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- May 18, 13Today, I will be the first person in my entire family to have ever attained a college degree. This extends beyond my parents, and includes aunts, uncles, grandparents, and anyone else with even remotely similar genes. While today the eyes will lie on me, it belongs to those whom have sacrificed so much to have even made this opportunity fathomable. Today belongs to the ancestors that gave up everything they knew to venture to a new land, seeking opportunity. It belongs to my caring grandparents, those both dead and alive, who turned this opportunity into excellence. And most of all, it belongs to my parents, the tireless protectors that have given me every emotional and physical need I could have ever dreamed of. So while in an hour or so, “James Robert Lago” will be projected from the speakers, the credit belongs to those who go unannounced.90% of where I am today is because of someone else. I cannot help but feel selfish to be the sole receiver of credit, when in fact I don’t deserve even a sliver of that which has been given to me. I didn’t choose to enroll in a top-notch school system on my own accord. I certainly did not come into this world with the belief that compassion trumps ignorance, or that learning is never complete. My parents have gone above and beyond the standard requirements in raising a child, and have told me time and time again how proud they are. I couldn’t have asked for a more caring and devoted set of role models, and I’m not sure that anyone in this entire world will ever be as lucky as I have been in that regard.They cheered and supported me through countless football practices, school concerts, sick days, days of sorrow, and days of hope. They smiled with me after victory, and taught me to be resilient through moments of failure. They reminded me that there is always tomorrow to achieve that which could not be had today. They each worked two or three jobs to make my life enjoyable, and contrary to what they may believe, I saw the insurmountable obstacles they battled. The overwhelming majority of the lessons they taught me were through action, not spoken word. Life was not always kind to their ambitions, but when hardship arose, they buckled down and charged forward. It’s hard to imagine that in addition to the investment they put into myself and my sister, there were additional external struggles they had to battle. The reason this is so hard to believe, is because they did so flawlessly, without reluctance or complaint.Four years ago, they stood with me as I received my first college acceptance letter. Last year, they saw me off to four months of unparalleled adventure and excitement in Europe. Today, they live with me through the proudest moment of my life. They’ve collectively leapt across oceans and ran through fire to hand the torch to me for an easy stroll to the finish line. While I may be the one to cross the line, the difficulty of my run is nothing in relation to the progress achieved in theirs. Congratulations Mom and Dad. You did it.
- Jan 06, 13I believe in education as a means for action.I believe that integrity and justice are the building blocks of civility and progress.I believe in humanity and the sacrifices that must be endured in order to allow all humans, wherever dispersed around the world, the right to a voice, an opportunity, and a sense of security.I believe in the ability of democracy and openness to foster coexistence and recognize the power of diversity.I believe in fellowship and benevolence as means for working in unity towards a common good.I believe that empathy is the world’s greatest emotion; that it alone can overpower evil, and that compassion can sustain the threat of injustice.This is my creed. My testament to the world of what I value most, and what my mission in this life entails. After reading Passion Capital by Paul Alofs, I became inspired to define my role in society through the formulation of a creed. Most forward-thinking and entrepreneurial organizations have one, and they serve as foundations for sustainable, lasting entities. Time may pass by, products may change along with consumer tastes, but the core values of an organization remain steadfast. Look to Johnson&Johnson for a creed that has withstood the test of time. As I've mentioned in a previous post, companies that define themselves by the products they sell become prone to extinction. On the contrary, companies that distinguish a purpose for existence through a greater cause do remarkably well in terms of innovating with the times. Look at Boeing, Apple, and Amazon for businesses that seek rewards beyond simple monetary profit, such as social innovation and global empowerment. To an individual, a creed exemplifies that external conditions may vary throughout one's lifetime, but the internal mission and values that one holds himself or herself to remain strong and constant. For without a purpose and meaning to life, there is no life to be lived.
- Dec 15, 12
I sit here writing this at 2:30am, attempting to make sense of the most heartbreaking tragedy that I have ever had the unfortunate privilege of learning about. But to draw concerns to my emotions would be selfish. What about the parents of the 20 young victims who kissed their children goodbye for the last time this morning? What about the grandparents who dreamed of the day they would see their grandchildren walking down the aisle? What about the children, both victims and survivors, who had to live through the most painstaking and incomprehensible 5-minutes of terror that this world may ever come to know? My heart bleeds for them.
To the loved ones who had their lifelong joys removed from their sides today, I promise you, their memories will live on. I promise you that their moments of laughter, joy, courage, and inspiration will be shared and appreciated by all, as if they were our own children. I promise you that we will comfort and console you, and stand by your side in order to recognize and properly honor the cheerful souls that blessed us with their presence on this earth.To the teachers and staff members that instinctively ran to the protection of the children they loved, I commend you as the most courageous and selfless citizens of the human race. Many of you made the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind grieving families and friends of your own. We will remember you as people whose lifelong mission consisted of aiding in the development of others in order to make the world a better place. You are heroes.However nonsensical or saddening these events may be, we must count our blessings and lift up our neighbors in a sign of solidarity and support. Life is precious, and to treat each other’s lives with the amount of dignity and respect that we treat our own is the greatest gift that we could ever come to know. Love one another. Protect one another. Cherish one another.God Bless You. - Nov 21, 12Only 13.4% of the companies listed in the inaugural Fortune 500 rankings in 1955 still appear there today. Whether by bankruptcy, merger, or fall from relevancy, 433 of the original Fortune 500 companies are now non-existent.One of the relatively few companies that still remains one of the 500 largest 57 years later is Boeing. During WWII, Boeing was the largest producer of military bomber aircraft for the US armed forces. As soon as the war ended, this effort came to a complete halt and 70,000 people lost their jobs. If the company decided to remain focused on military aircraft it surely would have succumbed to the complacency that destined the overwhelming majority of its competitors to irrelevance. But Boeing, at its core, was never just a military aircraft company. It was a company aligned with developing technologies that no one else ever deemed practical or possible. As the war wrapped up, Boeing began an ambitious period of growth, developing America’s first commercial jet airline, the 707. It also continued developing highly advanced military technologies such as short-range guided missiles that were purchased in droves by the US government during the Cold War.If AT&T remained true to being the “American Telephone and Telegraph Company,” present-day conveniences like the World Wide Web and mobile communication wouldn't be as common place. If 3M didn't ask its employees to innovate around the office-place, the company would have went down the path of just another mining company, and products like Scotch tape and masking tape wouldn't exist. If Corning remained fixated on catalytic converters and diesel engine filters, the touch-screen glass that protects our iPhones would not be as dynamic and useful as it is today. And above all else, if these three companies failed to move on from the products that once defined them, they would not currently be in existence.Innovation lies at the heart of business. Those who do not improve constantly will be passed by those who do. Whether the company passing them is a well-established brand or a start-up looking to showcase the power of creative destruction, innovation in a free-market society will never cease to exist. For this very reason, a company is much more than its portfolio of brands and product lines. A company is destined by its values and mission. Are we a bookstore, or a company devoted to helping people access the specific information they need in the quickest, most efficient, and most affordable manner possible? Borders would have led you to believe it was the former. Amazon would have you believe the latter. Any business that defines itself by its product line, as opposed to its long-term purpose is a business you don’t want your money put anywhere near.It’s also essential to remember that short-term decisions can have major long-run implications potentially strong enough to bankrupt your company. During recessions or downturns in the economy, for instance, some companies, rather than innovating and reinventing themselves, will become excessively cost-focused by raising prices and testing new ways to nickel and dime the consumer. However, consumers are extremely reactive to these changes, and one company’s selfishness can be enough to run it out of business. In many ways, recessions, while frightening and unpredictable, cleanse the marketplace of yesterday’s visions. Those who remain are those willing to change.Whether a business or an individual, change is the law of the land. As John F. Kennedy so eloquently stated, “Those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” In short, every decision one makes has lasting effects. Cheating (even once), speaking out against those who doubt you, or acting selfishly rather than selflessly can prove fatal for the corporation and the individual alike.Which modern day successes will be the Singer’s, Sperry’s (not the shoe brand), and Esmark’s of tomorrow?
