ones when you have so much more to say).

So far, those are the things I discovered with only a month in. I do hope that my experiences at the Virata School of Business would not only be worthwhile, but fun and enjoyable as well.

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Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. 

~ Socrates

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

~ Nelson Mandela

Goodbye Employment, Hello Grad School!

Today is my first day without a job. I spent the last four years working for Wacoal and honestly, it's quite a relief that I finally resigned. So many things have changed in my life for the past year and I feel like I need to let go of my job (the last constant thing in my life) in order to fly. They say that in order to grow, you need to leave your comfort zone. Right now, I am so far from my comfort zone and I do hope that the new experiences I will embark on will help me grow as a person. I am terrified of the future. I don't know if I'm actually doing the right thing. I so want to have that change, I want a life makeover, and yet, I am so scared of the change and of the thought that I might dive into this whole new world and nothing will change.

Let's call drama to a halt. Here's a list of things I will miss and not miss about working.

I will not miss the train especially the MRT. Yes, it belongs on top of the list!
I will not miss running along Ayala just to make it on time.
I will not miss spending a small fortune paying cab drivers.
I will not miss waking up super early in the morning.
I will not miss the super stress factors and the work that I have to bring home especially on sale months.

I will miss considering my walk from the office to the Ayala MRT in the evenings as my exercise for the day.
I will miss impromptu Giligan's nights with my colleagues.
I will miss my crazy friends. You know who you are.
I will miss the camaraderie I had with the other staff and Beauty Advisers.
I will miss the bosses who rarely raise their voice.
I will miss planning for a brand.
I will miss being in a whirl when preparing for the monthly meetings.
I will miss being surrounded by good people.
I will miss travelling with my officemates. Hey, let's still do this even if I'm no longer with you guys.
I will miss having so many 'papables' in the office. Hahahaha.
I will miss the photoshoots.
I will miss being interviewed for TV segments. Hahaha.
I will miss earning money.

And yes, even with the slight fear, I am excited.

I am excited to start my MBA.
I am excited to learn new things.
I am excited to study and prepare for exams. Yes, I missed these!
I am excited to meet new people.
I am excited to start my new adventure!

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We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.

– Joseph Campbell

Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.

– Meister Eckhart

Don’t worry about being worried. You’re heading out on an adventure and you can always change your mind along the way and try something else. 

- Tracy Kidder

Some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity. 

-Gilda Radner