Chapter 1: My Unexpected Path to Business School

Surprisingly, attending business school was never part of my life plan.

As a child, I didn't dream of running my own company. My aspirations shifted from wanting to be a doctor at three, to a teacher at six, and finally discovering my true passion for writing at eight. During my teenage years, I explored technology and briefly considered a career in web design. However, after taking several advanced computer classes in high school, I realized that this path wasn't for me.

My heart was set on writing; nothing else felt right.

When it came to choosing a college, I was uncertain. While my peers had ambitious dreams of attending renowned institutions like Iowa State or the University of Iowa, I hadn't given much thought to my own college journey.

As my junior year progressed, my classmates began visiting various colleges, and my inbox was flooded with invitations from schools across the Midwest. Given my academic performance, I felt confident I would gain acceptance to several institutions.

During a college fair at my high school, I encountered the name of my future alma mater for the first time. Here are the aspects that attracted me the most: - It was located in Des Moines, a city I had always wanted to live in, known as the "land of opportunity." - The apartment-style living arrangements appealed to me more than traditional dormitories, which I had found unappealing during my previous experiences. - The college was situated across from a lake, providing a beautiful environment for leisurely walks. - They had introduced a new major in Media Communication just a year prior, aligning perfectly with my writing interests.

I felt an instinctual pull towards this college, despite it being a business school, an area I had no prior knowledge or interest in. The campus culture and location were compelling enough to convince me, especially with a major tailored to my interests.

That evening, I presented the college's brochure to my mom, leading us to arrange a tour.

Upon applying, I was accepted and qualified for their full tuition scholarship, known as "The Founders'." After this acceptance, I largely ceased my search for other colleges, although I submitted an application to a nearby school just to gauge my chances. I was accepted there as well, but only received a partial scholarship, and their psychology major didn't resonate with me as much.

I decided to compete for the Founders' Scholarship, which required an interview and a handwritten essay on an impromptu topic. Writing essays was my strength, but I was apprehensive about the interview, as speaking has never been my forte.

Despite my nerves, I won the scholarship.

Finding out I had secured the scholarship changed everything. Did I make the right choice?

I often ponder how things might have turned out differently had I chosen another school or major. Would I be in a better job today? These questions linger, but the answers remain elusive. All we can do is speculate.

P.S. My college has since closed, and the campus has been transformed into an apartment complex. If I were single, I might consider moving back; the location is lovely.

Chapter 2: The Influence of Business Education

This video, "The Truth About Business School," delves into the unexpected benefits and insights gained from pursuing a business education, challenging common perceptions.

Chapter 3: Personal Reflections on the MBA Journey

In the video "How Stanford MBA Changed My Life. Why You Should Get An MBA," the speaker shares transformative experiences that highlight the value of an MBA in personal and professional growth.