- Dec 13, 12The level of ambiguity surrounding the meaning of a global perspective has left many study abroad participants, like myself, struggling to explain how spending four months in a far-off land can truly impact oneself. Just recently, I found myself reflecting upon this experience once again as I absorbed the news that the European Union had just won the Nobel Peace Prize.The most valuable lesson that my study abroad experience taught me, stated succinctly by my European Union Integrative Seminar Professor, was “Where communication stops, conflict begins.” We, as a global society, may not agree on how to solve every social and economic problem, or how to progress in a more general sense, but we must recognize that turning a deaf ear to others could lead to a level of ignorance that spurs conflict. We must recognize that we are not so different from our counterparts living all over the world. We work diligently in the same way as those Iranian oil-workers, grateful for a wage. We care about our families in the same way as those nomadic tribes of India. We smile and cherish memories in the same way as those exuberant children of Rwanda.The most frightening, yet satisfying realization I’ve come to about the impact of a cross-cultural experience is that I now care more deeply about others. As much as I feel pride in knowing that I’ve changed for the better, I am scared and saddened by the prospect that not everyone will be able to have the same opportunity I did. To state it bluntly, a Babson academic curriculum did not turn me into an entrepreneurial and progressive thinker. My study abroad experience did. I do however recognize that Babson made this opportunity possible for me, and for that I am grateful.To recognize the undeniable benefits of global coexistence and prosperity, we must acknowledge that no model of international integration and cooperation is perfect. The United Nations, European Union, NATO, and other similar organizations will be condemned and scrutinized much more than they will be praised. However, imagine if none of these aforementioned organizations existed. Imagine if countries determined foreign policy based only on who their closest allies were. In the case of the United States, imagine if we were to close down our embassies in all Middle Eastern and African countries. Would this disassociation positively impact our own nation, as well as the world?Democracy can and should be the cornerstone of expansive foreign relations agendas. If the voices of many, entrapped in dictatorship or extremism, are muted by the voice of a single dictatorial force, how does the world advance to meet the needs of the majority? Unfortunately, the costs of keeping lines of communication open can be high, both in terms of economic capital and life itself. Incidents like the American hostage situation in Iran, or the more recent act of terror on the embassy in Libya, are a dangerous reality. However, the impact that foreign relations have on global democracy cannot be discounted. We have prospered because of social and economic freedom. In hardly 60 years since the end of World War II, Germany is modeled as one of the most economically sound and progressive nations in the world. Let’s not also forget that it was a mere 20 years ago that West Germany and East Germany reunited. Could we expect similar results from the countries that ignited the Arab Spring?If you told the British in 1770 that their American colony would eventually become the preeminent power in the world, they would laugh at you. If you told the French in 1940 that the Germans would harness the most progressive and impactful country in all of Europe, they would call you crazy. And if you told the Soviets in 1985 that market economies would soon prosper in the satellite countries they then ruled, they would vehemently disagree. Thankfully, we don’t have to settle for the prospect of “what should be”. We can instead rely on inter-cultural fascination and communication to turn the unique identities of 196 countries into one powerful force of progression through common understanding.It oftentimes is difficult to remember that life is bigger than the towns we reside in. It can easily be forgotten that New England, or any US region, is not a microcosm of the world. For many Americans, it is impossible to see past the borders of Texas and Maine. Hardest of all, while it is easy to read about problems occurring all over the globe, it is nearly impossible, without a global perspective and international level of empathy, to understand and feel the impact of problems facing millions of humans that you and I will likely never cross paths with. This is why I, and my fellow youthful world travelers, are able to see and react to things that others are blind to. While this tremendous asset is to be appreciated, it must also be acknowledged that there exists a tremendous opportunity for us to prosper as a nation by offering all citizens the ability and foresight to reach beyond the finite boundaries that separate us from the outside world.
