LEADing and being led

Its been a while since i have had the opportunity to post on the blog. It has been an intense month and since i landed back on U.S. soil, taking a two month break before beginning school has probably been the best decision I have made, in the recent past (if i begin listing my fallacies, i think i would be writing all day). I really recommend everyone who is preparing for Business school to keep in mind that taking time off for some quality self introspection is really really useful.
Chicago GSB got us 550 first year students into the thick of things really quick. From a Leadership Outdoor Experience trip to a resort in Southern Wisconsin, to the various different role playing modules we have been asked to work on in groups, life has been intense, overwhelming at times, yet fruitful at every single point. Yea going through some of the low ropes exercises, i felt like i should have been greeted with toys and candy on the first day also. But some of the exercises have been really significant in helping each one of us identify aspects and nuances of our personalities and our behavior (specifically in relation to group dynamics)
I have not had the chance of seing what other business schools do in terms of such pre MBA leadership courses, but I hail Harry Davis for his vision and recognizing necessity of helping MBA candidates realize, very early in the MBA process, the true importance of ‘managing people’. But again this is something each individual will relate to differently.
It is amazing to see so many people from such different backgrounds, extending themselves, while i realize a lot of people feel interactions between MBA students and in the business world in general are superficial but i do feel there are tons of amazing people who genuinely believe in their dreams, and have amazing backgrounds. at times i felt maybe i really am not ready for an MBA, but as i go through the career planning, the classes, presentations by company professionals, I feel like i am ready for this.
Initially I wanted to have this huge quantitative focus, and was ready to raid through the classes to make my mark. but within two weeks I have learnt so much from so many individuals I have met here, its exhilarating to know i have another two years of this.
I also just attented Scot Meadow’s presentation on venture capital and privte equity, and i was blown away by the candid and genuine manner in which he handled the discussion. It was a great insight into the industry ways to make movements into it and requirements and necessities that define the ideal candidate for the field. Speaks volumes for why he is who he is…a visionary.

FYI: Myths about B School, seems to have rubbed people the right way, for which i am glad, i shall continue to post, as regularly as possible (once i get my internet connection set up and transition out of the stone ages that i am living in currently) If anyone would like my input on anything specific pertaining to B School or Chicago GSB do feel free to post questions on this blog.
Best of luck to everyone taking their GMATs