Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a good time with family/friends and scored some great deals. This post is late, but between research and classwork, I figured I’d take a break. My friend 😉 and I went hiking yesterday in Griffith Park and it was definitely worth putting off working on projects or psets

In accordance with tradition, this is my annual gratitude post. Usually, I listed people or things I’m thankful for. I’m switching things up and giving thanks for the things that happened.

So….. the top 5 moments/events I’m thankful for in 2023 (in no particular order)

Getting Rejected from HBS – It’s pretty cliche at this point to be thankful for an opportune rejection. I’ll accept being cliche then. HBS has a great programme and serious street credit; however, I would have been 1) locked into a field I (later) realised I don’t want to be in 2) in a programme with less support from either my cohortmates or my professors.

Getting University Housing- Saved me at least 1.5/month on rent. enough said.

Graduation Trip to Japan- In May, my dad took me on a graduation trip to Osaka. It was the best, and tastiest, vacation I’ve ever been on. What I’m really thankful for is that my parents (esp dad) were willing and able to take the time and money to treat me to all of it, especially with everything going on.

Walking Back from Classes with People- I often find it difficult to connect with people so I’m super thankful for the opportunity walking back from classes gives me to socialise. My last semester at CMU, I learned quite a bit about spatial graphs and Indian slums from my friend while sharing recipes and comiserating about application as we walked back from real analysis. This quarter, I’ve walked back with some classmates in the accounting and strategy programmes who I would never have interacted with otherwise.

My First Conference- Last weekend was my first conference. I am so thankful for the experience. I got to meet up with my friends from SDS and spend time with my cohortmates outside of the stress of classes. I also got to really appreciate how well my undergrad experience set me up for grad school. I felt at home attending the talks, talking with people during the breaks and standing by my poster. It was surprising how many people remembered me and how well my poster was received.

So, what moments are you thankful for?

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