- Nov 21, 12It has been nearly four years since the coveted day on which I learned of my acceptance to Babson. Never ceasing to amaze, Babson’s glorious admissions package nearly sealed the deal before I had even visited the campus for the first time. In order to celebrate this momentous occasion in my short life history, I’ve decided to list the 4 reasons why I love my life as a Beaver:1. Prestige- Daymond John, Mark Cuban, Andrew Zimmern. Just some of the iconic names that have developed partnerships with, and issued praise of Babson in the past year. Daymond, the founder of the clothing giant FUBU and host of ABC’s Shark Tank, is an Entrepreneur In Residence at Babson, and is constantly on-campus collaborating with students and giving presentations. Mark Cuban, the well-known owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and Shark Tank host, is the most famous public figure to make an impact on Babson. He, along with Daymond listened to students with potential business ideas, and offered feedback based on his extensive business background. Lastly, Andrew Zimmern, a major TV personality and chef on the Travel Channel, is also an Entrepreneur in Residence, who proudly acclaimed that he has “wanted to be here for a long time.” These massive brand names add a lot to Babson’s appeal, which is already supported by its #1 National Ranking in Entrepreneurship, #11 National Ranking in Financial Management, #11 National Ranking in Lifetime Return on Investment, and #24 National Ranking for Undergraduate Business Programs. It’s no wonder why Forbes, Bloomberg, and The Atlantic regularly publish articles devoted to what makes Babson such a special place.2. Diversity- Diversity of thought, ethnicity, religion, background, and interests are what make Babson such a thriving and successful campus. While only 1,900 undergraduates attend Babson, they speak a total of 50 languages and hail from over 70 countries. There is no other place in the world with a higher level of diversity per capita than Babson Park, MA. Babson doesn’t just settle with the title of being diverse, however. Babson integrates cultures through its thriving study abroad and exchange programs, and helps acclimate all students to a broader, and more global perspective. My study abroad experience in Europe, for instance, opened my imagination to an entirely new way of thinking. I learned and lived in 11 different countries, and saw what made each so unique and exciting. Babson’s ability to cross cultures, and share the gift of diversity with all its students is one of its biggest assets.3. Location- Babson is home. It has the perfect amount of suburban comfort mixed with a thriving energy from Boston and Cambridge. You could survive by exclusively staying on campus, or you could open up your boundaries by traveling 10 miles east into the city. The shuttle into Boston is extremely convenient and runs all evening, enticing students to use the city as their backyard.4. Size-Babson constantly stresses the point that it doesn’t want to grow in terms of population, but it does want to grow in terms of global impact. The college has shown that you don’t need massive numbers in order to make a name for yourself. Powerful graduates do enough to put Babson on the map by serving as innovators and leaders in every field known to man. From community action programs in Ghana to India, the college is working tirelessly to expand its horizons. With the addition of a satellite campus for the MBA program in San Francisco, Babson truly stretches coast to coast and beyond. Graduates of Babson’s rigorous curriculum include the current or past CEO’s of Home Depot, Toyota, Accenture, PepsiCo, Bank of New York Mellon, as well as the founders of Quiznos, Gerber Baby Foods, Lycos and Zumba. Currently, Babson grads also hold Executive-level positions at Comcast, Fidelity, Ford, DreamWorks SKG, and MolsonCoors.
- Nov 21, 12When it comes to politics, I usually prefer to keep my opinions quiet, so as to avoid never-ending arguments with radicals on either side of the table. As Dale Carnegie famously stated in How to Win Friends and Influence People, “A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.” Therefore, rather than developing an opinion that might offend someone, and getting tangled in a debate, I prefer to observe the facts behind major legislation. With this past week’s Supreme Court ruling, I found myself being pulled in two very different directions, and to be perfectly honest, I came to the conclusion that I do not agree with either. To sum up my opinions in the most succinct manner possible, I have outlined two burning topics, related to healthcare, with critical analyses following each.Is the rationale behind the Supreme Court ruling correct?No, I don’t believe it is. In the majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, he ascertains that the Affordable Care Act “makes going without insurance just another thing the Government taxes, like buying gasoline or earning income.” He fails to point out the obvious fact, however, that when it comes to gas and income, we are being taxed on things we actually decide to buy or accumulate. The whole idea of being taxed for not buying something is irrational, and is not outlined as legal in our Constitution. I find it implausible, and highly concerning, that he dismisses the notion of the Commerce Clause banning the government from forcing Americans to buy certain products, in order to re-construct the law to appear as a tax. He goes on to say that “it is reasonable to construe what Congress has done as increasing taxes on those who have a certain amount of income, but (who) choose to go without health insurance.” First, let us be clear that the word “construe” in this context means, “to assume”. Therefore, Justice Roberts is making a very stark assumption, and one that is not already defined in the Affordable Care Act. For this reason, he is acting out of his legal bounds. After making this assumption, he continues that “if the mandate is in effect just a tax hike on certain taxpayers who do not have health insurance, it may be within Congress’s constitutional power to tax.” By writing this, Chief Justice Roberts illegally changes his role from a Supreme Court Justice to a legislator, essentially rewriting the law that Barack Obama signed previously.Interesting RelationshipEver since the news came out that President Obama’s Affordable Care Act was being challenged in court, I thought deeply to myself, how is requiring citizens to buy health insurance any different than requiring drivers to buy auto insurance? The rationale behind mandating the possession of auto insurance, is that even the unpredictable can happen, and thus even the best driver in the world can be distracted for a fraction of a second, enough time to start a fatal accident. How is the world of health insurance any different? Can we predict cancer any better than we can predict accidents? I know plenty of healthy people, who were shocked to find out that they were hosts to infectious diseases. As a whole, deadly diseases do not discriminate based on whether you are Caucasian, African-American, curly-haired, smart, or hairy. You could feel the healthiest you’ve felt in your entire life today, and tomorrow be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Diseases are the epitome of the unpredictable in this world, and it is important that American society equates the risk of becoming sick to the risk of getting in a car accident. Roughly 33,000 Americans were killed in automobile accidents last year, while Heart Disease and Cancer killed 600,000 and 570,000, respectively. Which is more important to insure against? It doesn’t take a math major to figure this real-world problem out. To put this in the fairest perspective possible, we must also understand that auto insurance doesn’t simply cover against death. It also covers against small fender benders, potential lawsuits accusing drivers of negligence, and a multitude of other scenarios. But to this end, so does health insurance. You do not have to die to receive the benefits of health insurance, nor do you. Millions are battling cancer, diabetes, and hundreds of other deadly diseases at this very second. While society already represents one big contradiction, this contradiction is too big to allow to stand. All Americans need the benefits of health insurance, to insure against the unpredictable.In conclusion, with this ruling we find ourselves at a crossroads between what is legally within our bounds, and what is morally right. If the Supreme Court Justices who voted in favor of allowing the Affordable Care Act to stand actually followed the principles of the Constitution, rather than reconstructing the Act to make it appear as a tax, it would have been found illegal. However, our 200+ year-old system of checks and balances is still a work-in-progress.Whether, Democrat, Republican, Independent, Communist, or Anarchist, two simple ideas need to be taken out of this court ruling. First, that in following the rule of law of the US, no one can be required by the government to purchase something. Additionally, a tax on people who refuse to buy something is not a tax at all. It’s a penalty, similar to a fine for a motor vehicle violation. However, as mentioned, it is entirely ludicrous that every member of American society is not covered by health insurance considering the unpredictable nature of fatal diseases.Ultimately, the larger question at hand is whether the US should be following a 200 year-old document (The Constitution) as our main rule of Law. Nonetheless, as it stands currently the Constitution dictates how our society runs, and in utilizing the “ends justify the means” type of mentality that the Supreme Court did, our nation took one step back from democracy and transparency.
