It is hard to believe that I started the application process for graduate school over 7 months ago. It seems like just yesterday I was on my first campus visit, meeting some of the first years, sitting in on Dr. Esper’s class, interviewing with Donna, and chatting with Glen. Everyone was friendly and seemed genuinely interested in answering all of my questions. I was impressed by their passion and the “blue sky” attitude they had toward the opportunities in East Tennessee.
A few months later, in mid January, I drove down for an information session, to see if this program was “for real” or if I had merely been taken by a fantastic marketing pitch. After spending time with other students, the career services representatives, and faculty, I realized this program was a perfect fit for me. However, it would be many more weeks before the phone call came with the good news that I was a fit for the program.
The Red Carpet event was in late March. The out of town candidates spent the day touring campus and the surrounding area with Donna and some first year students. Later in the evening we met up with some local candidates for dinner. It was humbling to be in the room with these, my prospective classmates. Their backgrounds were varied and impressive. After meeting them, I understood why much of the MBA experience has to do with learning from one’s peers.
The next day, just before I was to return to Lexington, Donna handed me my official acceptance letter. The anxiety I had been carrying around since October melted away. Now all I had to do was finish my last semester in Kentucky.