- May 27, 12Four months later…and it’s back to life in the USA. To say I had the time of my life studying, exploring, and experiencing Europe would be an understatement. It’s hard to believe that I traveled to 11 countries while in Europe (especially considering the fact that I’ve hardly been to 11 US states). Some of these places have left extremely memorable impressions on me, while others have left me with impressions for a different reason. Nonetheless, in order to wrap up my travels, I thought it would be best to share my adventures as I best remember them.BelgiumBrussels- After two days in Brussels, I felt knowledgeable enough to navigate the entire city. As part of the academic aspect of the program, we visited the European Commission, the Council of the EU, and numerous EU lobbying groups (Finance Watch, a financial reform NGO, CEPS- The Centre for European Policy Studies, and lastly the Flemish representation to the EU). In our free time, we took a visit to the Belgian Beer Museum that came highly recommended by IES and numerous travel guides. Unfortunately, it was hardly a museum at all, and the 5-Euro entry fee simply got you a glass of beer. The famous Belgian waffles, on the contrary, actually were just as good as claimed. They were hot, delicious, and filled with strawberries, bananas, Nutella, and whipped cream. Belgium’s modern-feel, as well as its traditional beauty were also extremely comforting. We made sure to see notable landmarks such as the Manneken Pis, and the famous square, known as the Grand Place.CroatiaZadar- This was the last trip I went on in Europe, and without a doubt one of the best. We booked a villa in the city, and experienced everything that the little known location had to offer. One day, we took a full-day cruise around the multitude of islands that exist between Italy and Croatia (in the Adriatic Sea). On one island, we went cliff-diving in crystal clear water, and laid out on the beach to dry off. It was extremely warm and sunny while we were there so it made for a tremendous vacation. At first, I was skeptical as to what it would be like to venture to Croatia, seeing as how it is not yet a member of the European Union, and how many Eastern-European countries struggle with fighting poverty and crime, but I was completely overwhelmed by the safe atmosphere. The most shocking part of the entire trip, however, had to be seeing the vast number of houses that were leveled by the war that plagued the country in the 1990’s. A mere block from our villa, there was a house that was split in half and was still crumbling. It was certainly an amazing series of events to learn about. In addition, there were also incredible historic sights, including Roman ruins from the 1st century. Up until last week I still had a piece of Croatia in me, by way of a sea urchin that I stepped on after cliff jumping. While it would have been nice to have had the experience remain apart of me forever, I am glad that the ½ inch spikes are no longer in my foot. Here’s a NY Times piece on the hidden gem of Zadar: http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/travel/06next.html?pagewanted=allOh, and the wild dolphins swimming and jumping alongside our cruise ship were a nice touch as well.Czech RepublicPrague- While we were only in Prague for two days, we saw nearly everything the city had to offer. Our one important academic session here was a lecture at the University of Economics, where we learned about Czechia’s transition to a market economy. It’s incredible to consider that up until 20 years ago, the area was under Soviet control. Prague was a massive city, and I actually got lost while trying to navigate my way home during the day once. During the evening, we got to experience Prague’s famed 5-story club, which was incredible. Unlike Croatia, Prague had a very eery feeling about it at times, and we were strongly cautioned to watch out for pick-pocketers. At night, the city was probably the most beautiful out of any city I visited. The main square was vibrantly lit up, and the hourly church presentations were incredible. Also, the food (kebabs, potatoes, fresh vegetables, dumplings and more) was great as well.FranceParis- The Eiffel Tower was more than I anticipated it to be, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to see it in-person. While in Paris, we visited the International Monetary Fund (IMF), attended a University lecture on the Eurozone crisis, and had a large amount of free time to visit the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the famed Eiffel Tower. I never expected before the trip to visit the Eiffel Tower light show two nights in a row, but it was a certainly an amazing experience. It was difficult at times to find affordable and good restaurants, but beyond that I felt as if Parisians were a lot more open-minded and kind than their French counterparts in Strasbourg.Strasbourg- The rudest city in Europe. I wasn’t necessarily as open-minded as I should have been before traveling to France for the first time, but the hospitality, or lack thereof, provided by thIS French city was extremely lacking. We were required to visit Strasbourg on an academic trip in order to attend a lecture at the European Parliament, which was very interesting, but beyond that I can’t say I would ever want to return to this city. At one point, a group of five of us walked into a restaurant and were berated in English by the owner after we saw that the prices were way too expensive and decided to leave. Won’t be returning here anytime soon.GermanyBerlin- Berlin had a tremendous historical impact, and visiting everywhere from Hitler’s suicide location to a Stasi prison, was an extremely enlightening experience. My favorite place in Berlin had to be the Topography of Terror Museum, which detailed, from a NAZI perspective, the war and the hidden secrets of genocide. I think it would be an incredible idea to bring all American students to Berlin to learn about WWII through a first-hand encounter, rather than to just read about it in a textbook. We also visited the Reichstag, Germany’s Parliament building, and saw many remnants of the Berlin Wall. It is certainly tough to put Berlin into words, especially since it struggles with a major identity crisis after most of it was destroyed in WWII, but I am glad I had the opportunity to learn about its history from a first-hand perspective. Also, out of all the places we visited, Berlin had the best food. We went out to dinner all three nights and experienced 1) The Best Cuban food I have ever had 2) Delicious, authentic Italian cuisine and 3) Tremendous sushi. Even though it certainly wasn’t the most beautiful city in the world, its cosmopolitan feel certainly made up for it.Frankfurt- I was only in Frankfurt for one day when we visited the European Central Bank, but I wish I could have stayed longer. The skyline was full of modern glass skyscrapers, and was one of the cleanest cities I visited. Touring the European Central Bank was incredible as well, even if it doesn’t serve much of a purpose in EU governance.Freiburg- My European home, and favorite city. Freiburg is an amazing city that is extremely diverse in its appeal. First, it’s the most environmentally conscious place I’ve ever lived. It also has a beautiful location, right in the heart of the Black Forest. And even though it is considered a city (with a population of around 225,000), it feels like a small German village with old architecture, amazing churches, and plenty of bakeries, gelaterias, beer gardens, and great stores. As months, and eventually years pass by, I will always think most highly of this German paradise.LatviaRiga- The city that I will always fondly remember as the place I turned 21. In fact, on the night of my 21st birthday, our entire group ascended on a small karaoke bar (Ampir Club) directly across the street from the restaurant where our IES Farewell Dinner was hosted. Little did we know, that this location was actually on the US Embassy’s list of places to avoid in Riga. To quote the US Embassy website, “Under no circumstances should anyone visit these places” with Ampir Club listed as the first location. Riga is constantly compared to Prague, since both are Eastern European and were once under Soviet control, but those are about all the commonalities that they share. Riga has a much more Eastern European feel and was much more frightening to walk around then Prague. Currently, only 2 million people live in the entire county, with more and more leaving every day due to “brain drain”, which leaves seemingly little hope at a prosperous future for this strongly Russian influenced nation. On a side note, while on a guided tour of the city we ascended on an odd statue with a bunch of farm animals stacked on top of each other (Musicians of Bremen Statue). As I was about to touch it, I heard the tour guide say “A common folktale says that anybody who touches the statue will be granted good fortunes and will return to Riga again in the future.” As soon as I heard that I pulled my hand away, most likely because I am not all that interested in going back to a city that feels like it is still apart of Soviet-Russia.NetherlandsAmsterdam- When contemplating the question of where I would have wanted to study abroad, had I not chosen Freiburg, I would absolutely decided on Amsterdam. The city was extremely friendly to outsiders, with the entire population speaking flawless English, and there were a ton of different things going on. While I was there, we visited the Heineken Experience (the best “museum” I have ever been to), as well as the incredible Botanical Gardens. We were also lucky enough to receive a free tour of the city on a boat that traveled through Amsterdam’s many canals. It was also one of the most affordable European cities I visited.SpainPalma de Mallorca- Having never been to the Caribbean before, I could only look at pictures to see what crystal-clear beaches actually looked like. Thankfully, Spain showed me first-hand what pristine beaches look and feel like as well. I was extremely impressed by the old architecture present in Palma, an island city located to the east of mainland Spain. We traveled there during our Spring Break, and while it was only 65 degrees each day, we spent virtually every single hour lying on the beach. Other than being turned off by Spanish hospitality after being served a free appetizer that smelt like road-kill (razor clams), every experience in this city was absolutely incredible.SwedenStockholm- I still contemplate whether I would ever want to return to Stockholm. While it is without a doubt a beautiful city, it also earns the distinction of being the most expensive in the world. When a small to normal sized meal at McDonalds and Subway cost you $13 and $11 respectively, there is not much room to spend on other experiences. Obviously, I would have preferred to dine at customary Swedish restaurants each night, but unless you’re Bill Gates it’s not possible. The one traditional Swedish meal I did have was delicious though: diced sautéed potatoes, cabbage, and veal, served over a giant poached egg. The city itself is gorgeous as well, but it was well below freezing for the entire time of our stay. I was also lucky enough to witness a man beaten senselessly by police outside a club, after I was returning to our hotel from dinner the first night. An experience that I will always remember about Stockholm though was going to an Ice Bar with our entire group. Drinks were served in glasses made entirely out of ice, and we were required to wear gloves and insulated coats the entire time we were there. And of course, all drinks were extremely expensive ($11), which made us to decide to leave early anyway.SwitzerlandGeneva- The purpose of our trip to Geneva was to visit one of the main headquarters of the United Nations (UN), as well as the World Trade Organization (WTO). We were also fortunate enough to visit the UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency. Out of all the places we visited over four months, this visit was the most interesting and enlightening to me. Since we were in various meetings for most of the day, we did not have ample opportunities to tour the beautiful downtown area. With one hour to spare before departing back to Germany, we were lucky enough, however, to enjoy a calm and relaxing dinner watching the sunset on Lake Geneva. I was awed by the sheer beauty of this Swiss city, and would love the opportunity to return and see more.Grindenwald (The Alps)- I would consider this the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life. Pictures do the landscape little justice, considering how every direction I turned, it felt like I was staring at a postcard. The Alps trump any mountain range I have ever seen in my life, and the pristine forests that surround them create a 360-degree collection of incredible views. Beyond staring at the amazing landscape, we had the opportunity to sled down the Alps for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And let me be clear, when I say sledding, I more clearly mean racing (and crashing) 40 MPH down one of the largest mountain ranges in the world. The bus ride up the hill took an hour, with an additional hour of climbing, before we commenced our 45-minute race to the bottom. My face froze. I flipped off my sled 3 times after crashing into snow banks. And I screamed out in enjoyment for every second of the ride. It was the most incredible thing I have ever done in my life, and it is my utmost hope to make this experience at least a twice-in-a-lifetime one.United KingdomLondon- After 2.5 months of living in a country with a native language was foreign to me, I knew it would be highly enjoyable to visit the UK. However, even without the language benefit, London surpassed my expectations immensely, and is a place I now consider one of my favorite in the world. All of the major London sights were more amazing than advertised. From the Tower of London, to a private tour of the House of Parliament, it was amazing to see so many renowned monuments first-hand. We almost decided to take a Harry Potter London tour, but instead chose to simply visit Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station instead. Other major attractions included Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Bridge (or correctly known as the Tower Bridge), and Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus. The funniest phrase of the trip had to be when we were told we needed to “Take the Piccadilly Line towards Cockfosters,” regarding utilizing the London tube system. I also had the best lunch of my European adventures at an outdoor large-scale fresh BBQ, right near Shakespeare’s Globe (which is probably the least impressive attraction in London). Overall, London was an amazing city to spend three days in, and I’m sure I’ll be back there soon to experience it again.As my study abroad period has come to a sad end, I will now be turning my focus to work and school. I’m extremely excited to be interning at Goodrich ISR Systems in Danbury this summer. I will be working in the Finance Department, and will certainly have a great deal to learn and contribute as I aid the company in its transition to becoming apart of United Technologies. In terms of schooling, in the fall, I will be taking classes in Investments, Intermediate Accounting, Strategic Management, and Environmental Technology. This will be my second-to-last semester at Babson (as I am graduating next May), and I am looking forward to making the most of it. For now, my blogging adventures may dwindle as my study abroad experience has come to an end. Nonetheless, I absolutely plan on utilizing this tool as a continued method of communication. I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to study in Freiburg, and I look forward to seeing how the many lessons I learned affect my new life back in the states.
- Apr 17, 12
As the title suggests, this article is about something completely different than what my blog posts usually entail. It won't have any mentions of Europe, what I've learned from my abroad experiences, or anything that has happened during this semester for that matter. This post is about parenting and family.
I am a firm believer that you don't necessarily recognize what you have until you take a look around. There are many things that we take for-granted in life. Food, shelter, health. But I have come to realize that what I am most thankful for in life are my committed, extraordinary parents. Parenting isn't a lesson that can be taught, or a practice that can be mastered. Great parents come from all walks of life, and follow all different strategies to give their children the opportunity to flourish.
But one thing that sets great parents apart, including mine, is their unparalleled ability to be understanding when other parents would scorn, their unselfish commitment to look out for their children before themselves, and their unwavering capacity to smile at small miscues, instead of getting angry.
I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to be blessed with the world's two greatest parents, who were themselves raised by tremendous individuals that I have the opportunity to call my grandparents. As a young child, there were many things my parents did to set me on the right path. For instance, I wasn't a daycare child. My early memories center around spending time with my parents, whether I went to work with my dad, or went for walks with my mom. Whether I was in 3rd grade running rampant around the soccer field, or in my senior year of high school playing in my last football game, my parents were always there to support me.
A lot of times, parents do not receive the appreciation they deserve, which is why I want the world to know how much I care about mine. When I fell off my bike and scraped my knee as a little kid, you were there for me with a bandaid and a hug. When I received my college admissions letters, you made me feel like I had just won the lottery. And when I left for Germany, you were there attempting to hold back tears as we all came to the realization that this was the longest we would go without seeing each other.
If I were an expert on parenting (which I am not), I would offer the following advice to future parents, based on what my parents did for me:- Love like tomorrow is a year away.
- Forgive freely, so that your child never has to doubt him/herself.
- Crack jokes so that your child learns to never take life too seriously (that's what the 20's are for).
- And lastly, as Aibileen Clark, an African-American slave in The Help, said to the girl she cared for as a child, "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." Remind your child everyday of how much they mean to you and how proud they make you....because no one can ever feel too appreciated.
I love you Mom and Dad. - Nov 21, 12Next Tuesday I will be embarking on my final academic field-trip of the semester to London, Stockholm (Sweden), and Riga (Latvia) with 20 other students. This is the first time that our program will be splitting up, with other groups going to Spain and France, as well as Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. Interestingly enough, I will be celebrating my 21st birthday in Latvia, a country that I did not even know existed before I came to Europe.Directly after this 8-day trip, I will be flying to Palma de Mallorca, an island off the coast of Spain, for Spring Break. Before the semester comes to an end, I will also be traveling to Amsterdam and Croatia.While the title of my last blog post states this point pretty clearly, it’s been hard coming to terms with the fact that we have passed the halfway point of the semester. We are no longer in a position in which there are more days left than have surpassed, which is slightly saddening. It’s remarkable to think back to my first day in Germany some 70 days ago, and to realize how much I’ve learned and grown since then. I never expected to mature even more and develop a stronger sense of self, but I am so glad that I have.Looking back, here’s how I’ve changed since coming to Europe:I’ve grown a keen interest in International Relations, and plan to become fluent in German and Spanish upon my return to the US.I’ve become a more well-rounded person. Before coming to Europe, I was overly focused on the goal of earning my degree and taking as many Finance courses as I could fit into my schedule. Now, as I register for courses in the fall at Babson, I find myself intrigued by the interesting liberal arts electives that Babson offers, including “Coming of Age with the French Revolution” and “Economic and Political Integration in the European Union”.I am more empathetic towards people of all walks of life, including those traveling in foreign countries. I never imagined how difficult it could be to live in a country that speaks an entirely different language. The French undoubtedly have a bad reputation for not accommodating foreigners, but I am almost certain that the US is a far worse place for foreigners seeing as how we are ignorant to most foreign languages, and truly care more about our work schedules than helping those who are perplexed by American society.I only drink tap water. You won’t see me holding a plastic bottle anytime soon. It’s free and easily accessible no matter where you are. And once you’ve survived off bathroom sink water in Prague and Berlin for 7 days, you tend to not stress about how purified the water is.I walk more…a lot more. So much of Europe is extremely friendly to pedestrians, and the cities are easily accessible by foot. Throughout the semester, I have also gone on at least 10 hikes with my friends to explore the Black Forest and the entire city of Freiburg.I will never complain again about laundry, in fact, I enjoy doing it. After going 3 months without a dryer, and having to air-dry every single item of clothing that I own, I don’t expect to have any difficulty with the much-simplified American system of doing laundry. At times, my room looks like a dry cleaner’s because of the way my clothes are scattered around my room drying, but nonetheless, this practice has taught me that first-world problems are not worth complaining about.I care (more) about the world. After attending an information session at the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) in Geneva last week, I have learned to appreciate the idea of devoting your life to helping others whom have grown up in dangerous and depressing civilizations. Then again, here I am typing quietly on my Apple computer, while 10 hours away children are starving and fighting for their lives. None of us chooses where we are born. Being Americans does not give us any right to ignore the atrocities in other countries, where innocent children are given no opportunity at a decent life whatsoever. For all we know, we would be child soldiers in the LRA had we grown up in Uganda. While it’s great that we can recognize the downfalls of society in many corrupt and dangerous countries, it doesn’t help to let the empathy stop there. This could be us.I certainly don’t want to end on a depressing note though so…..I’m extremely excited to travel over the next 2 weeks. As the weather gets nice I begin to enjoy living in Freiburg even more. But then again, I have also come to miss America more and more with the passing of each day. I am sure that this semester will give me a great deal of perspective once back home in the good ol’ USA.
- Mar 14, 12This week marks the halfway point of the semester, meaning that I have already been in Germany for 2 full months. Wow.To honor this milestone, I have decided to create a guide to help students understand why this program is so remarkable. Without further adieu….Why any and EVERY Babson student should study at IES: European Union:
- Freiburg- I can guarantee that more than 95% of Americans have no idea that this city exists. Boy, are they missing out. There is so much I enjoy about this city including its size (200,000 people), weather (sunniest and warmest city in Germany), food (bakeries and restaurants galore), and so much more. My daily runs are like running through postcards, with amazing sights at every turn of the corner. The Black Forest, and its breathtaking mountains are literally at my doorstep. The fact that Freiburg is also a predominantly college town with great nightlife makes it even more enjoyable. The beer gardens are tremendous in every sense of the word, and the festivals here put Memorial Day celebrations to shame. I can guarantee I will be back here even after going home to the States.
- The Alps- Just when I thought I’d seen everything….I was blown off my feet. The pristine beauty of these natural monuments is second to none. Everyone should visit the Alps at least once in their life to stand above the clouds and take in the most beautiful natural landscape in the world. Oh, and sledding the Alps was definitely the most exhilarating moment of my life.
- The Size- The program is comprised of 60 students from all over the US. Contrary to programs with 200+ students, you will actually get to know each and every one of your classmates. A great part about the size is that you are able to interact with a diverse group of people that you would normally not hangout with at home. Colleges in the US, while preaching diversity, tend to be breeders of homogeneity and cliques that isolate entire student populations. I have never appreciated diversity and differences in thinking so much in my life after coming here.
- Germany and its culture- Germany is an amazing place, and has a modern history that trumps that of any other nation. Berlin is a historical landmark to the entire WWII era. The most amazing thing about the history and culture of Germany is how they go about reflecting about it. Everywhere you look in Berlin, there is another reminder of the violent terror that swallowed Europe in the 1940’s. From the Reichstag to the Brandenburg Gate to the world-class museums like the Jewish Museum and the Topography of Terror, it is incredible how much of history had been preserved an reflected on. Oh, and the Berlin Wall is pretty interesting too.
- European Union Studies- I went from knowing absolutely nothing about the EU, to being an EU extraordinaire. Not only do you travel to the European Central Bank in Frankfurt with the program, but you also visit the extraordinary Reichstag (Germany’s “Capitol Building”), the IMF offices in Paris, and each one of the major headquarters of the EU in Strasbourg and Brussels. You become an absolute expert on the politics, history, and economics of each European country, as well as the European Union as a whole. If you want to expand your horizons and knowledge of the world, join this program. How else could you learn the difference between the Council of Europe, European Council, and Council of the European Union?
- Traveling- Berlin, Prague, Paris, London, Riga, Frankfurt, Geneva, and Brussels are just a handful of the places I will have visited with my classmates as part of our academic field study curriculum. I also plan on traveling to southern France, as well as Amsterdam, and Budapest to get a full breadth of European culture. While it can be extremely hard to navigate and learn about an entire city in 3 or 4 days, it is probably the most fun thing I have ever done. Before I came to Europe, I had only been to one foreign country (Canada). After I leave, I will have been to 12.
- Maturity-You will be thrown into a completely unfamiliar country with the clothes on your back and a suit case. It will be your job to navigate the German culture, and you will never have a prouder moment in your life then when you realize you mastered a completely new and different lifestyle. If you can handle this scenario, there is nothing in life that you won’t be able to adapt to.
Study Abroad has done much more than change my life. It has given me the confidence to conquer any obstacle I face in life, the passion to learn and enjoy new experiences, and the satisfaction of making the right decision to come to Germany in the first place.Thank you Germany. Thank you Babson. And thank you IES: European Union for transforming me into a more refined and educated member of global society. - Feb 19, 12Realizing there were a ton of things I missed about America, I decided to make a list. But then I also realized that there are a lot of things I love about Germany. So I decided to make a list for those things as well. So here are my lists (I didn’t have time to elaborate on every single point, but you can get the gist). Enjoy!What the Germans could teach AmericaEfficient Transit Systems- Every city I travel to around Germany, Switzerland, and France has a highly efficient transit system. Freiburg, a city of 200,000, has the most extensive yet simple tram system that I have ever seen. Of course, it is likely very expensive to create and operate a system like this, but it’s amazing how many people use it. Because of this, there are many fewer cars on the road here, and it’s almost looked down upon to drive. Who needs a car when you can use the local tram, regional train, or an airport (Basel) that is a free 30-minute bus ride away? Because of this, Freiburg is a great walking city as well, with many roads that are designed only for pedestrians. Needless to say, I do not miss the amount of cars and the smell of smoke present in New York City and Boston.Teenage Maturity- This fact could definitely be attributed to the European drinking ages (16 for beer/wine and 18 for liquor). Nearly every weekend meal is composed of wine, and it’s amazing how responsible people here are when they drink (compared to America). I also noticed that there is seldom a broken beer bottle on the sidewalk, or any sign of trash. The overall perception about drinking heavily is looked down upon, and seen as a much more casual social activity.What the Americans could teach GermanyEntrepreneurship-This may just be a gut feeling, but I don’t sense a strong environment for innovation here. I think the German educational system is at least partially to blame for this climate. In Germany, a college education is free, or at most 1,000 Euros for annual tuition. Of course, the costs are paid for from taxes so it isn’t perfectly free, but there is a general agreement that all German students go to college. One of my suitemates is studying music, another is studying art, and the last is studying math. I can’t help but think to myself, what do you plan on doing with a degree in music or art? Another issue with the educational system is that since it is so cheap, it is not uncommon for people to be studying in college until they are 30, and getting their Master’s or PhD. This may be good for society, but on the other hand it might be adversely affecting people’s ability to be “work-ready” after going to college for 10 years. In conclusion, there is a certain educational path that is almost always followed by students in Germany. With this system, comes a lack of freethinking and loss of the ability to create a new destiny for oneself (think starting a new company).Easier Recycling- This suggestion is targeted moreso to Freiburg, rather than Germany as a whole. Freiburg is considered the “Green capital of Germany”, with a huge emphasis on sustainability and a mayor who is actually a member of the Green Party. So what is Freiburg screwing up when it comes to recycling? It’s too complicated! The scariest part of arriving in Freiburg one month ago was seeing a kitchen with four different bins for waste/recycling. These include organic waste (food), plastic, glass, and paper. My first moment of confusion was when I had to throw away a metal can (this problem still hasn’t been solved). Anyways, this could easily be fixed with single-stream recycling. Thanks for listening Freiburg.More Food DiversityCountry Music- Probably the thing I miss most next to my family.How to Be Kind to StrangersContrary to what this list might perceive, I actually love Germany, and Europe as a whole. On Monday I will be leaving with my classmates to visit the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, and then we will be traveling to Brussels for 3 days to learn about the regional divide that is plaguing that country. After that, we will be traveling to Paris for 3 days (2 of which we have the entire day to roam the city and visit internationally-renowned monuments like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower). The best part about this program is how our studies link directly to our travels. I now know more about German, Czech, Bulgarian, Belgian, and French political culture and history than I ever imagined. When I finish my studies in Europe, I will have a much more diverse knowledge of the world and how it functions.Just another ordinary day in the life an IES-European Union student. Amazing.
- Jan 30, 12I am speechless when it comes to attempting to describe my experiences over the past three weeks in Europe. In these three weeks, I have seen everything from the Berlin Wall to the picturesque streets of Prague. I have sampled world-class cuisine in interesting locations, including Cuban food in Berlin and Czech food in Prague. I have become more refined with a newfound knowledge on the history of East and West Germany, as well as the Czech transition from communism to democracy.In terms of education, I have learned a great deal on two topics that I never even knew existed: The Stasi era in East Berlin, and the transformation of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Our program had the unique opportunity of receiving a lecture from a Professor at the University of Economics in Prague regarding Czech’s former socialist economy, which proved to be incredible as well.The many friends and memories I have made since the start of the program have enhanced my experiences in Europe immensely. We have partied in the famous 5-story Prague club, Karlovy Lazne, and drank tremendous German beers ranging from Weisbier to Hefeweizen to Pilsener. To top it all off, we have stayed up until 4am to watch the Giants play the 49ers, and then proceeded to board a train to Berlin a mere two hours later.And yet my time in Germany (and Europe) has only just begun. 3 months and 12 days from now I will be counting my blessings, and reliving the wonderful memories that Europe has supplied me with. These memories will include sledding in the Swiss Alps, touring the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, enjoying the streets of London and Paris, and becoming acclimated with a culture that I find amazing.Guten Nacht!
- Jan 14, 12In my time thus far in Freiburg, I have become extremely appreciative of the motto “If you’re not failing, you’re not living.” From an interesting first impression of my residence hall to misjudgments regarding people and places in Freiburg, I now strongly believe in the power of expanding one’s boundaries.We can all relate to the prospect of standing in front of a large group of people for the first time, nervous beyond words about the possibility of failure. But what if you had decided to stay home sick that day? In many ways, I was expecting a lot more guidance and support once arriving in Freiburg from the program’s administration. In essence, I was left to explore and learn the German culture with 50 of my fellow students who were just as confused as I was. Through this self-education, we have gained years of maturation and self-confidence in taking on any obstacles or challenges that we face in life. Fear has turned into amazement. Anxiousness has led to incredible memories.My residence hall doesn’t believe in garbage cans. After 4 days, I still can’t find a store that sells towels (I’m borrowing a small one from my suitemate). Schnitzel at the dining hall makes Babson Dining look like a 5-star restaurant. I’m no longer able to get Internet on my phone. I get lost at least 5 times every day. It takes me 30 minutes to get to class....And I love every second of it.Goodbye for now. 4 days down, 4 months to go.
- Jan 03, 12Hello! I have wanted to start a blog for the longest time, and finally decided it would worth doing right before going abroad. In exactly a week I will be embarking on an 8-hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany. From there, I will be taking a 2-hour train ride to Freiburg, Germany, where I will be studying for the next 4 months. I am extremely excited and anxious, yet also slightly frightened by the idea of complete immersion in another culture. As I am typing this, I know less than ten words of German (hopefully I will be able to increase this number over the next week). For the purpose of this entry, I wanted to delve into my reasoning for choosing to study with the IES European Union Program. Hopefully future Babson study abroad participants and others can learn from my experiences to make educated decisions on their own.So here they are. My reasons for choosing the IES European Union Program:1) Travel/European Studies- The farthest I have ever traveled in my life has been to Florida. I am hoping that my adventure to Germany will broaden my exposure to the world in a major way. If Germany doesn’t put me out of my comfort zone, then I am sure the mandatory field study trips to Brussels, Berlin, Paris, London and others will do the job. No other abroad program that I am aware of offers the integrated travel approach that this program does. For 21 days out of the semester, we will be somewhere other than Freiburg in order to back up classroom learning with real-world excursions. What do I mean? Well, what better way to learn about monetary policy in the EU than to visit the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and hear from policymakers? What better way to learn about global financial issues, than to visit the World Bank in Paris? This series of program enhancements sparked my interest in the IES European Union program more than anything else.2) Safety- As much as I am jumping out of my comfort zone by studying thousands of miles away from home, I did consider just how much leeway I wanted to give in terms of peace of mind. Germany is currently the most stable country in Europe, financially and politically. Unlike those studying in Greece or Egypt, I will not have to avoid thousands of protesters on my way to class, nor will I have to worry about any extreme threats against Americans (at least for the time being).3) Being the First- As my study abroad advisor at Babson, Samantha Stanley, likes to say, I am the “guinea pig” for this program. No Babson student has ever participated in the IES European Union Program before, seeing as how this is the first semester it is offered. And no, I will have no classmates joining me either. While it was tough at first seeing as how I had to have all my potential courses approved by Babson, I am realizing how thankful I am to the Babson Office of International Program for going out of their way to let me experience the opportunity of a lifetime. It is also quite exciting that I am leading the way for future Babson students to participate in the IES European Union program, and it is my hope that it will soon become the most sought after study abroad opportunity that Babson offers.I would like to end my first entry with a quote from German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that”It is my sincere hope that more than anything else, this opportunity will open my eyes to a number of new perspectives. Like any path I take in life, I also hope to become a more educated and well-rounded individual because of it.I will be busy over the next week preparing for Germany. So until then…Auf Wiedersehen!
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My Creed
I believe in education as a means for action.
I believe that integrity and justice are the building blocks of civility and progress.
I believe in humanity and the sacrifices that must be endured in order to allow all humans, wherever dispersed around the world, the right to a voice, an opportunity, and a sense of security.
I believe in the ability of democracy and openness to foster coexistence and recognize the power of diversity.
I believe in fellowship and benevolence as means for working in unity towards a common good.
I believe that empathy is the world’s greatest emotion; that it alone can overpower evil, and that compassion can sustain the threat of injustice.
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- Summary
Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Babson College in May 2013 with a BS in Business Management. Coursework was concentrated in Finance, Global Business Management, Economics and Quantitative Methods.
Experience- May 2012 - Aug 2012Financial Analyst Intern / United Technologies
Realized $300,000 in revenue through reconciliation in transition from Oracle to SAP. Championed the creation and documentation of processes for updating weekly and monthly cash forecasts. Automated the annual audit process to eliminate the need for manual data entry. Developed monthly Finance Department Review Presentations for VP of Finance to present to Corporate Leadership.
- Dec 2010 - Aug 2011Financial Research Intern / Indeed.com
Served as financial research specialist in measuring ROI across client campaigns. Calculated churn rates across different sectors of business, and investigated causes through statistical analyses. Responded to client inquiries, prospected potential new clients, and maintained current-client advertising campaigns
- May 2010 - Jan 2011Social Media Director / Greenwich Education Group
Reinvented the marketing campaign through increased implementation of a social media initiative. Increased social media following by over 700% through the creation and effective maintenance of accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Wikipedia, and Café Mom. Also, worked collaboratively with the CMO to create and implement a re-branding strategy, including the re-design of the company website to a 2.0, social site.
- Sept 2009 - Jun 2010Vice President / Lokay
Participated in a 30 member student-run business as part of Babson's first-year curriculum. Coordinated over 250 hours worth of charitable projects for company employees, and completed the "Social Responsibility" section of the business plan. At the conclusion of the business, donated over $1,400 in company profits to the Barton Road after-school program and Birthday Wishes Inc.
- May 2009 - Jul 2009Finance Intern / SSARIS Advisors
Researched and organized individual fund strategies for referral to the research department. Filed legal documents and learned about standard compliance procedures through SEC conference calls
Education-
2009 - 2013Babson CollegeBachelor of Science, Business Management
Activities: Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity, Babson Interfraternity Council, Babson United Rugby Club - Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im BreisgauStudy Abroad in European Political and Economic Affairs
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